In May 2024, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in India set a new record by processing 14.04 billion transactions worth ₹20.45 trillion. This marks a significant increase from April 2024, which saw 13.30 billion transactions valued at ₹19.64 trillion.
Significant Growth
Compared to May 2023, this year’s figures represent a 49% increase in transaction volume and a 39% increase in value. This surge underscores the growing adoption and reliance on digital payment methods across India.
Comparative Analysis
The Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) also showed growth, albeit more modest, with a 1.45% increase in volume and a 2.36% increase in value from April to May 2024. Meanwhile, FASTag transactions rose by 6% in volume and 9% in value during the same period.
Challenges and Declines
While UPI and other digital payment methods saw significant growth, the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) experienced a 4% decline in transaction volume and a 7% drop in transaction value from April to May 2024.
Despite its success, UPI faces challenges, including market dominance concerns and regulatory scrutiny. NPCI is reviewing its decision to implement a 30% cap on the market share of UPI apps by the end of 2024 to ensure a balanced ecosystem.
Looking ahead, UPI is poised for further growth. The platform’s transaction count is expected to rise, driven by continuous innovation and expansion into new markets. As more users and merchants adopt digital payments, UPI will likely play an even more crucial role in India’s financial ecosystem.
Driving Factors
Several factors contribute to UPI’s success, including its expansion into rural areas, the ease of use, and increasing acceptance among merchants. Additionally, government initiatives and collaborations with international payment systems are further boosting its adoption.
UPI’s record-setting performance in May 2024 underscores the platform’s pivotal role in the digital payments landscape. With ongoing expansion and increasing adoption, UPI is set to continue its trajectory of growth, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of India’s digital economy.
