TestCloud
Prep • Practice • Perform
Log In

AU Small Finance Bank Rolls Out UPI for NRE/NRO Account Holders Using International Mobile Numbers.

Banking & Finance | Dated: 23 Aug 2025

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) has launched a trailblazing initiative enabling Non-Resident External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account holders, using mobile numbers from select international destinations, to access UPI (Unified Payments Interface) services—eliminating the need for an Indian SIM and simplifying seamless digital transactions in India.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - AU SFB now allows NRE and NRO account holders to register international mobile numbers—spanning 12 countries including the USA, UK, UAE, Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore—for UPI access. This rollout follows a directive from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), aimed at broadening UPI accessibility for the Indian diaspora.
  • - With this update, NRIs can use UPI for a comprehensive range of transactions—be it peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, or merchant QR code-based purchases—without any requirements for an Indian mobile connection. The service is offered without extra charges, enhancing efficiency, security, and financial convenience from abroad.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director and Deputy CEO of AU SFB, emphasized that this initiative “breaks traditional barriers” for NRIs while supporting India’s Digital India mission and promoting innovative, inclusive digital banking. The move strengthens AU SFB’s commitment to integrating global Indians with India’s digital financial ecosystem.
  • (ii) This development is part of a broader trend: multiple Indian banks and UPI apps now support international mobile numbers in compliance with updated NPCI and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) frameworks. Leading players such as Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC, and others are part of this expansion.
  • (iii) Earlier, UPI's reach was limited to Indian mobile numbers; now, NRE/NRO account holders can enjoy UPI’s convenience using their native mobile connections.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which bank has recently launched UPI services for NRE and NRO account holders using international mobile numbers?

Correct Answer: AU Small Finance Bank

🚀 Quick Recap: