PhonePe’s new SmartPOD bridges the gap between UPI and card payments, powering India’s next wave of digital commerce.
At the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Indian digital payments company PhonePe unveiled its SmartPOD, a next-generation payment device combining Point-of-Sale (POS) functionality with SmartSpeaker features.
Designed and manufactured in India, the SmartPOD enables merchants to accept both card and UPI payments through a single, compact, and affordable device, a move that could significantly expand digital acceptance among small businesses.
Until now, many small merchants have primarily relied on UPI QR payments, missing potential sales from customers preferring to pay by card. The SmartPOD directly addresses this gap. By integrating card tap, chip, and QR payment capabilities, it empowers micro and small retailers to serve a wider range of customers and strengthen their digital payment capabilities.
The device supports all major card networks: Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, and American Express, and offers NFC tap and EMV chip (dip & pay) features. Dual displays enhance transparency, while features such as celebrity voice confirmations, 4G connectivity, fast charging, and PIN entry with e-charge slips make it both practical and secure.
According to Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer – Merchant Business at PhonePe, the SmartPOD enables smaller merchants to accept all forms of digital payments affordably, putting their business on par with larger counterparts.
PhonePe also announced a strategic partnership with Mastercard to roll out device tokenisation across its payment gateway. This will allow customers to securely save their card once and use it seamlessly across participating merchants, supporting India’s shift toward a safer, one-click digital checkout experience.
The twin launches highlight PhonePe’s evolving ecosystem strategy, combining hardware innovation and secure payment infrastructure to support the growing digital economy. As India’s merchant base and digital payments volume continue to surge, the SmartPOD represents a timely step toward more inclusive and interoperable payment solutions.
