Nirmala Sitharaman says UPI stays free for regular users

Business Aug 06, 2026

Good news if you use UPI, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman says sending money through UPI will stay free for regular users.

Only merchants might see merchant discount rate (MDR), not everyday people.

The goal is to help banks and fintechs improve their tech and security without making you pay extra.

Parliament vote decides MDR, Sitharaman denies

The final decision on charging MDR will come after Parliament votes on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

For now, Sitharaman shot down claims that consumers would be hit with new fees, calling those worries a "canard."