Big Changes Are Coming to UPI from August 1
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has become a part of our daily lives. From buying groceries to paying bills, most people in India now use apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm to make instant payments. But from August 1, 2025, some new rules will change the way we use UPI. These changes, introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), aim to make digital payments more secure and smooth.
Let’s take a closer look at what is changing and how it will affect you.
What Is UPI and Why Is It So Popular?
Before diving deeper into the rules, it’s useful to remind readers:
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface) was launched in 2016 by NPCI to enable real-time bank-to-bank payments.
- Over 10 billion UPI transactions happen monthly (as per recent reports).
- It is accepted by both small vendors and large retailers.
- UPI is free of cost for most users, making it a preferred choice.
1. Balance Check Limit: No More Unlimited Enquiries
Until now, UPI users could check their bank balance as many times as they wanted. But from August 1, this will change.
- You can now check your bank balance only 50 times per day.
- UPI apps may also limit or pause balance checks during peak hours to reduce server load.
- You will now see your available balance with every transaction, making it easier to track your spending.
This rule will help manage traffic on UPI servers and improve speed during busy times.
2. Auto Payments Only at Certain Times
If you have automatic payments like subscriptions or EMI deductions, here’s an important update.
From now on, auto payments will be processed only during non-peak hours, that is:
- Before 10 AM
- Between 1 PM to 5 PM
- After 9:30 PM
For example, if your Netflix subscription is scheduled for 11 AM, the payment might go through before or after that time.
- In case a payment fails, the app will retry it automatically, and if it still fails, it will get cancelled.
This rule will prevent UPI systems from crashing during high-traffic times.
3. Bank Details Access Limited
Right now, when you link your UPI app to your phone number, you can view all banks connected to it. But with the new rules:
- You can see linked bank details only 25 times a day.
- You’ll need to manually select your bank before viewing the details.
This step will increase privacy and reduce unnecessary load on UPI servers.
4. Better Transaction Status Updates
One of the most frustrating things about UPI is when money is deducted, but the receiver doesn’t get it immediately. Starting August 1:
- Unconfirmed or pending transactions will get updated faster.
- Users can now check payment status only 3 times, and there must be a 90-second gap between each check.
This will reduce confusion and stop people from hitting the “refresh” button too many times.
5. See Recipient’s Name Before Every Payment
To avoid mistakes and fraud, UPI will now show the recipient’s registered name and transaction ID before you make a payment.
This way, users can double-check and make sure they are sending money to the right person.
6. NPCI Will Take Action If Rules Are Broken
The circular also mentions that if payment service providers (apps) do not follow these new rules, the NPCI may:
- Limit UPI access
- Impose penalties
- Stop onboarding new users temporarily
This shows that NPCI is serious about making UPI more secure and user-friendly.
Why These Changes Matter
India is now one of the top countries in the world for digital payments. But with high usage, come bigger risks—server crashes, fraud, and failed transactions. These rules will:
- Make UPI faster and more reliable
- Reduce fraud cases
- Protect user data and money
- Improve the performance of all UPI apps
These small steps will have a big impact in the long run.
How Will It Impact You?
For Regular Users:
- You’ll need to plan balance checks and autopayments wisely.
- You’ll feel more secure with the recipient name visible before payments.
- No more confusion over “pending” transactions-status will be clearer.
For Businesses:
- Businesses using UPI auto-deductions (like subscription models or EMIs) must schedule payments outside peak hours.
- Fewer complaints from customers about failed or delayed transactions.
What Happens If You Cross the Limits?
- If you exceed the limit (like checking balance 60 times a day), the UPI app will block that feature for the rest of the day.
- The app may show a message like “You have reached your daily limit for this service.”
Be Ready for August 1
Whether you’re a student paying exam fees or a shopkeeper receiving payments, UPI touches all our lives. These changes may seem small, but they will help make our digital payment system more secure and smooth.
So update your apps, check your payment schedules, and get used to the new limits. Because from August 1, UPI will be smarter, safer, and faster than before.
