UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has brought about a revolution in India’s digital payments ecosystem. While it has made domestic transactions easier, its entry into the Forex (FX) retail payments space, through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) platform, has brought about a major change. For those looking to pay for studies abroad, send money to family, or run small international businesses, this technology offers a great alternative to the old ways of traditional banking.
To take advantage of this technology, it is important to understand its financial limitations—the transaction limits. This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of UPI limits for FX retail transactions through BBPS in 2025, so you can transact with confidence and efficiency.
Understanding Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) and Its Role
What is BBPS?
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) is an integrated platform operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) that brings together various types of bill payments at one place. This includes electricity, water, telecom, and now foreign exchange (FX) transactions. The aim of BBPS is to provide a reliable, transparent, and efficient payment system to users. In FX retail, UPI transactions through BBPS make foreign exchange purchases, travel payments, and other international transactions easier.
Role of UPI in FX Retail Transactions
NPCI has increased UPI limits for certain specific categories — including FX-Retail (BBPS); FX-Retail is now typically allowed a per-transaction and per-day range of ₹5,00,000 (5 lakhs), while the default daily limit for general UPI still remains around ₹1,00,000.
Other UPI Limit changes that are relevant
| Category | Per-transaction Limit (from Sep 15, 2025) | Daily Cumulative Limit |
| Capital Markets (Investments) | ₹ 5,00,000 | ₹ 10,00,000 |
| Insurance | ₹ 5,00,000 | ₹ 10,00,000 |
| Govt. e-Market Place (GeM) / Tax Payments | ₹ 5,00,000 | ₹ 10,00,000 |
| Travel | ₹ 5,00,000 | ₹ 10,00,000 |
| Credit Card Bill Payments | ₹ 5,00,000 | ₹ 6,00,000 |
| Jewellery | ₹ 2,00,000 | ₹ 6,00,000 |
| Digital Account Opening (Term Deposits) | ₹ 5,00,000 | ₹ 5,00,000 |
| Digital Account Opening — Initial Funding | ₹ 2,00,000 | ₹ 2,00,000 |
How will the new UPI Limits apply — Eligibility and BBPS Integration
Which users and banks are covered under these rules
- For FX Retail, only those merchants or service providers will be valid that are verified by NPCI or a bank. The advantage of this is that when customers transfer large amounts, their money is safe and trackable.
- Individual customers such as a student who wants to pay tuition fees abroad, or a professional who wants to load money on his forex card — they will now be able to easily make payments through their UPI app (BBPS integrated). However, the facility will be available only if your bank’s policy allows it.
- All banks and UPI apps will have to be technically enabled to correctly recognize FX Retail transactions done through BBPS and process them seamlessly.
Charges, Authentication and Compliance
- Like regular UPI payments (P2P and P2M), there is no separate UPI transaction fee for FX Retail transactions. However, it is important to note that the bank or authorized agency may add a markup or service charge on the foreign exchange rate.
- If customers try to transact beyond the set UPI limit, the system will automatically reject the payment. For example, if a person has to send ₹6 lakh outward remittance, it will not be possible to split the transaction into two parts as the daily UPI limit is ₹5 lakh.
- Every transaction will be subject to AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC (Know Your Customer) and remittance regulations of RBI and NPCI.
- In many cases, the customer will also have to submit documents like PAN card, identity proof and purpose declaration for outward remittance.
Smart Tips for Secure Cross-Border Transactions
- Keep UPI PIN safe: Never share.
- Check transactions: Check currency conversion rates at FX Retail.
- Keep apps updated: For latest security features.
- Report fraud: Inform bank or NPCI immediately.
- Monitor limits: Never exceed daily UPI limit.
- KYC updated: Always keep valid documents.
- Use trusted apps: Only certified UPI apps like BHIM or Google Pay.
Eligibility and How to Pay?
Eligibility:
- You must be a resident of India.
- You must have a KYC-compliant bank account and UPI app.
- You must be registered for UPI transactions with your bank.
- You must have a valid PAN card and Aadhaar card.
payment process (Step-by-Step Guide):
- Open your UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, etc.).
- Select “Bill Pay” or “BBPS” option.
- Select your Authorized Dealer (e.g. Thomas Cook, BookMyForex, Banks) under “Foreign Exchange” or “Forex” category.
- Enter your Customer ID or Reference Number (which you would have received from your Forex Dealer).
- Once the bill amount is verified, select UPI option to make the payment.
- Complete the payment by entering your UPI PIN.
- Get instant confirmation and receipt.
FAQs — UPI Limit via BBPS for FX Retail (2025)
Q1. What is FX Retail via BBPS and what is the role of UPI in it?
FX Retail is a facility through which individual customers can send money abroad, load funds onto forex cards or receive physical currency. BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System) makes this entire process standardized and secure. UPI is the easiest way to make payments on this platform.
Q2. What is the new UPI Limit for FX Retail via BBPS in 2025?
From 15th September 2025, as per NPCI regulations, UPI Limit for FX Retail via BBPS is fixed at ₹5 lakh per transaction and ₹5 lakh per day (cumulative).
Q3. Can I make multiple FX retail transactions in a single day?
Yes, but keep in mind that the total of all transactions done in a day should not exceed ₹ 5 lakh. If you exceed this daily cap, the next transaction will be rejected.
Is there a monthly UPI Limit?
No, but banks may impose their own limits.
This guide is based on the latest RBI regulations as of 2025. Check the NPCI website for more details. Stay safe and make smart payments!
Conclusion:
Buying foreign currency using UPI through BBPS is a major achievement of India’s digital payment ecosystem. Understanding UPI limits and following RBI rules makes your transactions secure and compliant. The process has become even smoother in 2025. With just a little caution and awareness, you can meet your financial goals across the world without any hassle.
Pay smartly, stay safe