Starting August 1, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented new rules for UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions. The updates aim to improve performance, security, and user experience on platforms such as Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed:
1. Autopay Requests Scheduled Overnight
UPI autopay transactions — including subscriptions, utility bills, and SIPs — will now be processed between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM. While users might still receive reminders or notifications outside this window, the actual backend payment will happen during these off-peak hours to reduce system load.
2. Daily Limit on Balance Checks
A cap has been introduced on how often users can check their bank balance through UPI apps each day. The specific number hasn’t been disclosed, but regular users checking their balance a few times a day are unlikely to be affected. This move targets automated or excessive requests, often generated by bots.
3. Faster Updates for Failed Payments
UPI apps are now required to provide quick updates on the status of failed transactions. Instead of long waits when a payment is stuck in “Processing,” users should receive confirmation within seconds if a transaction has failed or succeeded, minimizing confusion and delays.
4. Enhanced Security for Linking Bank Accounts
Tighter verification steps have been introduced when adding a new bank account to a UPI app. Users may encounter extra security checks from their bank to confirm account ownership. The goal is to reduce fraud and prevent unauthorized account linking.
What This Means for Users
Most users won’t need to change how they use their UPI apps, but they may notice:
- Autopay processing at quieter hours
- Fewer allowed balance checks per day
- Instant clarity on failed transactions
- Stronger security when linking new bank accounts
These updates come as UPI continues to expand rapidly in India, with more than 11 billion transactions per month. The changes are aimed at sustaining that growth while improving reliability and trust in digital payments.
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