If you rely on UPI for daily transactions, a major rule change starting tomorrow, April 1, could affect your access to the service. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued new guidelines to ensure safer and more efficient UPI transactions. The key change? Banks and payment apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm will now deactivate UPI IDs linked to inactive mobile numbers. Users must act now to avoid disruptions.
New UPI Rule Aims to Prevent Errors and Fraud
According to a report by The Times of India, NPCI has directed banks and Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to regularly update their databases using the Mobile Number Revocation List/Digital Intelligence Platform (MNRL/DIP). This process will help identify and deactivate UPI IDs associated with mobile numbers that have been reassigned to new users.
Currently, telecom operators can recycle a disconnected mobile number after 90 days of inactivity. If your registered mobile number has been inactive for an extended period, your UPI ID could be unlinked, making digital payments inaccessible.
Currently, telecom operators can recycle a disconnected mobile number after 90 days of inactivity. If your registered mobile number has been inactive for an extended period, your UPI ID could be unlinked, making digital payments inaccessible.
What UPI Users Need to Do
With this new directive, users must ensure their bank-registered mobile numbers remain active. If your number has been inactive due to non-usage, you may risk losing access to your UPI services. Here’s what you should do to avoid disruptions:
- Keep your mobile number in regular use – make calls, send messages, or use mobile data.
- Update your bank records with your current mobile number if you have recently changed it.
- Check your UPI app settings to confirm your number is still linked.
‘Collect Payment’ Feature to Be Restricted
NPCI is also making changes to prevent fraud. As reported by The Economic Times, the “Collect Payment” feature, which allows users to request money from others, will now be limited. Only verified merchants can use this option, and person-to-person requests will be capped at Rs 2,000.
