News | 📰 New UPI Rules Come Into Effect from August 1: Here's What You Need to Know

📰 New UPI Rules Come Into Effect from August 1: Here's What You Need to Know

News

01 August 2025

2 min read

UBS Forums

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Major changes to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem come into effect starting today, impacting how millions of Indians use platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, and others. The revised rules, as directed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and supported by recent regulatory guidance, aim to enhance user security, transparency, and system efficiency.

🔑 Key Changes to UPI from August 1

1. Inactive UPI IDs to Be Deactivated

UPI IDs that haven’t been used for over a year will now be automatically disabled. This move is intended to curb fraud and misuse of dormant accounts.

2. Enhanced Security for High-Value Transactions

For UPI transactions above ₹2,000, especially for first-time payments to new beneficiaries, users will face additional verification steps. These may include cooling-off periods and enhanced authentication to protect against phishing and unauthorized access.

3. Updated User Consent Requirements

All UPI apps must now clearly display mandate authorization prompts, ensuring users explicitly approve recurring payments or auto-debits. This boosts transparency in subscription-based or auto-payment services.

4. Regulatory Oversight on Wallet Balances

Wallet-based UPI providers (like Paytm Wallet) must now provide clear visibility of wallet balances before transactions. The change comes in response to concerns around overdrawing or failed payments due to insufficient funds.

📱 Who Is Affected?

Regular UPI users will face minimal disruption, but they may see new prompts or verification layers, especially during large or first-time payments.

Dormant users may need to reactivate their UPI ID through their app or bank if deactivated.

Merchants and subscription platforms must update their processes to meet the new consent and security norms.

🧾 Why the Change?

The NPCI and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are pushing for a safer and more reliable digital payments ecosystem, especially amid the massive growth of UPI. With over 11 billion transactions monthly, maintaining trust and operational clarity is crucial.

Bottom Line: While most users won’t see drastic changes in their daily transactions, the new UPI rules enhance security and user control—important steps as India continues its journey toward a fully digital economy.

Reference: LiveMint