HomeCirculars › RBI/DPSS/2026-27/401

RBI Payment System Rules

Digital Payments / UPI
Live · in forceNo withdrawal recorded as of 20 Jun 2026. Reviewed by Vikram Jain; always verify against the official RBI source below.
Issued by RBI: FY 2026-27  ·  Decoded by BankPulse: 17 Jun 2026, 07:02 IST
⏱ ~1 min read
📄 Official RBI source ↗
Quick answerRBI issues master directions for payment system authorisation, outlining eligibility and requirements for operators.

What changed

The Reserve Bank of India has issued new master directions for authorisation to operate a payment system, which includes definitions, eligibility criteria, and requirements for payment system operators. The directions also cover investment in entities from non-compliant jurisdictions and the validity period of the certificate of authorisation. The rules aim to regulate and supervise payment systems in India, ensuring their safety and efficiency.

What it means for you

The new directions will impact payment system operators, including banks, non-bank operators, and fintech companies, as they will need to comply with the eligibility criteria and requirements outlined in the regulations. This may involve changes to their business models, governance structures, and risk management practices. The rules will also affect the overall payment landscape in India, promoting a more secure and efficient payment ecosystem.

What you must do

Who it affects

Payment system operators, Banks, Non-bank operators, Fintech companies

What is the purpose of the master directions?

The purpose is to regulate and supervise payment systems in India, ensuring their safety and efficiency.

Who is affected by the new directions?

Payment system operators, including banks, non-bank operators, and fintech companies, are affected by the new regulations.

What are the key requirements for payment system operators?

The key requirements include eligibility criteria, investment in entities from non-compliant jurisdictions, and the validity period of the certificate of authorisation.

Key dataSee the live numbers behind this topic: RBI Penalty Tracker, Credit & Deposit Growth — updated from official RBI data.
Key termsPlain-English definitions of terms in this circular — see the full Indian banking glossary. UPI · KYC / AML · Deposit insurance (DICGC) · NEFT / RTGS
Track this rule
🗂 Master Direction family: Payment & Settlement Systems⏳ How this rule evolved — History Map →Full RBI rulebook crosswalk →
AI-drafted · 3-model AI consensus fact-check · under the editorial review of Vikram Jain · decoded & published by BankPulse · 17 Jun 2026, 07:02 IST
Official RBI source: https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=13502&Mode=0 — Plain-English summary by BankPulse (bankpulse.ai), reviewed by Vikram Jain. Independent platform, not affiliated with the Reserve Bank of India; never reproduces RBI text verbatim.