Proposed UPI MDR could create Rs 16,000–20,000 crore revenue pool by FY28

Brokerages estimate a 0.4% MDR on eligible UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000, capped at Rs 300 per transaction, could unlock significant revenue for acquiring banks and payment firms including Paytm and Pine Labs.

— Source publishedWed, 16 Sept, 2026, 20:35 IST·First seen Wed, 16 Sept, 2026, 21:04 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

Brokerages expect the proposed 0.4% MDR on eligible UPI merchant payments above Rs 2,000 to create a Rs 16,000-20,000 crore revenue pool by FY28, benefiting

Key facts

  • 0.4% MDR on eligible P2M transactions above Rs 2,000
  • Rs 300 maximum charge per transaction
  • Rs 16,000-20,000 crore projected payments-industry revenue pool by FY28
  • Rs 110 lakh crore annualised P2M transaction run-rate
  • Paytm: about Rs 300 crore app revenue and Rs 600-700 crore merchant-acquiring revenue
  • Pine Labs: Rs 160-180 crore projected revenue by FY28
  • Banks projected to receive about 60% of total revenue

Why this matters

The proposal strengthens the strategic value of acquiring scale, merchant networks and UPI-processing capabilities, potentially making partnerships or acquisitions involving Paytm, Pine Labs and bank-led payment platforms more attractive.