🚨 Big Warning for UPI Users: New Rules Start 1 March 2026

G GOWTHAM
From 1March2026, the National Payments Corporation of india (NPCI) — which runs the Unified Payments Interdata-face (UPI) — will introduce new guidelines that will change how you send and receive money, apply limits on transactions, and strengthen security across wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital payments. These changes are intended to keep payments safe and curb fraud, but users need to know what’s coming before it takes effect.

🔁 1. New Daily UPI Transaction Limits

UPI transactions will now be bound by updated daily limits depending on the purpose of the payment:

  • 📌 Normal Transfers: Daily UPI payments to others will generally be capped at 1lakh per day.
  • 📌 Special High‑Value Payments: For specific categories like hospitals, educational institutions, and IPO payments, the daily cap may be raised to 5lakh to support larger essential transactions.
  • 📌 P2P Transfers: Peer‑to‑peer person‑to‑person transfers might have stricter limits to prevent misuse and fraud.
💳 2. Charges and Merchant Rules

From March 1, some changes could affect merchant payments and wallets:

  • 📌 Interchange Fees: Wallet‑based UPI payments (like those from prepaid wallets such as paytm or PhonePe when used as wallets) might start attracting interchange charges for merchants — not for consumers — when the payment exceeds ₹2,000.
  • 📌 No Charges for Users: Regular UPI payments linked directly to bank accounts will continue to be free for users — you won’t be charged to send money as before.
🔐 3. Stronger Security Checks for High‑Value Transfers

To protect users from scams and unauthorized transactions:

  • 🔒 Additional Authentication: For larger payments, banks and UPI apps may require extra verification, such as biometrics or more detailed authentication, before a transaction goes through.
  • 🔒 Fraud Prevention: Banks will have more authority to halt suspicious transactions, especially at higher limits.
    These changes aim to make UPI safer — though they might add a step to bigger transfers.
📵 4. Inactive UPI IDs Could Be Disabled

One of the strictest parts of the new system:

  • 📌 If a UPI ID hasn’t been used for over a year, it could be permanently deactivated after 1 March.
  • 📌 This means you must use or reactivate your UPI ID now (for example by making a small payment or logging in) to avoid losing it. To be safe, open your UPI app and perform a transaction or ensure your linked mobile number is active.
📌 Summary: What UPI Users Need to Do Before 1March

Check your UPI usage — don’t let your UPI ID go inactive.
Be aware of transaction limits — especially if you make large payments via UPI.
Prepare for extra security steps for big money transfers.
Merchants should plan for interchange fees on high‑value transactions via wallets.

💡 Bottom Line: From 1March2026, UPI won’t just be about tapping and sending money as usual — tighter limits and new verification measures are coming that aim to make your payments safer while still keeping UPI quick and free for everyday use.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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