Tax Bill removes blanket zero-MDR bar for UPI and RuPay debit payments

The Finance Ministry has tabled legislation that would replace the blanket prohibition on merchant discount rates for UPI and RuPay debit-card transactions with selective exemptions. The Bill also extends tax incentives for electronics supply-chain firms and bonded warehouses through FY2040-41.

— Source publishedTue, 4 Aug, 2026, 14:23 IST·First seen Tue, 4 Aug, 2026, 15:33 IST·Source NDTV Profit

What happened

The government tabled a Bill removing the blanket zero-MDR bar on UPI and RuPay debit-card payments, allowing selective fee exemptions. It also extends tax

Key facts

  • FY 2040-41
  • 25%
  • 10%
  • 2007
  • 2026

Why this matters

Payments, acquiring and retail-tech players may gain new partnership and pricing opportunities as merchants reassess UPI and RuPay economics under a potentially tiered MDR regime.