New UPI Rules Rolled Out with Major Changes for All Digital Payment Users
- Balance Check Limit - Users can now check their bank balance only 50 times per day on UPI apps.
- New AutoPay Timings - Scheduled bill payments will be processed only before 10 AM or after 9:30 PM.
- Pending Status Cap - Transaction status can be checked only three times, with a 90-second gap.
A fresh set of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) rules have come into effect from today, as mandated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). These rule changes are aimed at optimizing the UPI ecosystem, easing pressure during peak hours, and enhancing user convenience across platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and others.
Key UPI Rule Changes Effective August 1
One of the most significant changes is the limitation on bank balance checks. From now on, users can check their bank balance only up to 50 times per day through UPI apps. This move is designed to reduce unnecessary server loads that occur when users frequently check balances.
However, to minimize inconvenience, another rule has been introduced users will now automatically see their bank balance displayed after each transaction. This aims to strike a balance between utility and system efficiency.
Another major update is the restriction on checking the status of pending transactions. Users can now check a pending transaction's status only three times, with a mandatory 90-second gap between each attempt. This measure is likely to reduce traffic spikes on the servers during transaction failures or delays.
Autopay and Scheduled Payments Adjustments
As part of the new regulations, the NPCI has mandated that scheduled bill payments and autopay transactions will only be processed during non-peak hours specifically, before 10 AM and after 9:30 PM. This includes recurring payments for OTT platforms, utility bills, and subscriptions. The objective is to alleviate transaction traffic during daytime hours and ensure smoother payment processing across the network.
No Change in Transaction Volume or Limit
Despite several changes, the daily UPI transaction limit remains unchanged. Users can still make up to 20 transactions per day, with a maximum transfer limit of Rs 1 lakh.
New User UPI Limits
For new users, banks will continue to follow introductory restrictions, generally limiting UPI transfers to Rs 5,000 per transaction and a cumulative Rs 5,000 in the first 24 hours.
Impact on Users
These changes are expected to streamline the functioning of UPI platforms and reduce server congestion, especially during high-traffic periods. While the new rules may require slight behavioral adjustments from users, they are designed to make digital transactions more efficient and reliable.
The NPCI encourages users to stay informed and comply with the latest mandates to ensure seamless payment experiences.
