UPI Payments Now 50% Faster, NPCI’s New Rules Come Into Effect
New Delhi, 16th June 2025: Starting today, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions will be completed 50% faster, with payments now taking a maximum of 15 seconds instead of the earlier 30. This development comes as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) implements technical upgrades aimed at enhancing user experience and reducing transaction failures.
These changes, announced last month, officially came into force today and are expected to significantly improve the speed and reliability of India’s most widely used digital payment system.
What’s Changed in UPI Transactions?
Earlier, payments made through apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm could take up to 30 seconds to process. Now, banks and payment apps have upgraded their systems following NPCI’s directive to complete transactions within 15 seconds. The changes involve updates to the Application Programming Interface (API) — the core software that facilitates fund transfers between banks.
Why the Upgrade?
With UPI becoming a daily tool for transactions — from roadside vendors to e-commerce checkouts — delays and payment status confusion had become common complaints. NPCI’s move is aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and minimizing failures and reversals.
All Transactions to Benefit
The faster processing applies to all UPI transactions — whether you are sending money, scanning a QR code, or checking the status of a payment. Importantly, transaction reversals and status checks, which earlier took 30 seconds, will now be processed in just 10 seconds.
Reduced Wait Time for Stuck Transactions
Another key change is in how pending transactions are handled. Previously, apps had to wait 90 seconds before verifying a stuck transaction. Now, they can do so within 45 to 60 seconds, significantly reducing user anxiety over failed payments.
No Action Needed by Users
End users are not required to take any specific action apart from keeping their UPI apps updated. NPCI, banks, and payment platforms are responsible for implementing these backend changes.
Will This Reduce Fraud?
While this update isn’t targeted directly at curbing fraud, quicker confirmations and improved transparency are expected to help users detect suspicious activity more swiftly, potentially preventing financial loss.
What’s Next for UPI?
NPCI has lined up several new features in the coming months:
From April 1, 2025: Easier withdrawals from UPI Lite accounts and mandatory passcode or pattern lock for app access.
From June 30, 2025: The correct beneficiary bank name will be shown before confirming payment to help reduce fraud.
From August 1, 2025: Balance check limits will be capped at 50 per app per day, and autopay transactions will only be processed during non-peak hours.
UPI Usage Continues to Surge
In May 2025, UPI recorded 1,867 crore transactions worth ₹25.14 lakh crore — marking a 4% month-on-month growth. With speed and reliability now enhanced, this upward trend is expected to continue.
