The way you use UPI (Unified Payments Interface) is changing — starting today, August 1, 2025, a fresh set of rules comes into effect, aimed at enhancing security, streamlining usage, and reducing fraud risks in India’s booming digital payments space.
UPI, launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has redefined how Indians transfer money, turning smartphones into digital wallets for over 300 million users. Now, as India leads globally in real-time payments (as acknowledged by the IMF), the next phase of UPI evolution begins.
What’s Changing from August 1?
Here’s a breakdown of the new UPI usage norms:
1. Balance Check Limit
Users can now check their bank account balance only 50 times per UPI app per day. This aims to reduce spammy or excessive queries that strain the network.
2. Transaction Status Inquiry
Users can request the status of a transaction only after 45–60 seconds of initiating it. This will help avoid confusion and reduce duplicate status checks that often clog the system.
3. Autopay Mandates Limited to Non-Peak Hours
Recurring payments like OTT subscriptions, electricity bills, and other utility autopay mandates will now be processed only during non-peak hours (i.e., outside 10 AM–1 PM and 5 PM–9:30 PM). This ensures faster execution of real-time customer payments during high traffic hours.
4. Linked Account Listing Restricted
You can now view linked bank accounts only 25 times per day per app. This reduces API overload and prevents misuse of the feature by third parties.
Why the Change?
The NPCI says these rules are meant to strike a balance between high-speed service and fraud prevention, as transaction volumes soar year after year. With more players and platforms joining the UPI ecosystem, better management of digital traffic has become essential.
Expert Insight:
RBI officials recently remarked that while UPI remains free, the cost of maintaining this ecosystem is rising, indicating a possible push toward regulated monetization or stricter controls in the future.
Bottom Line:
If you’re a frequent UPI user, check your app behavior—limit balance checks, be mindful of timing for autopay, and don’t panic if you can’t view your account or transaction status instantly. The system is simply getting smarter, not slower.
