New UPI updates bring limits on balance checks, autopay timing changes, inactive ID closure and stronger verification for millions of users
New Delhi: India’s digital payment system has introduced several important changes from February 14, 2026. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which runs the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has updated the rules to make the system faster, safer and more stable. These changes affect everyone who uses UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM and other platforms. Shopkeepers, businesses and ordinary citizens who depend on digital payments will also be affected.
NPCI made these changes because UPI now handles billions of transactions every month. As more people use digital payments, the system needs better control to avoid overload and reduce fraud.
Limit on Balance Checks
From February 14, users can check their bank account balance only up to 50 times per day on each UPI app. If a person uses two different UPI apps, such as Google Pay and PhonePe, they can check their bank balance up to 50 times on each app in a single day.
NPCI introduced this restriction because repeated balance check requests were putting heavy pressure on banking servers. By cutting down on unnecessary balance inquiries, the system can now concentrate on processing actual payments more smoothly and at a faster speed.
Limit on Viewing Linked Accounts
Under the new rules, users can view the details of their linked bank accounts only 25 times per day on each UPI app. Earlier, there was no set limit on how many times a user could check their linked account information.
This step reduces repeated system requests that slow down the network. NPCI wants to improve performance by limiting extra activity that is not essential.
Changes in Autopay Timing
UPI Autopay services, including subscriptions, EMIs, insurance premiums and other recurring payments, will now be processed only during non-peak hours instead of busy times.
If an autopay transaction fails, the system will try again up to four times. This includes the first attempt and three additional retries. By moving these payments to less busy hours, NPCI wants to reduce heavy traffic on the system and lower the chances of payment failures.
Inactive UPI IDs Will Be Closed
UPI IDs that remain unused for 12 months will automatically become inactive under the new rules.
Sometimes, mobile numbers linked to unused accounts get reassigned to other people. Closing inactive UPI IDs helps prevent fraud and misuse. Users who regularly use their UPI accounts do not need to worry.
Stronger Bank Account Verification
NPCI has introduced stricter verification rules when users add a new bank account to their UPI app.
Banks and payment apps must now follow stronger authentication steps to confirm that the bank account truly belongs to the user. This rule adds more security and reduces the risk of unauthorized accounts being linked.
Faster Transaction Response
UPI transactions depend on technical systems called APIs that connect the bank, the payment app and the central UPI system. NPCI has reduced the response time for important UPI APIs from 30 seconds to 10 seconds.
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This change means users will get faster confirmation about whether their payment was successful or failed. It will reduce waiting time and make transactions smoother.
Credit Line Feature Coming
NPCI has also announced a new feature that will begin from August 2026. Users will be able to make UPI payments using a pre-approved credit line provided by banks or non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
Although this feature will fully start later, the rule framework has been introduced from February 14. This option will allow eligible users to access short-term credit directly through UPI for payments and withdrawals.
Why These Changes Matter
UPI has become one of the most widely used digital payment systems in the world. Every month, it handles billions of transactions, and as a result, the system faces growing pressure. Because of this heavy usage, NPCI decided to step in with new rules that can support the system better.
NPCI brought in these changes mainly to reduce the load on bank servers, improve security and ensure that payments are completed without delays. By cutting down on unnecessary activities like repeated balance checks and by tightening verification steps, NPCI wants to offer a safer and smoother experience for both users and businesses. In simple terms, these measures aim to keep the system stable as more and more people continue to use UPI.
What Users Should Remember
Most users do not have to do anything special. Still, there are a few important points to keep in mind.
- To begin with, avoid checking your bank balance too many times in one day. Since a daily limit is now in place, you may not be able to check it again after reaching that limit.
- Next, do not keep viewing your linked bank account details repeatedly, as there is also a daily cap on this activity.
- After that, keep in mind that autopay payments, such as subscriptions or EMIs, will now be processed during non-peak hours. This step helps reduce heavy traffic during busy periods.
- In addition, make sure you keep your UPI ID active by using it regularly. If you do not use it for 12 months, the system may automatically deactivate it.
- Finally, when linking a new bank account to your UPI app, complete all required verification steps carefully. Stronger authentication measures are now in place to prevent fraud.
These rules apply to all major UPI platforms, including Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM and other apps that operate on the UPI network.
The Bigger Picture
UPI has changed the way people in India pay and receive money. Today, millions of users send and accept payments within seconds, and most transactions happen without any charges. As digital payments become a part of daily life, more people rely on UPI for shopping, bills, transfers and business payments. Because of this growing use, NPCI keeps updating the system to make sure it stays safe, smooth and dependable.
The changes introduced on February 14 are among the most important updates in recent times. By controlling pressure on bank servers, strengthening protection against fraud and making transactions respond faster, NPCI wants to make India’s digital payment system stronger for the future.
With these new rules now in place, users across the country can look forward to a safer, steadier and more reliable UPI experience in the coming days.
