Starting August 1, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented significant changes to UPI (Unified Payments Interface) rules that will impact how millions of Indians use digital payments daily. From August 1, 2025, using UPI (Unified Payments Interface) will come with new rules that every user should be aware of. These changes aim to enhance system security, reduce technical overload, and improve overall payment efficiency.
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UPI Key Changes at a Glance
The new regulations address growing concerns over system overload, payment delays, and security vulnerabilities. However, growing traffic has put pressure on banking APIs and raised concerns over payment delays, system overload, and fraud. The new rules aim to create a more stable and secure digital payment ecosystem.
| UPI Rule Changes | New Limits | Previous Status |
|---|---|---|
| Balance Check | 50 times per day per app | Unlimited |
| Account Link Verification | 25 times per day per app | Unlimited |
| Transaction Status Check | Limited requests | Unlimited |
| Autopay Timing | Fixed windows only | Anytime |
| Daily Transaction Limit | ₹1,00,000 (unchanged) | ₹1,00,000 |
1. Balance Check Restrictions
Users can check their account balance through UPI only 50 times per app per day. This limit is strictly for manual, user-initiated requests. Apps will no longer be allowed to run background balance checks. This means if you exceed 50 balance checks on PhonePe, you’ll have to wait 24 hours or use a different UPI app.
2. Account Link Verification Limits
Under the new UPI guidelines, users can now check which bank accounts are linked to their UPI ID only 25 times per day per app. You will also have to provide explicit consent each time you view or verify a linked account. This will add a higher level of security to the process.
3. Autopay Timing Restrictions
As a result, NPCI has ordered that certain transactions can only be completed before 10 am, between 1 and 5 pm, and after 9:30 pm. This implies that an autopayment that is due at 11 am may be debited either before or after that time. This change helps reduce system load during peak hours.
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4. Enhanced Security Measures
The new rules introduce explicit consent requirements for sensitive operations. Users must now actively confirm their intent to check linked accounts or perform certain verification tasks, adding an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
5. Transaction Status Inquiry Limits
Similar to balance checks, users will now face restrictions on how frequently they can check transaction status. This prevents system abuse while ensuring legitimate user needs are met.
6. System Efficiency Improvements
Weekly Updates: Banks and PSPs must sync mobile-number records every week. This ensures better data accuracy and reduces payment failures due to outdated information.
Who Will Be Most Affected?
- Heavy UPI Users: Those who frequently check balances or account details
- Business Owners: Who rely on constant transaction monitoring
- Autopay Users: Those with multiple recurring payments
- App Switchers: Users who switch between different UPI apps frequently
What Remains Unchanged
- Daily Transaction Limit: Still ₹1,00,000 for P2P transfers
- UPI PIN Requirements: No changes to security protocols
- Merchant Payments: Transaction limits remain the same
- Inter-bank Transfers: Processing continues as before
Tips to Adapt to New Rules
- Monitor Usage: Keep track of your daily balance checks across apps
- Plan Autopays: Schedule recurring payments within allowed time windows
- Use Multiple Apps: Distribute checks across different UPI platforms
- Check Once, Note Down: Reduce frequent balance checking by maintaining records
Impact on Digital Economy
These changes reflect India’s maturing digital payment ecosystem. With UPI processing over 10 billion transactions monthly, these regulations ensure system stability while maintaining user convenience. The rules demonstrate NPCI’s proactive approach to managing infrastructure scalability.
For more updates on digital payment regulations and banking news, visit Reserve Bank of India and stay connected with Technosports for the latest fintech coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many times can I check my account balance on UPI apps after August 1, 2025?
A: You can check your account balance only 50 times per day per UPI app. This means you could check 50 times on PhonePe, 50 times on GPay, and 50 times on Paytm separately. If you exceed this limit on any app, balance checking will be blocked for 24 hours on that specific app.
Q: What are the new autopay timing restrictions for UPI recurring payments?
A: Autopay transactions can now only be processed during specific time windows: before 10 AM, between 1-5 PM, and after 9:30 PM. This means if your autopay is scheduled for 11 AM, it will be processed either before 10 AM or after 1 PM to reduce system load during peak hours.
