Online payments have become the backbone of Nepal’s digital economy, with QR codes, mobile wallets, and bank apps leading the way. But behind the convenience lies a question every smart user asks:
“How much am I actually paying in hidden fees?”
In this blog, we break down the true cost of online transactions in Nepal, including:
- Wallet fees (eSewa, Khalti, etc.)
- Bank mobile app charges
- QR payments (Fonepay, NEPALPAY)
- Differences between Personal QR and Fund Transfers
- Tips to save money and avoid unnecessary charges
Online Bank App Charges in Nepal
Most major banks in Nepal now offer mobile apps for transfers, bill payments, and QR scanning. Here's what they charge:
Fund Transfers via connectIPS (NEPALPAY)
| Amount Range (NPR) | Fee via connectIPS |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 | NPR 2 |
| 501 – 5,000 | NPR 4 |
| Above 5,000 | NPR 8 |
Transfers within the same bank (intra-bank) are usually free.
Bank Apps with QR Support (via Fonepay / NEPALPAY QR)
- QR Payments to Businesses: No fee for customers
- QR Payments to Individuals (P2P): Up to NPR 10 if interbank
- Transaction limits: Up to NPR 100,000/day
Digital Wallets (eSewa, Khalti, IME Pay) Fees
Wallet-to-Bank Transfers
Generally cost NPR 10–15 per transfer (varies by wallet)
Bank-to-Wallet Load
Usually free via linked bank accounts or connectIPS
Wallet-to-Wallet Transfers
Free in most cases within the same platform
Wallets may charge for features like withdrawal to bank, card payments, or ticket bookings—always check the fine print!
QR Payments in Nepal: Personal vs Business
QR payments are booming across Nepal, but many don’t realize there’s a big difference between Personal QR codes and Business QR codes.
Personal QR (P2P)
- Ideal for: Friends, family, casual payments
- Fees: Free (intra-bank), NPR 10 (interbank)
- Limit: Typically NPR 100,000/day
Using Personal QR for commercial purposes can violate bank rules.
Business QR (P2M)
- Ideal for: Shops, freelancers, service providers
- Fees:
- Customer: No fee
- Merchant: 1.5–2% MDR
- Features: Transaction history, real-time alerts, instant withdrawal
Dynamic QR codes generate per-bill payment requests, improving accuracy and tracking.
Personal QR Payment vs Fund Transfer: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Personal QR Payment | Fund Transfer (connectIPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Scan QR | Enter account number |
| Fee (Interbank) | NPR 10 | NPR 2–8 |
| Fee (Intra-bank) | Free | Free |
| Limit | NPR 100k/day | Up to NPR 10 lakh/day |
| Use Case | Quick payments | Large/formal transfers |
| Entry Risk | Low | Higher (manual) |
If speed and simplicity matter, QR is great. For high-value or formal use, fund transfers are better.
???????? Cross-Border QR Payments: India to Nepal
Nepal has integrated with India’s UPI via Fonepay. Indian tourists can now scan Fonepay QR codes using:
- Google Pay
- PhonePe
- BHIM UPI
Charges:
- Merchant: 1.95% MDR
- Customer (Indian side): Nominal FX fees
This opens the door for easier digital payments from Indian tourists in Pokhara, Kathmandu, Lumbini, and beyond.
Tips to Avoid Hidden Fees
- Use connectIPS for low-cost large transfers
- Use QR payments for quick and small amounts
- Avoid interbank P2P QR unless necessary
- Check your wallet app's fine print
- If you're a seller, register for a Business QR to stay compliant
???? Conclusion: Know the Cost Before You Tap “Send”
Nepal’s digital payment ecosystem is fast, innovative, and increasingly connected. But with that speed comes a layer of fees most users overlook.
???? “A smart user isn’t just digital—they’re informed.”
Whether you’re paying your friend for lunch, buying a momo online, or running a business, knowing the actual transaction costs can save you money—and keep you compliant.
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