25 Billion Transactions in One Month! UPI Smashes Its Previous Records

India's digital payments network reached a new milestone in October 2026, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processing a record 25.47 billion transactions worth ₹31.53 lakh crore, as festive shopping and everyday spending boosted digital payment activity.

Transaction volume rose 23% year-on-year, while the total value of payments increased 16% compared with October last year, according to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The record-breaking month also saw UPI cross two major milestones. For the first time, its average daily transaction value exceeded ₹1 lakh crore, reaching ₹1,01,707 crore. The previous record was approximately ₹97,913 crore in September. Monthly transaction value also crossed ₹30 lakh crore for the first time, surpassing the previous high of ₹29.90 lakh crore recorded in May 2026.

UPI handled an average of 822 million transactions every day during October, compared with 802 million in September. Daily transaction volumes peaked at 873 million on October 9, ahead of the Navratri festivities, and remained elevated through October 19, a day before Dussehra.

The festive season provided a major boost to payment activity. Navratri, Durga Puja celebrations and major online shopping sales encouraged consumers to spend on clothing, electronics, groceries and other purchases. UPI was increasingly used for both everyday payments and larger festive purchases.

UPI's dominance in India's digital payment ecosystem is also reflected in its market share. The platform accounts for approximately 89% of the country's digital payment transactions, underlining its central role in retail payments.

The record growth comes as the proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework remains under discussion. The NPCI has deferred its implementation on select merchant transactions until after Diwali, following concerns raised by merchant bodies and payment companies.