Particle.news

India’s UPI Transactions Hit Record 18.68 Billion in May

The RBI will require most ATMs to dispense Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes to curb hoarding of high-value currency.

Overview

  • NPCI data show 18.68 billion UPI transactions in May worth ₹25.14 lakh crore, a 4% month-on-month increase and 33% year-on-year surge.
  • UPI accounted for 83.7% of India’s digital payment volumes in FY 2024-25 as total digital transactions rose 35% to 221.9 billion.
  • Currency in circulation climbed to a record ₹36.86 lakh crore at end-March, driven largely by precautionary hoarding since the pandemic.
  • The ₹500 note remains dominant, representing 41% of banknotes by volume and 86% of value despite policy pushes for smaller denominations.
  • The RBI plans to extend UPI services to 20 countries by 2028-29, with QR-code acceptance already live in seven international markets.