New UPI Mobile Number Verification Rules from April 1, 2025

Important Changes for UPI Users

NPCI Guidelines for Banks, UPI Apps, and Third-Party Service Providers

• The NPCI has issued new guidelines for banks, UPI payment apps, and third-party UPI service providers regarding numeric UPI IDs.
• These rules aim to improve system compatibility, user-friendliness, and reduce transaction errors related to mobile number changes.
• All service providers must implement these rules by March 31, 2025.

Weekly Mobile Number Record Updates

• Banks and UPI apps must update their mobile number records weekly to prevent errors from recycled or modified numbers.

User Permission for Assigning or Updating Numeric UPI IDs

• Applications must get explicit user permission before assigning or updating numeric UPI IDs.
• Users must actively opt-in to use this feature, as the default setting is opt-out.
• Applications cannot request consent during transactions to avoid confusing users.

NPCI Official Statement

“The Banks, PSP App shall use the Mobile Number Revocation List/Digital Intelligence Platform (MNRL/DIP) and update their database accordingly at regular intervals, at least on weekly basis. The activity of recycled or the churned mobile numbers reflecting correctly in the bank and PSPTTPAP databases will reduce the chances of errors due to churned mobile numbers.”

Instructions for Banks, UPI Payment Apps, and Third-Party UPI Service Providers

• These instructions apply to banks, UPI payment apps, and third-party UPI service providers.
• If NPCI’s verification system experiences delays, UPI apps may temporarily resolve numeric UPI ID issues internally. However, these instances must be documented and reported to NPCI monthly for oversight purposes.

DoT Regulations for Mobile Number Reassignment

• The DoT regulations state that mobile numbers, once disconnected, can be reassigned to new users after a 90-day interval.
• Telecom providers usually deactivate numbers when subscribers show no activity – calls, messages, or data usage – for three consecutive months.
• Such reallocated numbers are called recycled or churned numbers.

Explicit Permission for Linking or Transferring UPI Numbers

• Applications supporting UPI transactions must now obtain explicit permission before linking or transferring your UPI number.
• Your bank-verified mobile number serves as your UPI identifier, allowing you to receive funds across different UPI applications.
• Regular database maintenance by PSPs and banks will ensure accurate UPI identity mapping, preventing misdirected transactions and strengthening security measures.

Monthly Reports to NPCI Regarding Management of Numeric UPI IDs

• Starting April 1, 2025, financial institutions and UPI applications must submit monthly reports to NPCI regarding their management of Numeric UPI IDs.

Improving UPI Transaction Efficiency, Security, and User Experience

• These changes aim to improve UPI transaction efficiency, security, and user experience by minimizing mobile number-related errors and increasing payment transparency.