National/ Business Desk
1 August
Tv10punjab
Starting from August 1, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented new rules to improve how UPI (Unified Payments Interface) apps function. These rules are aimed at enhancing user safety, improving app performance, and reducing fraud across digital transactions. The changes are now active on all major UPI platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and others.
One of the key changes is the limit on how many times a user can check their bank balance. Now, users can only check their bank account balance up to 50 times per day. This restriction helps in reducing unnecessary load on the system. Additionally, after each UPI transaction, the app will automatically show the available bank balance. This will help users track their funds easily without needing to check their balance separately.
Another important update is related to automatic payments, also known as Autopay. These payments will now be processed only during non-peak hours to manage system traffic more efficiently. Autopay transactions will only be allowed before 10:00 AM, between 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and after 9:30 PM. If an Autopay is scheduled during peak hours, it will be delayed and processed later. If the transaction fails, the app will try again, but if it continues to fail, the payment will be canceled.
Users will now be able to view the list of bank accounts linked to their mobile number only 25 times a day. This step is introduced to reduce unnecessary requests and protect users’ financial data. The list can only be accessed when the user is linking or selecting a bank inside the UPI app.
To avoid wrong payments and scams, UPI apps will now show the registered name of the receiver before the money is transferred. This change will help users confirm the identity of the person receiving the funds and prevent accidental or fraudulent transfers. The receiver’s name will also appear with the transaction ID to provide more clarity.
Pending transactions will now be updated faster to avoid confusion. If a transaction hasn’t been confirmed, users can check its status only three times, and there must be a 90-second gap between each attempt. This helps reduce server pressure and ensures better performance during busy hours.
To ensure that all UPI platforms follow these rules strictly, NPCI has also introduced penalties. If any UPI app fails to follow the new rules, NPCI may restrict its technical access (API), stop the app from onboarding new users, or impose fines.
Overall, these changes are aimed at making UPI apps more secure, user-friendly, and reliable. With growing digital payments across India, it’s important that the system remains fast, transparent, and safe. These new rules will not only improve user experience but also help reduce technical issues and fraud in the long run.