On August 1, 2025, NPCI rolled out a set of updated UPI rules aimed at improving transaction efficiency, reducing system overload, and Strengthening security across platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm
Key UPI Rules Changes at a Glance
1. Balance Check Limit
Users can now view their bank balance up to 50 times per UPI app per day. This cap is per app and designed to prevent frequent background polling by apps.After every successful transaction, the current balance is automatically displayed, reducing the need for manual checks.
2. Pending Transaction Status Checks
Status checks on ‘Pending’ transactions are now limited to 3 attempts, with a minimum 90‑second gap between each. This avoids overloading APIs and speeds up resolution
3. Linked Account Inquiry Cap
The “List Account” API (showing linked bank accounts) is capped at 25 checks per app per day, and explicit user consent is required each time
4. Autopay Execution Windows & Retry Limits
Recurring mandates (e.g., utility bills, OTT subscriptions, EMIs):
- Execute only during non‑peak windows: before 10 AM, between 1–5 PM, and after 9:30 PM (or between midnight and 7 AM per some sources)
- Maximum 4 total attempts (1 initial + 3 retries), after which mandate is canceled
5. Faster API Response & Verification Rules
- Core UPI API response times reduced to 10 seconds from the previous ~30 seconds to improve reliability during peak load
- New UPI IDs linked to phone numbers inactive for over 12 months may get auto‑deactivated to prevent misuse
- Enhanced verification when adding new bank accounts — including stronger authentication protocols
6. Service Charges on Payment Aggregators
UPI payment fees will now be levied on payment aggregators (e.g., Google Pay, PhonePe)—not on users or merchants. Everyday UPI transactions remain free for end‑users
7. Biometric Login Coming Soon (Not yet) active
NPCI is preparing to begin allowing biometric authentication (face/fingerprint) for UPI payments, to reduce reliance on PINs and strengthen security for elderly and rural users. (Timeline TBD)
Here’s the official NPCI UPI circulars page where you can find the latest updates, including those effective from August 1, 2025:
🔗 NPCI UPI Circulars: https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/circular
Why This Matters
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| System Stability | Caps on background queries reduce server stress and outages |
| Faster Experience | Quicker resolution for pending transactions and reduced delays. |
| Stronger Security | Limits abuse of APIs, mandates consent, and auto-deactivates stale IDs. |
| Sustainable Growth | Supports scalability as UPI continues rapid adoption across India. |
How It Impacts You
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Frequent users: Track your balance fewer times per day or across multiple apps.
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Autopay users: Payments might hit early morning or late evening windows.
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App developers/PSPs: Must enforce API limits, verify consent, and comply by July 31.
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Payment aggregators: Will be responsible for new backend UPI charges—not users.
