Best Ways to Accept UPI Payments in India (2026 Guide for Global Companies)
Published on: Wed 10-Dec-2025 12:59 PM
UPI has become the world’s fastest-growing real-time payment system, processing more than 12+ billion monthly transactions in India. For global companies selling SaaS, digital goods, gaming, travel platforms or subscriptions, accepting UPI payments is now essential to improve conversions and reduce failed card transactions.
But there’s a problem:
Most foreign companies cannot accept UPI directly because they do not have an Indian entity, GST, or local bank account.
This guide explains the best ways to accept UPI payments in India in 2026, especially for international merchants - and how the Merchant of Record (MoR) model solves this challenge.
Why UPI Is Important for Global Brands in 2026
1. UPI holds 85% market share
Customers prefer UPI apps like:
2. International cards fail frequently
High decline rates for:
Roblox users
Spotify/Netflix foreign subscriptions
Adobe/Canva users
Global travel bookings
UPI solves these failures.
3. UPI is cheaper than card payments
Lower MDR, faster settlements, and instant validation.
Best Ways to Accept UPI Payments in India (2026)
Method 1: Use an Indian Payment Gateway (Only for Indian Companies)
Indian payment gateways allow UPI payments:
Razorpay
Cashfree
PayU
CCAvenue
But they require:
✔ Indian company
✔ Indian bank account
✔ GST
✔ KYC & compliance
❌ Not possible for global companies without Indian presence.
Method 2: Integrate UPI via a Global Provider (Limited Support)
Some global payment processors claim to support UPI, but usually:
Only available to selected enterprise clients
Limited success rate
Complicated compliance
Not available for recurring or subscription billing
❌ Not reliable for high-volume international merchants.
Method 3: Accept UPI Payments Through a Merchant of Record (Best for Global Companies)
The Merchant of Record (MoR) model is the most effective and scalable method for foreign companies to accept UPI payments in India.
✔ No Indian company required
✔ No GST registration required
✔ No Indian bank account needed
✔ UPI, NetBanking, Wallets, Cards available
✔ Highest payment success rate
✔ Full tax, compliance and invoicing handled
How Merchant of Record Works (Simplified)
1. The MoR becomes your legal seller in India.
They provide:
UPI payment gateway access
Compliance
Tax management
Invoicing
2. You receive settlement in your international bank account.
3. Users in India see UPI options on checkout.
This model is ideal for:
Travel and booking platforms
E-learning & subscription services
Global marketplaces
Why Transact Bridge Is the Best Way to Accept UPI in India (2026)
Transact Bridge is a Merchant of Record (MoR) & Seller of Record (SoR) provider in India that enables global companies to accept Indian local payment methods without establishing a local legal entity.
✔ Accept UPI (PhonePe, GPay, Paytm)
✔ Accept NetBanking, Debit Cards, Wallets
✔ One-click checkout page
✔ Automated subscription billing
✔ Sell in INR
✔ Settlements in USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AED
✔ 100% tax & compliance handled
✔ No Indian entity required
Key Benefits for International Merchants
1. Highest UPI Transaction Success Rate
Because the MoR uses Indian-acquired payment flows.
2. No Regulatory Burden
MoR handles:
GST
Invoicing
Tax liabilities
RBI compliance
Cross-border rules
3. Reduce Checkout Abandonment
Indian users drop off when:
Card fails
Bank declines
Payment gateway not optimized
UPI fixes this.
Final Recommendation: Best Way to Accept UPI Payments in India in 2026
If you are an international merchant, the Merchant of Record model is the fastest, safest, and most compliant way to start accepting UPI payments in India.
Transact Bridge helps global companies accept UPI and Indian payment methods with zero local setup.
➡️ Increase conversions
➡️ Reduce payment failures
➡️ Sell legally in India
➡️ Scale instantly
