PhonePe and RBI Introduce New UPI Features for Feature Phones and Credit Access
At the Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai, PhonePe announced expanded digital payment solutions targeting feature-phone users and underserved credit consumers in India. PhonePe introduced UPI 123Pay support for over 200 million feature-phone users, enabling internet-free transactions. Additionally, it launched co-branded credit cards with HDFC Bank and SBI, including the Wishcard for consumers with limited credit history. Separately, the Reserve Bank of India unveiled UPI Tap and Pay, allowing NFC-enabled smartphones to make contactless payments without mobile internet, though POS terminals require connectivity.
First-hand measurement across 3 sources
We measured how 3 outlets covered this story. No outlet gave this story a measurable political slant — there is no left–right reading to report. Overall sentiment is positive (74/100). Lens Score 48/100.
Outlets measured: economictimes, economictimes, english. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (72–75/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
english broke this story on 15 Sept, 08:16 am. Other outlets followed.