NPCI FAQ on UPI MDR framework effective October 15, 2026:

  • A MDR of 0.4% will be introduced on Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions above ₹2,000.
  • For transactions of ₹75,000 and above, the MDR will be capped at ₹300 per transaction.
  • Person-to-person (P2P) transactions remain free regardless of value.
  • Small merchants receiving up to ₹1 lakh monthly through UPI QR codes under the P2PM category remain exempt.
  • Essential sectors (railways, telecom, insurance, fuel, agricultural inputs) pay ₹5 per transaction above ₹2,000.
  • Mutual fund and capital market payments: 0.02% MDR, capped at ₹300.
  • Consumers are not charged directly; MDR is paid within the merchant payment ecosystem.
  • UPI Mandates/AutoPay recurring payments are not subject to the prescribed MDR charges.

The operational parameters are decided by the UPI and Services Steering Committee, headed by NPCI.