The government plans to bring back a merchant discount rate (MDR) for high‑value payments, targeting transactions of Rs 1,000 or more. The aim is to curb excess spending and improve tax compliance.
Financial services will feel the biggest impact. Securities brokers and dealers had an average ticket of Rs 8,963 in 2026, up 5.3% from Rs 8,512 in 2025 – the highest average value among all categories.
Debt‑collection agencies also see high‑value deals, with an average of Rs 3,416, although it fell 43.8% from the previous year.
Electronics shops average Rs 1,404 per transaction in 2026, rising 5.3% YoY. Utility payments for electricity, gas and water are close behind at Rs 1,382, a 19.3% jump – the fastest rise among big retail categories.
Clothing stores see average values of Rs 1,132 for men’s and women’s outlets, and Rs 1,030 for uniform and commercial clothing. Family clothing stores average Rs 887, while department stores sit at Rs 638.
Passenger railway bookings grew 26.4% to an average of Rs 669, one of the sharpest increases among large consumer categories. UPI transactions remain low, averaging Rs 604 in 2026, just a 2.4% rise.
Most day‑to‑day purchases stay below the threshold. Grocery stores average Rs 220, restaurants Rs 170, bakeries Rs 145, and fast‑food outlets Rs 118. Digital gold buys Rs 125 and taxi rides Rs 167.
Some categories decline: online marketplace sales fell 18.3% to Rs 574, men’s and women’s clothing fell 13.4%, government services dropped 22.2% to Rs 777, and variety stores fell 12% to Rs 500.
Overall, only a small portion of transactions would be hit by the MDR, leaving the majority of everyday spending untouched.