New UPI Rules Effective from August 1: Limits on Balance Checks, Mandates & More

 What’s Changing: Key UPI Updates from 1 August 2025

1. Daily Limit on Balance Checks

• UPI users will be restricted to a maximum of 50 balance inquiries per day per app (e.g. 50 via Google Pay, and separately 50 via PhonePe, if using both) Razorpay+15Jagranjosh.com+15Angel One+15.

• Purpose: Reduce API overload from frequent balance requests that strain the system, especially during peak hours.

2.Linked Account Views Cap

• You can view your linked bank accounts (like switching between banks within the app) only 25 times a day per UPI app Travel And Tour WorldZee News+4Jagranjosh.com+4Angel One+4.

3. Transaction Status Check Limits

• NPCI has limited how often you can refresh or check pending UPI transaction status. You’ll only have a few retries per transaction—often capped at three attempts with wait times between them Jagranjosh.comAngel OneAngel One.

4. AutoPay Mandates Restricted to Off‑Peak Hours

• Scheduled payments like SIPs, subscriptions, utility bills, or EMIs (via AutoPay) will be executed only during non‑peak hours:

  • Peak windows defined as: 10 AM–1 PM and 5 PM–9:30 PM

  • Mandates can be created anytime, but payments will run only during the off‑peak slots The Economic Times+15The Indian Express+15Republic World+15Angel One+1Navbharat Times+1.

• Mandates typically allow one attempt plus up to three retries, under controlled API rate limits Angel One.

5. API Usage Caps & Enforcement

• NPCI is now capping usage of key UPI APIs—including balance enquiry, account viewing, autopay mandate, and address validation APIs—to avoid crashes and downtime.

• Banks and payment apps must comply, or face penalties Indiatimes+11www.ndtv.com+11LinkedIn+11Navbharat Times+2The Indian Express+2The Times of India+2.

6. No Changes to Payment or Transaction Value Limits

• Transaction value thresholds remain unchanged:

  • ₹1 lakh per day for regular UPI transactions

  • Up to ₹5 lakh for tax payments, education, healthcare, GOP schemes, etc. telugu.samayam.com+15Odisha Bytes+15Gulf News+15@mathrubhumi+7ClearTax+7Cashfree+7.

• UPI continues to be free for users, with no GST on transactions >₹2,000 @mathrubhumi+5Gulf News+5The Economic Times+5.

Why These Changes Matter

✅ Reliability & Speed Improvement

• The high frequency of non-transaction requests—like constant balance checks and status refreshes—was causing slowdowns or outages during heavy load periods. These new limits will help ensure smoother, faster UPI service for all users Angel One+2Republic World+2India Today+2.

✅ Better Experience for Everyone

• While heavy or automated users may feel limited, most casual UPI users won’t notice much change in their regular payment behavior.

✅ Operational Efficiency & Fairness

• Cap limits force app developers and banks to optimize API usage, cutting out unnecessary background requests and bot-like behavior India TodayLinkedIn+1Angel One+1.

 Tips for UPI Users & Businesses

Use Case	What to Do
You check balance frequently	Track your balance via notifications (banks now will share post‑transaction balance) or within app only when needed.
Subscriptions / SIPs via UPI Mandate	Be aware your mandate won't process during peak times—schedule accordingly to avoid failed payments.
Multiple banks linked	Limit switching between accounts to under 25 per day per app.
Apps / Developers	Review how your product’s API calls are structured—reduce redundant calls to stay within limits.

Bottom Line

Starting August 1, 2025, NPCI’s UPI ecosystem introduces deliberate caps on balance inquiries, account viewing, and autopay mandates, but keeps transaction limits and free usage intact. The focus is on system stability, faster processing, and equitable access.

If you’re a small user, everyday UPI usage continues as before. If you're a power user or developer, it's time to optimize usage patterns before the limits kick in.

Important Dates & Clarifications

• Effective date: 1 August 2025

• Balance inquiries capped at 50/day per app

• Account views capped at 25/day per app

• AutoPay triggers only in non‑peak windows

• APIs regulated to manage server load

• No change in per‑transaction or daily transaction values

• No GST on transactions >₹2,000