Proposed PSS Act change could pave way for MDR on select UPI merchant payments

A proposed amendment to the Payments and Settlement Systems Act would enable future MDR charges on selected UPI transactions. No fee change is immediate: charges would require parliamentary approval and subsequent government or RBI notifications, while consumers would remain exempt.

— Filed Tue, 4 Aug, 2026, 17:45 IST · Source Mint · Industry · Updated

The government has proposed amending the PSS Act to enable future MDR charges on selected UPI transactions. Retailers, especially large merchants, could face payment-acceptance costs if RBI or government notifications later introduce fees; consumers would remain exempt.

Why this matters

The proposal follows signals that the government may permit MDR on high-value UPI merchant payments and that the Bill reopens the possibility of MDR, particularly for large merchants.

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