Fibe enters UPI payments market, opens app to users beyond its borrowers
The move marks an expansion beyond Fibe's core lending business as the company looks to build a more regular relationship with customers
Pune-based digital lending platform Fibe has launched Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments in its app after receiving approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to operate as a third-party application provider (TPAP).
The launch, announced on November 2, allows consumers across India to use Fibe for digital payments, including those who have never borrowed from the company.
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The move marks an expansion beyond Fibe's core lending business as the company looks to build a more regular relationship with customers.
Bank accounts and credit payments
Users can make payments through linked bank accounts, RuPay credit cards and eligible credit lines linked to UPI, according to reports.
Fibe, formerly known as EarlySalary, already offers personal loans and other financial products, including credit cards, fixed deposits and loans against mutual funds. Its entry into UPI adds another service to this portfolio.
For a lending company, payments can provide an opportunity to engage with customers more frequently. Borrowing may happen only occasionally, whereas UPI can be used for everyday purchases, bill payments and money transfers.
A crowded market
Fibe will face competition from established UPI apps, particularly PhonePe and Google Pay, which together account for a large share of India's digital payments market.
Building a payments business will require Fibe to convince users to adopt its app despite their existing payment habits. Offering access to credit-linked payments could help differentiate its service, although credit eligibility and applicable terms will determine which users can access these features.
The company is also preparing for a potential stock-market listing. Its parent, Social Worth Technologies, received regulatory approval for a proposed IPO worth up to ₹750 crore in September 2026, according to published reports.
The success of Fibe's UPI expansion will depend on whether it can attract regular users and build a payments business alongside its lending operations.
