UPI Gets a Speed Boost: Transactions Now in 10 Seconds

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India are set to become significantly faster starting June 16, 2025, with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) mandating that payment-related processes be completed within 10–15 seconds. This move aims to enhance user experience, reduce transaction failures, and boost trust in digital payments amidst record-high UPI usage across the country.

Why in News?

The NPCI recently issued circulars directing all UPI stakeholders to adopt new technical standards that reduce the transaction response time and introduce other measures to streamline and secure the payment experience. These changes are being enforced following a substantial increase in UPI usage, with over 1,868 crore transactions worth ₹25.14 lakh crore recorded in May 2025.

Key Highlights

Faster Transactions

• Money transfers, status checks, and reversals must now be completed in 10–15 seconds, down from 30 seconds.
• UPI address validation will now take only 10 seconds (previously 15 seconds).

Improved User Confidence

• UPI apps must display only the final beneficiary’s name, not intermediary names.
• Users will no longer be allowed to edit the beneficiary name on the app interface to prevent fraud.

New Account Balance Check Limit

• Users can now check their account balance up to 50 times a day on UPI apps.
• Previously, there was no limit. The cap is introduced to reduce system load.

Compliance Deadline

• All UPI ecosystem participants must implement these norms by June 30, 2025.

Background and Significance

What is UPI?

• UPI is a real-time interbank payment system developed by NPCI, enabling mobile-based instant fund transfers between banks.

Why the Update?

• Rising digital transactions have caused strain on the system.
• Reducing response time helps prevent timeouts, reduces user frustration, and boosts reliability.

Significance

• Enhances customer satisfaction.
• Ensures faster resolution of failed payments.
• Promotes digital economy goals under the Digital India initiative.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	UPI Gets a Speed Boost: Transactions Now in 10 Seconds
New Transaction Time	10–15 seconds (reduced from 30 seconds)
Balance Check Limit	50 times/day per user
Security Update	Show only final beneficiary name; disable name editing
Compliance Deadline	June 30, 2025
UPI Transactions in May	1,868 crore (33% YoY rise) worth ₹25.14 lakh crore (23% rise)