HomeCirculars › RBI/2024-2025/97

UPI access for full-KYC PPIs via third-party apps

Digital Payments / UPI
Live · in forceNo withdrawal recorded as of 19 Jun 2026. Reviewed by Vikram Jain; always verify against the official RBI source below.
Quick answerRBI now allows full-KYC PPI holders to use third-party UPI apps for payments, breaking the earlier restriction to only the PPI issuer's app. This expands interoperability and convenience for users.

What changed

Previously, UPI payments from PPIs were limited to the issuer's own mobile app. Now, full-KYC PPI holders can link their wallets to third-party UPI applications, enabling payments and receipts through those apps. Authentication for such transactions will use UPI credentials instead of the PPI's wallet credentials.

What it means for you

Banks and non-bank PPI issuers must update their systems to allow full-KYC wallets to be discoverable on third-party UPI apps. This increases competition and user choice, potentially boosting PPI usage. Issuers need to ensure compliance with the revised Master Directions, especially around authentication and PSP roles.

What you must do

Who it affects

All PPI issuers (banks and non-banks), Third-party UPI application providers, NPCI, Full-KYC PPI holders

Can all PPIs now be used on third-party UPI apps?

No, only full-KYC PPIs are eligible. The PPI issuer must enable discovery on third-party apps, and authentication will use UPI credentials.

What changes for authentication when using a third-party app?

For transactions on the PPI issuer's own app, existing wallet credentials are used. For third-party apps, UPI credentials (like UPI PIN) will be required.

Does this affect the PSP role of PPI issuers?

Yes, PPI issuers acting as PSPs cannot on-board customers of other banks or PPI issuers. They can only link their own full-KYC PPIs to their UPI handle.

Key dataSee the live numbers behind this topic: RBI Penalty Tracker, Credit & Deposit Growth — updated from official RBI data.
Key termsPlain-English definitions of terms in this circular — see the full Indian banking glossary. UPI · KYC / AML · Deposit insurance (DICGC) · NEFT / RTGS
Track this rule
🗂 Master Direction family: Payment & Settlement Systems⏳ How this rule evolved — History Map →Full RBI rulebook crosswalk →
Official source: RBI/2024-2025/97 on rbi.org.in ↗
AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · published · 19 Jun 2026, 05:17 IST