Attention UPI users! Starting April 1, 2025, banks and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) applications will implement stricter mobile number verification protocols as part of a significant security overhaul directed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The new guidelines aim to curb fraud, minimize transaction failures, and tackle challenges posed by recycled, inactive, or outdated mobile numbers linked to UPI accounts. Under these rules, banks and UPI platforms will be required to verify and update mobile number records every week, ensuring that only active and accurate contact details are associated with user accounts.
To comply, users will need to explicitly authorize the use of numeric UPI IDs—those virtual payment addresses tied to their phone numbers—through a clear consent process. This step is designed to give individuals greater control over their digital identities and protect against unauthorized access. The NPCI has also urged banks to cross-check mobile numbers against telecom databases to confirm their validity, addressing the common issue of numbers being reassigned after a period of inactivity.
To avoid interruptions in your UPI transactions, it’s crucial to ensure that the mobile number registered with your bank and UPI app is current, active, and matches your actual usage. Users are advised to log into their UPI apps or contact their banks before the April 1 deadline to update their details if necessary. Failure to do so could lead to temporary suspension of UPI services or delays in payments. This initiative reflects a broader push to strengthen India’s digital payment ecosystem, which processed over 15 billion UPI transactions in February 2025 alone. Stay proactive, verify your details, and keep your UPI experience smooth and secure!
