YES Bank has announced a significant stride in the digital currency landscape by introducing UPI interoperability to the Reserve Bank of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) app. This strategic move is set to transform the landscape of digital transactions and extend the reach of the Digital Rupee (e₹) across India.
With this latest enhancement, users can seamlessly scan any UPI QR code using the YES Bank Digital Rupee app, simplifying transactions and making digital payments more user-friendly and accessible.
This milestone underscores YES Bank’s steadfast commitment to driving digital innovations and providing a diverse array of transactional options to users across the country.
The journey of the Digital Rupee commenced with its first pilot in the Digital Rupee Wholesale Segment (e rupee-W) on November 1, 2022, followed by the announcement of the initial pilot for retail Digital Rupee (e rupee-R) on December 1, 2022. The retail Digital Rupee offers the trust, security, and settlement finality associated with physical cash but in a digital format.
This pioneering initiative introduced a digital currency system built on a unique QR code mechanism for conducting transactions. As digital transactions continue to evolve, the demand for flexibility and universal adaptability has become increasingly crucial.
The integration of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) with UPI QR codes expands the reach of the e-rupee, positioning it as a fundamental element in daily transactions. This strategic step not only reinforces the e-rupee’s standing but also seamlessly incorporates it into the widely adopted UPI system, which boasts an expansive merchant base of 150 million.