New Delhi: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will roll out key changes to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem starting August 1, 2025. The new rules aim to enhance system efficiency, reduce digital transaction delays, and enforce better control over API usage by banks and payment apps.

According to circulars issued in April and May 2025, the NPCI flagged excessive “Check Transaction Status” API calls from Payment Service Provider (PSP) banks as a major cause of system strain. It directed banks and apps like PhonePe, Paytm, and Google Pay to monitor and restrict the frequency of these requests.

Key UPI Changes for Users:

  • Account Balance Checks: Limited to 50 per day per app (users may still check across multiple apps).

  • Auto-pay Timing Windows: Scheduled payments will be processed only before 10 a.m., between 1–5 p.m., or after 9:30 p.m.

  • Faster Payment Updates: Apps must now confirm transaction status—success or failure—within seconds.

  • Transaction Status Checks: Limited to 3 per pending transaction, spaced at least 90 seconds apart.

  • Linked Bank Account Views: Capped at 25 views per day.

  • Payment Reversal Requests: Limited to 10 per month, with a max of 5 per sender.

  • Recipient Transparency: The recipient’s registered bank name will be shown before completing the payment to reduce fraud and mistakes.

    • NPCI has also warned PSPs and acquiring banks of strict action for misuse of system APIs, including potential penalties or access restrictions.