UPI Changes by RBI: What You Should Know (August 2025 Update)

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continues to reshape how millions transact electronically. To maintain security, reliability, and performance amid soaring usage, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NPCI have introduced significant updates in mid‑2025. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, why it matters, and how you, as a reader of Stox n Tax, can stay informed and compliant.

1. Usage Caps for Balance Checks & Linked Accounts

Balance checks limited to 50 times per app per day, and viewing linked bank accounts capped at 25 times daily. This helps reduce load on the UPI infrastructure.

2. Autopay Transactions Restricted to Off‑Peak Windows

Auto‑debits will now be processed only during non‑peak hours: Before 10 AM, 1–5 PM, and after 9:30 PM.

3. Limits on Checking the Status of Failed Transactions

Status checks for failed transactions are limited to 3 times per day, with at least 90 seconds between attempts.

4. Enhanced Transaction Transparency

Recipient’s name appears before payment confirmation to prevent accidental or fraudulent transfers.

5. Faster System Response (June Update)

Response times for ‘request money’ and reversals have been cut from 30 seconds to 10 seconds.

6. ‘Collect’ Feature Disabled From October

From October 1, 2025, the P2P money request feature will be disabled, though merchants can still use it.

7. UPI May Soon Come With Charges

ICICI Bank has started charging payment aggregators for UPI processing, and RBI hints that free UPI may not last forever.

Why These Changes Matter for You

System reliability, enhanced security, and operational awareness are the key benefits for users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who initiated these changes—RBI or NPCI?

A: NPCI rolled out the updates in consultation with RBI.

Q: Are these rules applicable to all major UPI apps?

A: Yes, they apply to all UPI-enabled apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM.

Q: What happens if I exceed the new limits?

A: You may face delays or temporary restrictions on certain functions, but basic transfers remain unaffected.

Q: When will the ‘Collect’ feature end?

A: From October 1, 2025, for personal use.

Q: Will UPI eventually be chargeable for users like me?

A: It’s possible, as RBI hints that free UPI may not last forever.

Conclusion

The RBI‑backed updates to UPI in 2025 are part of a broader effort to bring greater discipline, efficiency, and trust to India’s most popular digital payment system. Staying informed ensures smoother payments and better security.

Leave a comment