Over the past few years, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the backbone of India’s digital payment revolution. From splitting bills with friends to paying for groceries at a local kirana, UPI has transformed the way Indians transact. And with the recent introduction of credit on UPI, the story has only become more exciting.
At Kiwi, we believe UPI is not just a payment method – it’s the gateway to India’s future of credit. Let’s dive into the numbers and trends that define UPI’s incredible journey.
The Growth Story of UPI
- Transaction Volume: UPI processed over 20 billion transactions in August 2025, a staggering growth compared to just 0.1 billion in 2017.
- Value of Transactions: The monthly transaction value crossed ₹24 lakh crore, reflecting its adoption for both small and high-value payments.
- User Base: Today, UPI has over 500 million active users across urban and rural India, making it the most widely used digital payment system.
Who is Using UPI?
- Tier-1 Cities: Drive high-value transactions like shopping, investments, and travel.
- Tier-2 & Tier-3 Cities: Fuel growth in everyday payments like groceries, utilities, and tuition fees.
- Rural India: Rapidly catching up with the help of government initiatives and smartphone penetration.
UPI has bridged the digital divide, making cashless transactions mainstream across demographics.
From Payments to Credit
The most exciting evolution is credit on UPI. Traditionally, UPI was linked only to savings accounts. Now, with RBI allowing credit cards on UPI, consumers can:
- Scan any UPI QR code and pay via credit line
- Enjoy rewards, cashback, and EMI options on everyday spends.
- Build credit history while transacting digitally.
At Kiwi, we’ve made this transition seamless. You can use credit card issued on Kiwi at any merchant that accepts QR payments – combining the convenience of UPI with the power of credit.
The Future of UPI
- International Expansion – UPI is already live in countries like Singapore, UAE, and France. Expect more global acceptance in the coming years.
- Credit-First UPI – As more Indians prefer rewards and flexible payments, UPI-linked credit will become mainstream.
- SME Empowerment – Small merchants will see higher sales as credit adoption grows at QR-enabled shops.
Why Kiwi Believes in UPI + Credit
At Kiwi, we believe UPI is the base for a credit-first India. By linking credit cards to UPI, we’re making payments easier and giving millions access to formal credit. The future of UPI is not just about convenience, but also about empowerment and financial inclusion.
Final Word
UPI’s journey is a story of how technology, policy, and consumer behaviour can come together to reshape a nation’s financial landscape. With credit on UPI, the next chapter is even more exciting – and Kiwi is at the forefront of making it happen.
