7 UPI Game-Changers in 2025: What’s New & How You Benefit

General
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What’s Changing

  1. Higher Transaction Limits for Select Merchant Categories
    From 15 Sep 2025, UPI payments for certain verified merchant categories (like insurance, travel, etc.) can go up to ₹5 lakh per transaction, and up to ₹10 lakh per day for super-verified merchants.
  2. Biometric / On-Device Authentication for UPI Payments
    NPCI now authorises paying via fingerprint or face on your device (instead of only UPI PIN/OTP). Also launched: Aadhaar-based face auth for resetting UPI PINs.
  3. End of P2P “Collect” Requests
    From 1 Oct 2025 banks/apps must block peer-to-peer collect-requests to curb fraud from pull payments.
  4. New API Usage & System Limits for Stability
    From 1 Aug 2025, NPCI capped certain API calls (balance-check, account-list, status-check) to reduce system load and improve uptime. E.g., only 50 balance-checks per app per user per day.
  5. View & Port AutoPay/Recurring Mandates Across UPI Apps
    By 31 Dec 2025, you’ll be able to view all your UPI autopay mandates in any app, and port them between UPI apps.
  6. Global UPI/Multi-Border Integrations Starting
    NPCI and its international arm are enabling UPI acceptance/offering via partner countries and platforms—e.g., at merchant locations in Japan via NTT Data.
  7. New Cash Withdrawal Modes & Micro-ATM Integration via UPI
    UPI cash withdrawal options being expanded (via business-correspondents / micro ATMs) using UPI rails.

:white_check_mark: Why This Matters

  • Bigger transactions, fewer wallets: High-value payments can stay on UPI rather than separate systems.
  • Faster & simpler auth: Face/fingerprint = less friction at checkout.
  • Better control over recurring payments: View & switch autopay mandates easily.
  • More global usage: Your UPI ID may work overseas (or via partner networks) soon.
  • Safer payments: Blocking P2P collect and tightening API usage helps curb fraud.

:warning: Things to Watch

  • Even though the limits are raised, your bank/app may impose lower caps.
  • Biometric auth still in rollout phase; some banks/apps may not support yet.
  • Global usage: partner-country rollout will be gradual; don’t expect full global coverage instantly.
  • Always verify your mandates & linked accounts even if the system supports porting.
  • Changes take effect gradually; user experience may vary app to app.
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Does biometric UPI mean I can stop using my UPI PIN?