Need to increase your UPI limit? Here's what you need to know

What is the UPI transaction limit?
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is India's go-to method of making digital payments. It is however not without its constraints—there are transaction limits per day, typically ₹1 lakh a day per user, although banks and apps might have different ones. A few apps or banks allow you to increase this limit, depending on your history of usage, KYC status, and app terms. Understanding how and when you can increase your limit is crucial if you're sending large amounts frequently.

How to raise your UPI limit on different apps
Each app has its own method for revising the UPI limit. On Google Pay, you’ll need to link a bank account that supports higher limits and ensure your KYC is fully updated. PhonePe users may need to request a limit increase via app support or update their linked account. Paytm lets verified users ask for higher limits using the "Manage Bank Accounts" page. BHIM is typically NPCI rule-friendly, although back-end bank policies will determine the limit. The app usually doesn't determine the limit—your bank does.

Do you have to meet some requirements?
Yes. Before getting a limit raised, banks check your transaction history, frequency of usage, and whether your account has ever been reported. There are certain banks with in-house policies that will only give a limit increase after a certain account duration or minimum balance condition. Full KYC, clear history, and frequent app usage generally improve your chances for more UPI limit approval.

Why not everyone should raise their limit?
An increased UPI limit may seem attractive, but it also exposes you to more danger in case your phone gets stolen or is affected by fraud. UPI is a real-time and non-reversible payment system. Your device being hacked increases your limits on transactions means more possible losses. Be careful before you raise your limit unless you really need it—i.e., if you run a small business or perform frequent high-value transactions.

What if your bank does not allow a higher limit?
If your current bank is not supporting higher UPI limits, you can open an account with one that does. A few private and digital-first banks already offer daily limits of ₹5 lakh or higher on merchant and business accounts. Just ensure you use compatible apps with these bank policies and enjoy a good security setup—like screen lock, UPI PIN protection, and app locks.

Use wisely and stay alert
Raising your UPI transaction limit is convenient but has to be done with caution. It is meant for your convenience, not for misuse. Always keep your actual need in mind and balance it with the potential risk and ensure all your UPI apps and accounts are endowed with the highest level of security before you increase the limit.