If you use Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm for UPI transactions, this news is important for you. From April 1, 2025, a major change is coming to banking and UPI services. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has directed banks and UPI apps to remove inactive mobile numbers from their systems by March 31, 2025.
Removal of Inactive Numbers
The main goal of this decision is to prevent issues caused by inactive or recycled numbers, which can create transaction failures. A mobile number is considered inactive if it has not been used for voice calls, SMS, or data services for 90 days. Such numbers are then reassigned to new users. If your bank account or UPI app is linked to an inactive number, you may face transaction problems in the future.
New Rule Effective from April 1
Starting April 1, banks and UPI apps will remove inactive numbers from their systems. To ensure your bank account or UPI ID remains active, you must recharge your mobile number.
Under the new rule, UPI apps must now seek user consent before linking or updating a mobile number with a UPI ID. Previously, this process was automatic and did not require user approval.
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Recharge Your Mobile Number Immediately
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has warned that inactive numbers can lead to fraud, as scammers may use old numbers to gain access to bank accounts. NPCI has also made it mandatory for banks and UPI apps to update their systems weekly and remove inactive numbers.
If your bank account or UPI ID is linked to a mobile number that has been inactive for a long time, recharge it immediately to avoid service disruption.