PayPal partners with NPCI-led UPI, other global wallets to solve cross-border payments complexity

US-based digital payments giant PayPal has partnered with NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and other payment systems and digital wallets as part of its new global platform, PayPal World, which aims to connect the world’s largest payment systems and digital wallets on a single interface, starting with interoperability between PayPal and US-based popular mobile payment service Venmo. "The first payment systems and digital wallets that will launch with PayPal World are Mercado Pago (MOU signed – further details being scoped), NPCI International Payments Limited (UPI), PayPal, Tenpay Global, and Venmo," the company said in a statement.

PayPal World is expected to go live this fall, says the company, with partner wallets connecting to PayPal and Venmo first.

What does it mean for NPCI's global plans for UPI?

UPI, a widely used payments platform, accounts for about 85% of India's digital retail payments volume, according to RBI data. Ritesh Shukla, managing director and CEO of NPCI International Payments, said, "The integration of UPI on PayPal World will mark a significant step in expanding UPI’s global footprint. It aligns with our vision to make cross-border payments more seamless, secure, and inclusive. This collaboration will enhance convenience for Indian users making payments abroad and enable global businesses and merchants to tap into a growing base of UPI users."

Alex Chriss, President and CEO of PayPal, said PayPal World is a first-of-its-kind payments ecosystem that will bring together many of the world's largest payment systems and digital wallets on a single platform. "It is a testament to the passion our partners share for an inclusive, global digital economy and has the potential to revolutionise cross-border commerce."

Chriss said moving money across borders is incredibly complex, and this platform will simplify it for nearly two billion consumers and businesses. "We believe the changes we are announcing today have the potential to be a real game-changer over time. We can’t wait to welcome many more global partners, wallets, and their users soon."

Why is PayPal and Venmo partnership important?

As part of PayPal World, PayPal and Venmo will become interoperable for the first time, expanding access to global peer-to-peer payments. This new functionality will allow PayPal and Venmo users to send money to each other anywhere in the world.

In addition to peer-to-peer payments, starting in 2026, Venmo users will be able to shop online and in-store at millions of merchants globally that accept PayPal. The company feels for merchants, it's a new way to reach Venmo's base of younger, urban, affluent, and digitally native consumers. "This will expand the reach of PayPal’s two-sided network, driving more demand for merchants and offering consumers more choice and flexibility."

What are PayPal World's use cases?

With PayPal World, consumers will be able to shop across millions of businesses—online, in-store, and with AI agents—pay international merchants using their domestic payment system or wallet of choice and local currency, and send money seamlessly across borders.

For example, a UPI user in India wants to buy a pair of sneakers from an online store in the US. When they click the PayPal button at checkout, they will see the familiar UPI option to complete the transaction.

Similarly, one can send money globally with a simple text. For instance, a Venmo user in the US wants to send money to a friend in Germany for their birthday. They open the Venmo app, type in the friend’s phone number, and select their PayPal wallet.