UPI Rules Changing from August 1: Daily Limits, Autopay Windows, API Caps

India’s most used digital payment system is changing. From August 1, 2025, NPCI is introducing new UPI rules. These changes will affect how you check balances, schedule payments, and use banking apps.

Let’s break down what’s changing—and how it impacts you.

New Daily Limits for UPI Users

NPCI has noticed that balance-check APIs were causing overloads. So now, apps like PhonePe, GPay, and Paytm must restrict balance and account info requests.

Here’s what you need to know:

These limits apply per app. So if you use two apps, your effective daily limit doubles.

Recurring Payments Now Have Fixed Time Slots

If you’ve set up AutoPay mandates (for subscriptions, EMIs, SIPs), those will now process only in non-peak time windows. NPCI has enforced these timing windows to reduce daytime overload.

Expected execution slots:
Before 10 AM
Between 1 PM – 5 PM
After 9:30 PM

No more random deduction times. So plan your bank balance accordingly to avoid failed payments.

Banks and Apps Must Obey API Call Limits

Banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) are now subject to strict UPI API call caps. This affects:

• Balance check APIs
• Status check APIs
• Mandate execution APIs

NPCI aims to ensure fair usage across the ecosystem. Banks must also submit their compliance report by August 31 or face penalties.

Better Protection on Failed Transactions

If a UPI payment fails, you now get up to 3 retry attempts. Also, recipient names will appear more clearly during the transaction to reduce fraud.

The goal: fewer failed transactions, better clarity, and safer transfers.

No GST on Personal UPI Transactions

Despite rumors, NPCI clarified that no GST will be charged on personal peer-to-peer UPI transactions. This applies to individuals using UPI for non-commercial transfers.

Did You Know?

India processed over 14 billion UPI transactions in June 2025 alone—more than any other country’s digital payments combined.

Summary