UPI Clocks Record 21.6 Billion Transactions In December

India’s flagship digital payments platform, UPI, closed 2025 on a record-breaking note. According to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), December saw 21.6 billion transactions, the highest monthly volume since UPI’s launch. Transaction value rose to Rs 27.97–28 lakh crore, surpassing previous peaks recorded in October and November.  

The growth highlights UPI’s expanding role in everyday transactions, from small-ticket purchases to large-value transfers. Analysts note that the average transaction size has declined, reflecting UPI’s increasing use for routine payments like groceries, fuel, and services. The Reserve Bank of India also reported that over 2,300 ATMs shut in FY25, signaling a structural shift toward digital-first payments.  

Key Highlights  

• UPI processed 21.6 billion transactions in December, highest monthly volume ever  
• Transaction value reached nearly Rs 28 lakh crore, surpassing earlier records  
• Average daily transactions stood at 698 million, worth Rs 90,000 crore  
• Year 2025 total crossed Rs 300 lakh crore in transaction value  
• Decline in average transaction size shows UPI’s growing role in everyday purchases  
• ATM closures underline India’s transition toward digital payments ecosystem  

Conclusion  
December’s record numbers confirm UPI’s dominance in India’s financial landscape. With rising adoption across metros and Tier-2 cities, UPI is expected to remain the cornerstone of India’s digital economy, driving inclusion, efficiency, and resilience in the payments ecosystem.  

Sources: Financial Express, Deccan Chronicle, National Herald India, Business Standard, Economic Times BFSI