RuPay is the first-of-its-kind global Card payment network of India, with wide acceptance at ATMs, POS devices and e-commerce websites across India. It is a highly secure network that protects against anti-phishing. The name, derived from the words ‘Rupee and ‘Payment’, emphasizes that it is India’s very own initiative for Card payments. It is our answer to international payment networks, expressing pride over our nationality.
RuPay fulfils RBI’s vision of initiating a ‘less cash’ economy. This could be achieved only by encouraging every Indian bank and financial institution to become tech-savvy and engage in offering electronic payments.
RuPay is a product of NPCI, the umbrella organisation that powers retail payments in the country. The provision under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, empowered the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to create a secure electronic payment and settlement system in India.
The nature of NPCI’s initiatives and objectives includes it under the “Not for Profit Company” under the provisions of Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 and more recently under the Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. This was an initiative to build the necessary banking infrastructure required to propel India towards a ‘less cash’ economy. NPCI recognises the need for tech-driven innovations in the retail payments system to drive operational efficiencies among a larger Indian audience.
Presently, RuPay cards are issued by more than 1,100 banks which includes Public Sector Banks, Private Sector Banks, Regional Rural and Co-Operative Banks.
It’s ten core promoter banks are State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Bank of India, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Citibank N. A. and HSBC.
Currently 56 banks are share-holders of NPCI
RuPay has made a significant impact on the retail payment systems in the country. Dedicated to the nation by our Hon'ble President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, endorsed by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and later made the card of choice for the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, RuPay is now a known name.
RuPay in last seven years has launched various card variants catering to the different segments of the society.
In addition to the Government scheme cards, RuPay Classic, Platinum & Select variant cards are designed for the masses and affluent customers. RuPay offers excellent privileges and benefits such as International Acceptance, Domestic and International Airport Lounge Access, free personal accidental death and permanent total disability insurance coverage , various merchant offers, different Cashback scheme, Health and Wellness benefits to appeal to the mass and affluent customers.
Keeping in pace with continuous development and innovation in the ecosystem, RuPay has developed a bouquet of new innovative products such as RuPay Contactless With the vision of One Card for all Payment systems, RuPay Contactless has revolutionized payments by introducing offline wallet-based payment mechanisms and service area features for storing merchant/operator-specific applications. This product enables seamless payment across all use cases, including travel by different metros and other transport systems across the country, retail shopping, and purchases.
RuPay Contactless - Tokenization
NPCI has invested in offering next-generation solutions like tokenization and mobile-based PoS. These technologies enable Indian consumers to securely use their phones to make card payments without disclosing their sensitive card details. It will allow cards to be tokenized on smartwatches, and other wearables, including many IoT, enabled devices allowing them to conduct card payments.
Bharat Ecommerce Payment Gateway (BEPG)
BEPG is the new e-commerce system to enhance the current e-commerce experience for the RuPay Cardholders. RuPay card aims to deliver a convenient and easy e-commerce experience without compromising on the security and risk.