Wedding Payments Go Digital as BharatPe Reports Sharp Rise in UPI Transactions During Wedding Season
India’s wedding season, traditionally associated with large cash payments and physical transactions, is undergoing a significant digital transformation. According to data shared by BharatPe, there has been a noticeable surge in UPI-based digital payments across its merchant network during the ongoing wedding season. From jewellery and bridal wear to banquet halls, catering services, and decorators, more wedding-related expenses are now being settled digitally rather than in cash.
This shift reflects a broader change in consumer behaviour, driven by convenience, transparency, and the growing acceptance of UPI payments across businesses of all sizes. With weddings involving multiple high-value purchases over a short period, both customers and merchants are increasingly turning to digital payment solutions that offer flexibility and ease of use.
UPI and EMIs Driving the Shift Away from Cash
BharatPe reports that the adoption of UPI QR-based payments and credit-enabled EMI options has played a major role in reducing cash dependency during weddings. Buyers are using UPI not just for small transactions, but also for big-ticket items such as gold jewellery, designer outfits, venue bookings, and catering services.
One of the key factors accelerating this transition is the availability of credit-linked UPI payments, which allow customers to manage multiple wedding expenses without immediate financial strain. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, users can convert large purchases into manageable monthly instalments.
BharatPe Launches EMI-Enabled Credit Card Linked to UPI
To support this growing demand, BharatPe introduced the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card in August 2025 in partnership with Unity Small Finance Bank. The company describes it as India’s first EMI-focused RuPay credit card integrated with UPI.
The card allows purchases above ₹1,000 to be converted into EMIs ranging from three to twelve months, making it easier for families to manage wedding-related spending. This feature is particularly useful during wedding season, when multiple large expenses often occur simultaneously.
The credit card comes with no joining or annual renewal fees, making it accessible to a wider range of users. Additionally, it offers 2% cashback on transactions converted into EMIs, which can be redeemed directly through the BharatPe app.
Works Seamlessly With Popular UPI Apps
One of the standout features of the BharatPe credit card is its compatibility with existing UPI platforms. Users can link the card to popular apps such as PhonePe, Google Pay, and BHIM, allowing them to make credit-based payments at any merchant that accepts UPI QR codes.
This eliminates the need for traditional card swipe machines or point-of-sale (POS) terminals. As a result, customers can pay via credit even at small or local wedding vendors who may not have card payment infrastructure in place.
Big Advantage for Small Wedding Vendors
The move toward UPI-linked credit payments is proving especially beneficial for small and medium wedding service providers, including decorators, florists, makeup artists, photographers, and boutique designers. Many of these vendors rely on UPI QR payments due to lower setup and operating costs.
By enabling credit payments through UPI, BharatPe allows these businesses to cater to customers who prefer paying via EMIs, without forcing merchants to invest in expensive POS systems. This widens their customer base and increases transaction volumes during the peak wedding season.
Lower Transaction Costs Help Merchants Manage Cash Flow
BharatPe also highlighted that its UPI QR infrastructure offers zero merchant discount rate (MDR) on QR and UPI transactions. For wedding-related businesses, this translates into lower transaction costs compared to traditional card payments.
This is particularly important during peak wedding months, when vendors often face high upfront costs for inventory, staffing, logistics, and venue arrangements. Reduced transaction fees help merchants maintain healthier cash flow while meeting increased demand.
Digital Payments Enter Traditional Wedding Practices
The digital shift is extending beyond major purchases to traditional customs such as shagun and gift payments. Families are increasingly using UPI for monetary gifts, as digital transactions provide clear records and reduce the risks associated with handling large amounts of cash.
While Indian weddings have historically relied heavily on cash, payment companies believe that the current wedding season could serve as a key testing phase for credit-linked UPI adoption in high-value personal spending categories.
Final Thoughts
The growing use of UPI and EMI-based payments during India’s wedding season signals a deeper change in how large personal expenses are managed. With solutions like BharatPe’s credit-enabled UPI offerings, digital payments are no longer limited to convenience—they are becoming central to financial planning for big life events.
As consumers seek flexibility and merchants look for cost-effective payment solutions, the move toward cashless weddings is likely to accelerate further in the coming years.
