Can I do UPI from the USA to India?

Asked by: Scottie Feil  |  Last update: July 23, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (33 votes)

Yes, you can initiate UPI payments from the USA to India. This is possible through specific apps and banks that allow NRIs to link their international mobile numbers to NRE/NRO accounts, or by using international money transfer services like Wise, Western Union, or Remitly to pay directly to a UPI ID.

Can I do UPI payment from USA to India?

Send USD to UPI in India securely with Remitly. Enjoy great rates, no hidden fees, and fast delivery through your preferred method. Popular currencies are supported, with access to thousands of trusted providers worldwide.

Can I do GPay from the USA to India?

Yes, you can use Google Pay from the USA to send money to India by integrating with services like Wise or Western Union within the US Google Pay app, but you need an Indian recipient with a UPI ID or bank account and an Indian phone number to receive it. The US Google Pay app was discontinued in June 2024, so you'll use the Google Wallet app (which is the new name for GPay in the US) to initiate international transfers powered by partners like Wise to send money to India.

Can US citizens use UPI?

Earlier, UPI required only Indian (+91) mobile numbers. However, in January 2023, the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) allowed NRIs from selected countries to use international mobile numbers linked to NRE/NRO accounts for UPI activation.

Which Indian UPI works in the USA?

Yes, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) works in the USA for Indian users through the "UPI Global" feature. It allows you to make QR code-based payments at select international merchant stores using your Indian bank account.

How Can NRIs & Foreigners Use UPI For Payments While In India? Step-By-Step Guide | RBI Policy

32 related questions found

Is bhim upi available in the USA?

Yes, NRIs can use their international mobile numbers for BHIM UPI app registration. This service is available for INR transactions in India for NRIs from approved geographies, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, and USA.

Can I do UPI with a US phone number?

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you can use your international mobile number to make UPI payments instantly in India, thereby significantly enhancing your convenience of making everyday payments.

Is Gpay called UPI?

Google Pay in India operates on the UPI infrastructure, enabling instant money transfers between linked bank accounts. Users can pay using UPI IDs, QR codes, or mobile numbers.

Is UPI similar to zelle?

UPI excels in India for peer-to-peer transfers, offering instant, free transactions using mobile numbers or QR codes. Zelle is ideal for quick, domestic U.S. transfers between bank accounts. Lightspark outperforms both by enabling instant, low-cost global transfers, eliminating geographical limitations.

How to pay from the USA to India?

How to send USD to India

  1. Set up your transfer and create a new recipient for this transfer.
  2. Select the recipient's bank account country — even though the account's in USD, choose the country you're sending money to.
  3. Add the account number and Swift code of the recipient's bank account.
  4. Pay for your transfer.

Can I send 1 lakh rupees through GPay?

The Google Pay limit for 24 hours is Rs. 1,00,000. Additionally, you can make a maximum of 20 transactions through GPay or other UPI apps within a time frame of 24 hours.

Is Google Pay better than Paytm?

Paytm: Wide range of services including wallet, UPI, payments, and investments. Slightly higher app clutter and notifications. Key Takeaway: Google Pay is ideal for simplicity, PhonePe for comprehensive features, and Paytm for those who prefer wallet integration along with payments.

Can I gpay from the USA to India?

Yes, you can use Google Pay from the USA to send money to India by integrating with services like Wise or Western Union within the US Google Pay app, but you need an Indian recipient with a UPI ID or bank account and an Indian phone number to receive it. The US Google Pay app was discontinued in June 2024, so you'll use the Google Wallet app (which is the new name for GPay in the US) to initiate international transfers powered by partners like Wise to send money to India.

Can NRI get UPI?

Is UPI available for NRI? Yes, UPI for NRI is now available! The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has enabled NRI UPI payments for Non-Resident Indians from 10 countries including the US, UK, UAE, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.

Is bhim better than Google Pay?

3: BHIM UPI has the added advantage of being backed by the government, so it is regarded as safer and secure compared to Google Pay. Though Google Pay has enhanced security features like biometric authentication as well as PIN or pattern, extensive data syncing makes it less secure.

Is GPay available in the USA?

Starting on June 4, 2024, the U.S. version of the Google Pay app is no longer available for use. This change does not impact the Google Pay app in India or Singapore, nor does it impact Google Wallet. Learn more about Google Wallet.

What are the risks of using UPI?

While UPI incorporates robust security measures, the risk of fraud and unauthorized transactions remains a concern. Cybercriminals may exploit vulnerabilities in the system or use social engineering techniques to gain access to sensitive information.

How can US citizens use UPI in India?

  • The Short Answer: Yes, with Certain Requirements. Foreigners can use UPI payment apps in India, provided they meet some conditions. ...
  • Step One: Obtain an Indian Mobile Number. ...
  • Step Two: Open an Indian Bank Account if Eligible. ...
  • Step Three: Choose a UPI Payment App. ...
  • Step Four: Complete KYC and Link Your Bank Account.

Which UPI app is best for NRIs?

UPI set up process for NRIs

The most popular ones are BHIM UPI, Google Pay, and PhonePe. Select one app, and download and install it on your phone.

Why don't the USA use UPI?

The USA has not adopted UPI due to several existing challenges in its payment systems. These include limited bank interoperability, where current payment apps are often restricted to certain banks.

Why is Zelle shutting down?

The Zelle App is Gone. What Does That Mean? As of April 1, 2025, Zelle has officially shut down its standalone app. This decision was driven by the fact that most users already accessed Zelle through their bank or credit union's mobile app.

Can you Venmo to India?

How can I send money internationally with Venmo? Venmo cannot be used to send money overseas. It is only available for domestic money transfers or payments in US dollars within the United States. There are, however, plenty of alternatives if you need to send or receive money internationally.