Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › Digital Payments

How UPI Transaction Charges Work for Merchants in India (2026 Rules)

By Freedom251 Team · · 8 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

UPI is not becoming a paid service for ordinary users. Under the Ministry of Finance framework announced on 15 September 2026, person-to-person (P2P) transfers remain free, and merchant payments up to and including ₹2,000 remain free of merchant discount rate (MDR). A 0.4% MDR applies to specified person-to-merchant (P2M) payments above ₹2,000, with sector exemptions, a ₹300 cap for transactions of ₹75,000 or more, and a zero-MDR provision for qualifying small P2PM merchants receiving up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR codes.

MDR is a charge within the merchant-payment ecosystem, not a tax or a fee charged directly to the customer. The announcement does not establish a clear operational start date, so merchants should verify implementation notices from the Ministry of Finance, PIB and NPCI before changing prices or checkout instructions.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What UPI charges mean for a merchant

When a customer scans a business QR code or pays a merchant through a UPI checkout, the transaction is classified as person-to-merchant (P2M). The merchant’s acquiring bank and other payment participants may receive MDR from the transaction. This is different from a person-to-person (P2P) transfer, such as sending money to a friend: the 15 September 2026 announcement keeps P2P transfers free regardless of amount.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

MDR is deducted within the payment ecosystem rather than collected by the Government or NPCI. The Ministry says the proceeds are distributed among participating banks, payment service providers and UPI application providers. Customers are not supposed to pay MDR, and banks have been advised to prevent merchants from passing it on as a separate surcharge. The framework also says UPI application providers may not impose platform fees or hidden charges under the announced arrangement.

#1 Best Overall
Kevenal QR Code Signs, 4 x 6 Inch Clear QR Code Menu with Metal Stand, Cash App Acrylic Holders - 2 Packs
  • Classic Size: 4 x 6 inch. Dimensions: 4 x 6”(102mm X 153mm) , QR Code Signs.
  • Premium Acrylic: transparent and super strong.The clear display stand vendor booth display items allows your signs to shine, grabbing customers' attention.
  • Metal Stand: Easy to load in paper signs and stay sturdy. These versatile acrylic paper holder can be used in a variety of settings, making them ideal for any small business supplies.
  • Slanted Back Support: To ensure that your pamphlet can maintain a certain Angle of tilt and not tip forward.
  • Stable Base Extended: Allows your book to be more stable on the table.

That means a merchant can receive less than the customer’s displayed payment amount when MDR applies, while the payer should still see the full transaction amount and no UPI surcharge.

Current announced rates at a glance

Payment or merchant category Announced treatment Who is affected
P2P transfer, any amount Free; no transaction, platform or other charge on the individuals sending or receiving money Personal transfers, not merchant acceptance
P2M payment up to and including ₹2,000 0% MDR Merchant payments within the ordinary threshold
Qualifying P2PM small merchant receiving up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR 0% MDR on all transactions, as described in the release Only merchants meeting this category and monthly-receipt condition
Other specified P2M payment above ₹2,000 0.4% MDR; capped at ₹300 for a transaction of ₹75,000 or more Merchant transactions outside the exemptions and special sectors
Railways, telecommunications, insurance, fuel and agricultural inputs above ₹2,000 Flat ₹5 MDR per transaction Named essential or thin-margin sectors listed by the release
Capital-market payment 0.02% MDR, capped at ₹300 Payments relating to mutual funds, securities, stockbrokers and dealers

The Ministry estimates that about 4% of merchant transactions would attract MDR and about 96% would remain unaffected. That is a Government estimate published in 2026, not an independently recalculated statistic.

How to determine the charge on a transaction

  1. Identify the transaction type. A payment between two individuals is P2P and remains free. A payment to a business QR, merchant ID or checkout is P2M or P2PM and must be assessed under the merchant rules.
  2. Check the amount. For ordinary P2M payments, ₹2,000 is the key threshold. Payments up to and including ₹2,000 have zero MDR; the stated 0.4% rate applies only to specified payments above ₹2,000.
  3. Check the merchant’s special status. A small merchant in the P2PM category that receives no more than ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR codes is described as continuing to receive zero MDR on all transactions. This is a transaction-and-category test, not an automatic exemption for every business with a particular annual turnover.
  4. Check the sector. If the payment is for railways, telecommunications, insurance, fuel or agricultural inputs, the release states a flat ₹5 MDR for an amount above ₹2,000. Capital-market payments use 0.02%, subject to the separate cap.
  5. Apply the rate and cap. If no exemption or special sector applies, calculate 0.4% and then apply the ₹300 cap where the transaction is ₹75,000 or more.
  6. Confirm the settlement report. Your acquiring bank or payment service provider should show the gross amount, MDR (if any), other permitted adjustments and the net settlement. Do not infer eligibility only from the QR stand or the customer’s UPI app.

Examples using the announced formula

Ordinary merchant payment below the threshold

A customer pays ₹1,800 at a shop. Because the payment is P2M and does not exceed ₹2,000, the announced MDR is zero. The merchant’s UPI settlement should not contain the stated MDR deduction for that transaction.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Ordinary payment just above the threshold

For a ₹2,500 payment that is not covered by a small-merchant exemption or a special sector, 0.4% equals ₹10. The customer should not be asked to add ₹10; the amount is an ecosystem charge accounted for in the merchant settlement.

Payment of ₹50,000

At 0.4%, the MDR calculation is ₹200. The transaction is below ₹75,000, so the special ₹300 cap does not alter the calculation.

Rank #2
MultiLink Pay Here Sign for Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App
  • All-in-One NFC & QR Code Multi-Payment Stand: Enable your customers to pay instantly with a simple tap or QR scan. This versatile stand supports Venmo, PayPal, Cash, Zelle, Cash App, and more, providing a professional contactless payment solution for counters, cafés, restaurants, retail stores, and pop-up shops
  • No App or Fees – Easy Contactless Payments: Customers can complete payments directly via NFC or QR code without downloading apps, creating accounts, or paying subscription fees. This Scan to Pay sign ensures fast, seamless, and secure transactions, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction
  • No App or Fees – Easy Contactless Payments: Customers can complete payments directly via NFC or QR code without downloading apps, creating accounts, or paying subscription fees. This Scan to Pay sign ensures fast, seamless, and secure transactions, enhancing convenience and customer satisfaction
  • Acrylic Desktop Stand: Crafted from high-quality acrylic, this NFC QR code payment stand is compact, self-standing, and perfect for counters, desks, or reception areas. Its sturdy tabletop design ensures visibility and professional presentation while customers tap or scan to pay effortlessly
  • Acrylic Desktop Stand: Crafted from high-quality acrylic, this NFC QR code payment stand is compact, self-standing, and perfect for counters, desks, or reception areas. Its sturdy tabletop design ensures visibility and professional presentation while customers tap or scan to pay effortlessly

Payment of ₹75,000 or more

For ₹75,000, 0.4% is exactly ₹300. For a ₹100,000 transaction, the uncapped calculation would be ₹400, but the announced cap limits MDR to ₹300. The cap is per transaction; it is not a monthly cap.

Named essential-sector payment

An eligible fuel payment above ₹2,000 uses the stated flat ₹5 MDR rather than 0.4%. The same flat treatment is listed for railways, telecommunications, insurance and agricultural inputs. The release does not provide a broader definition for every possible business activity, so merchants should obtain category confirmation from their acquiring institution.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Capital-market payment

A ₹1,00,000 payment relating to securities, a mutual fund, a stockbroker or a dealer produces a 0.02% calculation of ₹20. At sufficiently high values, the ₹300 cap limits the charge; for example, 0.02% reaches ₹300 at ₹15,00,000.

The small-merchant zero-MDR provision

The announcement specifically refers to qualifying small merchants in the P2PM category that receive up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR codes. It says these merchants continue to receive zero MDR on all transactions, including transactions above ₹2,000.

Three details matter:

  • It is category-specific. The wording does not say that every micro-business or every business below a particular turnover automatically qualifies.
  • The ₹1 lakh figure is monthly UPI QR receipts. It is not described as annual sales, taxable turnover or total card-and-cash revenue.
  • The exemption concerns MDR. It does not make a merchant exempt from unrelated banking fees, taxes, equipment charges or contractual terms that may be separately disclosed by a provider.

Keep monthly settlement records and ask the acquiring bank how it identifies the P2PM category. If the bank’s report starts deducting MDR, request the classification and the rule used to determine eligibility.

Rank #3
NFC Cash App Payment Stand Sign with QR Code (1, 5.1x3.5 Inches)
  • TWO WAYS TO ACCESS PAYMENT: Customers can tap the NFC-enabled area with a compatible smartphone or scan the QR code to quickly open your Paypal payment page.
  • EASY ONLINE ACTIVATION: Tap or scan the stand, register or sign in, and enter your Paypal payment link. The NFC tap and QR code then direct customers to the same destination. No QRLynk app or recurring subscription is required.
  • CLEAR, COMPACT DISPLAY: The 5.1 x 3.5-inch main display area includes easy-to-follow tap-and-scan instructions while using minimal countertop space.
  • VERSATILE COUNTERTOP PLACEMENT: Ideal for checkout counters, front desks, market booths, salon stations, reception areas, service counters, and point-of-sale locations.
  • CLEAN INTEGRATED STAND DESIGN: Features rounded corners, a slim upright panel, and a stable bent base for a professional countertop presentation.

Who actually pays and whether a merchant may add a surcharge

The payer’s UPI transaction is not supposed to carry an MDR line item. The Ministry describes MDR as a merchant-ecosystem charge and says banks have been advised to ensure merchants do not pass it on to customers. A sign such as “UPI payments attract an extra 0.4%” would therefore conflict with the announced consumer-protection direction.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For accounting, treat the customer’s payment and the settlement deduction as separate entries. For example, record a ₹2,500 sale as revenue of ₹2,500 and the ₹10 MDR as a payment-processing expense when the settlement statement confirms it. Do not reduce the tax invoice merely because the bank remits a lower net amount, unless your tax adviser instructs otherwise under applicable Indian tax rules.

Why the policy changed: a short timeline

January 2020: zero-MDR background

Government material identifies zero MDR for BHIM-UPI and RuPay debit-card transactions from January 2020. During that period, incentives supported the ecosystem instead of a merchant MDR on the covered low-value transactions.

18 August 2025: earlier parliamentary position

A Finance Ministry answer to Parliament said there was then no proposal to impose UPI transaction charges. That statement describes the position in August 2025; it is not the current rule after the 2026 announcement.

8 August 2026: conditional future framework

An August 2026 PIB release described a legal amendment that would enable a limited, threshold-based MDR arrangement and referred to a steering-committee decision after passage of the Bill. It was more tentative than the later rate announcement.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
NFC Paypal Payment Stand Sign with QR Code (1, 5.1x3.5 Inches)
  • TWO WAYS TO ACCESS PAYMENT: Customers can tap the NFC-enabled area with a compatible smartphone or scan the QR code to quickly open your Paypal payment page.
  • EASY ONLINE ACTIVATION: Tap or scan the stand, register or sign in, and enter your Paypal payment link. The NFC tap and QR code then direct customers to the same destination. No QRLynk app or recurring subscription is required.
  • CLEAR, COMPACT DISPLAY: The 5.1 x 3.5-inch main display area includes easy-to-follow tap-and-scan instructions while using minimal countertop space.
  • VERSATILE COUNTERTOP PLACEMENT: Ideal for checkout counters, front desks, market booths, salon stations, reception areas, service counters, and point-of-sale locations.
  • CLEAN INTEGRATED STAND DESIGN: Features rounded corners, a slim upright panel, and a stable bent base for a professional countertop presentation.

15 September 2026: rates and exemptions stated

The later Ministry of Finance release gives the current announced figures: the ₹2,000 ordinary threshold, 0.4% MDR, the ₹300 cap at ₹75,000 and above, the ₹5 essential-sector rate, the 0.02% capital-market rate, and the small-merchant QR provision.

Effective date: not clear from the release text

The September announcement does not provide a clear operational start date in the official page text available for this account. The Department of Financial Services lists an FAQ dated 15 September 2026, but its contents are not exposed in that listing. Do not rely on social-media claims or an unverified provider message to decide when to change your pricing.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Scale and historical incentive figures

UPI’s scale explains why a small percentage can matter to merchants and payment participants. A Government of India August 2026 statement reported 2,366 crore UPI transactions worth ₹29.9 lakh crore in July 2026 and said UPI was live in 11 foreign countries.

The Prime Minister’s Office reported BHIM-UPI incentive payouts of ₹957 crore in financial year 2021–22, ₹1,802 crore in 2022–23 and ₹3,268 crore in 2023–24. Those are historical scheme payouts to support the ecosystem during the earlier zero-MDR period; they are not current MDR revenue, a merchant rebate or a current rate.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What merchants should do now

  • Identify whether each QR or checkout is configured as P2P, P2M or P2PM.
  • Record monthly UPI QR receipts if you believe the small-merchant ₹1 lakh provision applies.
  • Ask your acquiring bank for its written MDR schedule, sector classification and settlement-report format.
  • Check whether a transaction is in one of the five named essential sectors or in the capital-market category before applying 0.4%.
  • Do not add a UPI surcharge to the customer’s bill while the announced no-pass-through direction applies.
  • Reconcile gross collections with net settlements and retain statements for bookkeeping.
  • Verify the implementation date and any later clarification through Ministry of Finance, PIB and NPCI notices.

Common mistakes and how to correct them

Calling every UPI payment “charged”

Correction: separate free P2P transfers from merchant acceptance. A customer sending money to another person is not the same as paying a shop.

Best Value
Sale
Skywin QR Code Sign for Business, Cash App QR Code Sign Stand - Beige
  • [ VERSATILE DISPLAY ] - The Skywin QR Code Business Social Media Sign Stand is an elegant acrylic stand, perfect for showcasing your social media app, custom business cards, cash app, or any acrylic signs in your home office, hair salon decor, beauty salon decor, or for small business shop space for their google review tap card. A must-have for a guest room essentials
  • [ PROFESSIONAL APPEAL ] - Enhance your cute office decor with a sleek, modern touch. The QR Code Business Social Media Sign Stand adds a polished look to your desk or reception area, making it an essential item for a well-organized and professional esthetician decor environment. Best for guest room must-haves!
  • [ DURABLE DESIGN ] - Crafted from high-quality materials, the Skywin QR Code Business Social Media Sign Stand offers a sturdy base for your display needs, ensuring your acrylic sign holders remain stable and visible. [ IMPORTANT REMINDER] - Inside the box, you will receive the manual QR code to scan.
  • [ DIMENSION OF THE PLAQUE ] - The dimensions of this Skywin QR Code Business Social Media Icon Sign Stand are 7.9 x 7.9 inches (upper part) and 7.1 x 2.3 inches (lower part). The package includes some of the known social media icons and cash app icons with a matching customized mirror border base to hold it.
  • [ CUSTOMIZABLE AESTHETIC ] - The white acrylic material of the Skywin QR Code Business Social Media Sign Stand complements any decor, from simple office decor to minimalist home office decor, providing a subtle yet stylish backdrop whether white, black, pink or rose gold for your custom signs and display stands

Using ₹2,000 as a daily or monthly limit

Correction: the stated ordinary threshold is per P2M transaction. It does not describe a customer’s daily allowance or a merchant’s monthly sales ceiling.

Assuming the ₹1 lakh rule is a general turnover exemption

Correction: the release ties it to qualifying P2PM small merchants receiving up to ₹1 lakh per month through UPI QR codes.

Applying 0.4% to essential sectors

Correction: the listed railways, telecommunications, insurance, fuel and agricultural-input payments above ₹2,000 use the stated flat ₹5 rate.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Confusing MDR with a Government tax

Correction: the Ministry says MDR is neither a tax nor a charge collected by the Government or NPCI; it is distributed among ecosystem participants.

Bottom line for Indian merchants

The announced 2026 framework leaves P2P transfers and ordinary merchant payments up to ₹2,000 free of MDR. Above ₹2,000, first check whether the merchant qualifies for the QR-based small-merchant exemption, then check the named sectors and capital-market category. If none applies, the stated charge is 0.4%, capped at ₹300 for transactions of ₹75,000 or more. Customers should not be charged a separate UPI fee. Because the official release text does not settle the start date, confirm the operational rule with your acquiring bank and current Ministry, PIB and NPCI notices before changing checkout prices.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Kevenal QR Code Signs, 4 x 6 Inch Clear QR Code Menu with Metal Stand, Cash App Acrylic Holders - 2 Packs
Kevenal QR Code Signs, 4 x 6 Inch Clear QR Code Menu with Metal Stand, Cash App Acrylic Holders - 2 Packs
Classic Size: 4 x 6 inch. Dimensions: 4 x 6”(102mm X 153mm) , QR Code Signs.; Stable Base Extended: Allows your book to be more stable on the table.
$9.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Digital PaymentsIndiaMDRmerchant paymentssmall businessUPI

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.