In a significant move for cross-border digital transactions, US-based payments giant PayPal has integrated India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) into its global ecosystem. The integration will enable Indian users to make international payments using the familiar UPI interface.
Announced on Wednesday, the rollout is part of PayPal World — a new global platform aimed at connecting some of the world’s largest payment systems and digital wallets. Set to launch in late 2025, PayPal World will initially offer interoperability between PayPal and Venmo, and include UPI as a key feature.
This development will allow Indian consumers to shop from international merchants and pay through UPI, simplifying the payment process for millions already accustomed to the platform.
PayPal World will bring together the following payment systems and wallets at launch:
Mercado Pago (MoU signed; details under discussion)
NPCI International Payments Limited (UPI)
PayPal
Tenpay Global
Venmo
The UPI integration will become active after the launch of PayPal World in autumn 2025. Indian users shopping with international merchants will be able to choose PayPal at checkout and then select UPI as a payment option.
For instance, when an Indian user is browsing a US-based online store, they can complete the purchase by selecting the PayPal option at checkout. A UPI button will appear, enabling payment through their UPI-linked account — just as they would for any domestic transaction.
The partnership between PayPal and NPCI International is expected to significantly expand UPI’s global footprint and simplify peer-to-peer international payments.
“The integration of UPI on PayPal World’s platform marks a significant step in expanding UPI’s global footprint. It aligns with our vision to make cross-border payments more seamless, secure, and inclusive,” said Ritesh Shukla, MD & CEO of NPCI International Payments Limited.
The development comes as UPI continues to dominate the global fast payments landscape, recording over 18 billion monthly transactions.
(By arrangement with livemint.com)
