Recent rumors surrounding potential charges for UPI transactions have caused quite a stir across social media, leaving many Indians worried about the future of their digital payments. The confusion stems from a new legislative amendment that led some to believe the government might start levying fees on everyday transactions. Addressing these concerns directly, the Payments Council of India stepped in to clear the air, confirming that UPI will remain entirely free for all personal users, just as it has been since its inception in 2016.

The council emphasized that the primary goal is to keep digital payments accessible to everyone, including small-scale vendors who rely on the platform daily. While there is a shift in policy regarding large-scale merchants—who may eventually face merchant service charges as a commercial arrangement with providers—the burden will not be passed on to the common consumer. By maintaining this cost-free structure for individuals and small businesses, authorities aim to continue the widespread adoption of UPI that has defined India’s financial landscape over the last decade.