PhonePe, GPay, Paytm Users ALERT: New UPI Rules From August 1: Daily Limits, Account Deactivation & More

Unified Payments Interface(UPI) is getting a major rule update from 1st August. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced multiple new UPI rule changes to improve system and manage congestion due to high payment traffic to make the UPI app usage across platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and others simple and easy.

1. Balance Check Limits

From August 1, users can check their bank account balance up to 50 times per day per UPI app. If you use multiple apps like PhonePe and GPay, the limit is applicable separately to each app.

This change is aimed at reducing backend load caused by repetitive balance enquiries during peak hours. Frequent users and businesses will need to adjust accordingly.

2. Limit on Viewing Linked Bank Accounts

You can now view your bank accounts linked to your mobile number only 25 times per day per UPI app. This includes checking the list of linked accounts or switching between them frequently. NPCI said that this will majorly ease the pressure on the UPI system caused by frequent queries.

3. Autopay Transactions Windows

One of the biggest changes in the UPI update 2025 is that autopay or recurring transactions such as OTT subscriptions, utility bills, or EMIs will now be processed only during off-peak time slots. The assigned time slots for UPI autopay are before 10:00 AM and between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. After 9:30 PM

4. Transaction Status Checks Limits

If a payment is stuck or pending, you can now check its status only 3 times per transaction, and each check must have a minimum 90-second gap.

This prevents system overload from users refreshing transaction status rapidly. It also enhances real-time responsiveness for all UPI users.

5. No Change in Transaction Limit

The maximum transaction limit on UPI remains Rs.1 lakh per transaction, as per earlier guidelines. However, for sectors like healthcare and education, the limit continues to be Rs. 5 lakh per transaction.

6. Mobile Number Inactivity May Cause UPI Deactivation

Another important update is that if your mobile number linked to UPI is inactive for 90 consecutive days, your UPI account will be automatically deactivated for safety and security purposes. Users are advised to use their UPI-linked phone number at least once every three months to keep their account active.

Impact of New UPI Rules on Users

For most regular users, these UPI rule changes will not cause any disruption. Your daily payments, money transfers, and bill payments will work as usual. However, if you frequently check balances, run a business, or use UPI APIs for multiple backend requests, you'll need to adapt. NPCI is putting efforts to make sure that the UPI remains fast and congestion-free, especially during high-volume traffic days.