UPI Lite X: The Next Generation of Payment Solutions

byDilip PrasadJuly 24, 2024
UPI Lite X is an innovative feature that enables users to both send and receive money even without internet access thus enabling them to proceed with secure and successful transactions even in areas with lesser connectivity such as rural areas.
UPI Lite X

Whether you are a small business owner residing in a remote village or a busy professional constantly on the move, digital transactions are now more convenient and secure than ever with the introduction of the innovative facility of UPI Lite X. With UPI Lite X you can make payments anywhere and anytime, even without a stable internet connection. 

UPI Lite X is a game-changer for digital payments, especially in areas with poor or unreliable internet. Using NFC technology, this new feature enables you to make and receive payments without needing an active internet connection. This blog provides a detailed explanation of UPI Lite X, covering its benefits, usage, and how it differs from UPI.

What is UPI Lite X? 

Launched by Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das at the Global Fintech Fest 2023 as a groundbreaking innovative feature, UPI Lite X is an enhanced version of UPI that enables users to send and receive payments even without internet services. Targeting specific areas where there is poor connectivity, UPI Lite X is an ‘on-device wallet’ that aims to enhance payment convenience and comfortability for consumers. 

But how does it eliminate the necessity of the internet that has earlier always been a major requirement for online transactions? No. 

UPI Lite X is unique in the sense that it uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to transfer money between on-device wallets, thus eliminating the need for internet access. During payment, both payer and payee should enable UPI Lite X offline. 

The existing limit is the same as UPI Lite that is, 2000 on wallet balance and 500 per transaction. However, the total number of transactions is limited to one debit and 10 credit offline transactions. If you have completed the payment in offline mode, then it is necessary to connect to the internet within 4 days to receive funds. 

Remember that UPI Lite X transactions, except for top-ups, wont appear in your account statement or passbook. You will receive an SMS from your issuing bank with details of the transaction and available balance. If offline transactions are made, you’ll receive details only when you reconnect to the internet. 

Features and Benefits Of UPI Lite X

Offline Transactions

    • It enables money transfers without an internet connection, making it ideal for areas with poor or no connectivity. 
    • For a UPI Lite X offline transaction to occur, both the payer and the payee need to have the UPI Lite X offline feature enabled on their devices.

    Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology

      • Ensures seamless, secure transactions between devices, minimizing the risk of interruption or payment failure and simplifying the process of sending and receiving money. 

      On-Device Wallets

      • Stores fund locally on users’ devices and ensure quick access without network dependency. 

      User-Friendly Interface 

      • Easy-to-use design that simplifies the process of online transactions for users, promoting wider accessibility in both urban and rural users.

      Low Battery Consumption

      • Optimized for minimal battery usage, further ensuring the longevity of device usage and accessibility during online transactions. 

      Requirements to Access UPI LITE X

      • Both sender and receiver’s devices need to be nearby 
      • UPI Lite X is accessible to anyone with compatible devices that support Near Field Communication (NFC). 
      • Remember that payment won’t be made in bank accounts but in on-device wallets to transfer money using NFC from sender to receiver’s on-device wallets.

      How is UPI LITE X Different from UPI and UPI LITE?

      UPI Lite X opens up endless possibilities to make the consumer’s experience of money transfer hassle-free, efficient, and quick. With an opportunity to transfer money in poor connectivity areas, the payment experience has become more simplified and accessible for users irrespective of their geographical setting. UPI Lite X therefore, marks a transformative leap in the realm of digital payments and is turning out to become the next generation of payment solutions, promoting a cashless economy. 

      Disclaimer: This blog is written to make it easy for readers to understand complicated processes. Some information and screenshots may be outdated as government processes can change anytime without notification. However, we try our best to keep our blogs updated and relevant.

      FAQs

      How to close UPI lite X?

      Customers can choose to deactivate a specific UPI Lite X (On-Device Wallet). Upon clicking the disable button, the remaining funds in the Lite account held by the bank will be transferred back to the customer's account.

      Can you make international transactions with UPI LITE X?

      No, as of now only domestic transactions are supported by UPI Lite X.

      Related News

      RBI Sets Ambitious Goals for UPI and CBDC Rollout

      The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) targets a significant increase in daily UPI transactions, aiming to reach 1 billion from the current 500 million. In a recent address at the Annual International Banking Seminar, Governor Shaktikanta Das underscored UPI's efficiency and its expansion into seven countries, including Sri Lanka, UAE, and Singapore. Meanwhile, the RBI is proceeding carefully with the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), emphasizing thorough testing for security and reliability. The pilot phase for the wholesale CBDC launched in November 2022, followed by retail trials in December, aiming to streamline international payments by reducing intermediary involvement.
      News Post: October 28, 2024

      PM Modi Urges BRICS to Embrace UPI as Maldives and UAE Join the System

      Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for BRICS nations to adopt India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to enhance financial integration. With the UAE already onboard and Mauritius expressing interest, this move aims to expand UPI’s global reach. Additionally, the Maldives plans to implement UPI following India's support in strengthening its digital infrastructure. In India, digital payments are steadily rising, accounting for nearly half of all transactions as cash usage declines, per an RBI study.
      News Post: October 25, 2024

      President Muizzu Introduces UPI to Boost Maldives Economy

      President Muizzu has taken steps to introduce India’s UPI payment system in the Maldives, aiming to improve the nation's economy through better financial inclusion and efficiency. A consortium led by TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited will manage the rollout, supported by a government coordination team. This move, coming after a recent agreement with India, is expected to enhance the Maldives' digital infrastructure and marks a shift in Muizzu’s approach to foreign relations.
      News Post: October 22, 2024

      RBI Increases UPI Lite Limits to ₹1,000 & Wallet to ₹5,000

      The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made digital payments easier by increasing UPI Lite transaction limits. The per-transaction limit for UPI Lite has been raised from ₹500 to ₹1,000, and the overall wallet limit has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. These changes aim to simplify small-value transactions and make digital payments more accessible and convenient for users across India, especially on platforms like Paytm.
      News Post: October 9, 2024

      UPI Transaction Limit Increased To Rs 5 Lakh

      NPCI has raised the UPI transaction limit to ₹5 lakh for sectors like tax payments, healthcare, education, and financial investments, effective September 16, 2024. This change enables high-value transactions through UPI, promoting digital payments across broader financial activities. However, the limit for peer-to-peer transfers remains at ₹1 lakh. Users should check with their banks to confirm the availability of the new limit.
      News Post: September 17, 2024

      NPCI’s Auto Top-Up for UPI Lite from October 31

      Starting October 31, 2024, UPI Lite users will benefit from an auto top-up feature, automatically reloading their balance for small-value, PIN-less transactions under ₹500. The balance will have a limit of ₹2,000, with up to five auto top-ups allowed per day. Users can cancel the auto top-up anytime, while banks and UPI apps will provide the necessary support to manage the feature. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced this update in a circular on August 27, aiming to make small payments more seamless and reduce the strain on core banking systems. Source: NPCI
      News Post: September 13, 2024

      RBI’s New ULI Will Speed Up Loan Approvals and Reduce Paperwork

      RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has announced the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), a new platform to make loan approvals easier and faster. ULI will let lenders quickly access important information, like land records, reducing paperwork. It's especially helpful for small businesses and rural borrowers. ULI is part of India's push for digital banking, along with JAM and UPI, and will be rolled out nationwide after a successful pilot. Das also talked about improving cross-border payments and using AI carefully in banking to ensure data is accurate and private.
      News Post: September 4, 2024

      RBI Launches UPI Cash Deposits at ATMs, No Debit Card Needed

      The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out the UPI Interoperable Cash Deposit (UPI-ICD) service, allowing customers to deposit cash at ATMs using UPI without the need for a physical debit card. Launched at the Global Fintech Fest 2024, this new feature supports deposits into any bank account via UPI at ATMs equipped with cash recycler technology. The initiative is a part of the RBI's ongoing efforts to expand UPI's reach and promote digital payments across India.
      News Post: September 2, 2024

      How UPI Circle Lets Multiple Users Share One UPI ID

      UPI Circle by NPCI enables multiple users, such as family members, to share a single UPI ID, allowing for secure, delegated transactions. The primary user manages access,setting transaction limits of up to ₹15,000 per month and ₹5,000 per transaction for secondary users. Also, it enforces security through mandatory biometrics or app passwords. This feature is particularly useful for enabling digital payments for those without bank accounts, such as children or elders, while reducing cash dependency and maintaining control over the shared account. It also increases UPI adoption by providing a safe and convenient payment option for all. Read more about UPI Circle and how does it workupi
      News Post: August 23, 2024

      RBI Hikes UPI Tax Payment Limit to Rs 5 Lakh

      UPI Limit for Tax Payments Increased from Rs 1 Lakh to Rs 5 Lakh

      The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the UPI limit for tax payments from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This means you can now pay larger tax amounts quickly and easily using UPI.

      Effective immediately, taxpayers can transfer up to Rs 5 lakh in a single UPI transaction for paying taxes. This move aims to simplify the tax payment process and encourage digital payments. Additionally, the RBI has introduced 'delegated payments' through UPI, allowing users to authorize another person to make UPI payments from their account.

      These measures are expected to make tax payments more convenient and boost digital payment adoption across India.

      News Post: August 8, 2024

      You May Also Like