NPCI to Disable Peer-to-Peer ‘Collect Request’ Feature on UPI from October 1, 2025

Move aimed at curbing online frauds; merchants to retain request option

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has directed all banks and payment platforms, including Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm, to discontinue the peer-to-peer “Collect Request” feature on UPI from October 1, 2025. The step is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen digital payment security.

 

The “Collect Request” or “Pull Transaction” option on UPI currently allows users to send a payment request to another person, who can then approve the transaction. For example, one could request ₹1,000 from a friend through UPI, and upon approval, the money would be credited instantly. However, this feature has increasingly been exploited by fraudsters through deceptive requests, trapping unsuspecting users.

 

NPCI had earlier capped the request limit at ₹2,000 per transaction to reduce frauds, but scammers continued to find new ways to misuse the system. As a result, the regulator decided to fully discontinue peer-to-peer requests.

Importantly, the rule will not apply to merchants. Businesses, shops, and companies will continue to be able to send UPI collect requests to customers, ensuring that digital commerce remains unaffected.

The decision is expected to significantly enhance consumer safety in India’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.