Understanding how UPI transaction limits work in India can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re trying to make a payment that just won’t go through. Whether it’s a high-value purchase or a critical money transfer, hitting the daily or per-transaction ceiling can be frustrating. For users of popular apps like PhonePe, Google Pay (GPay), and Paytm, the experience is generally smooth—but these apps operate within the constraints set by banks and NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
As UPI becomes more central to our daily financial activities, knowing how to manage or even increase your transaction limits can make a real difference. The good news is that while UPI limits are mostly determined by your bank, there are still a few strategic actions you can take within PhonePe, GPay, and Paytm to optimize your usage and, in some cases, unlock higher thresholds.
Here’s a breakdown of the existing UPI limits and what you can potentially do to increase them depending on your app and bank association:
| App | Per Transaction Limit | Daily Limit (₹) | No. of Transactions per Day | Bank Dependency | Increase Option Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhonePe | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | 10 to 20 | Yes | Partially (via bank upgrade) |
| GPay | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | 10 to 20 | Yes | Partially (via bank upgrade) |
| Paytm | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | 10 to 20 | Yes | Partially (via Paytm Bank KYC) |
| BHIM (NPCI) | ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 | 20 | Yes | No |
Why These Limits Exist and How They Are Enforced
The limits on UPI are not arbitrarily set by apps like GPay or PhonePe. They are governed by NPCI rules and executed through your linked bank account. So even if the app interface feels seamless and app-driven, the core transactions are still routed through your bank’s UPI infrastructure. The per-transaction and daily limits exist as safeguards to prevent fraud and ensure banking infrastructure stability.
Each app is required to abide by the bank’s guidelines, but not every bank supports the full ₹1 lakh limit. In fact, some smaller cooperative banks cap the per transaction value much lower. This is why two users using the same app might have different limits—it all depends on the issuing bank linked to their UPI.
Upgrading Your Account Can Make a Difference
If you consistently hit the ceiling on your UPI transactions, your best option is to check with your bank about account tiers. Some premium savings accounts or salary accounts offer higher UPI thresholds. For example, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank sometimes provide custom UPI limits for their upper-tier account holders. Contacting your bank’s customer support or checking your internet banking portal can reveal these options.
In Paytm’s case, if you’re using a basic wallet or haven’t completed your full KYC (Know Your Customer), you may be operating under restricted limits. Completing full KYC, especially with Paytm Payments Bank, may grant you a broader range for UPI transfers. However, this still adheres to the NPCI’s ₹1 lakh cap, but internal wallet transfers and merchant payments might allow more flexibility post-verification.
Multi-App Linking to Bypass Individual App Limits
A smart workaround that many power users apply is splitting transactions across multiple UPI apps. For instance, if you’ve hit your daily cap on PhonePe, initiating a new transaction from GPay or Paytm—using the same bank account—can still process successfully, provided your bank hasn’t enforced a hard limit. This tactic doesn’t increase the bank’s overall UPI cap but allows temporary flexibility through app-based quotas.
You can also link different bank accounts to different apps. For example, use HDFC Bank with PhonePe and Axis Bank with GPay. This way, you have double the limit access without violating UPI policies. Be mindful though—each bank tracks its own UPI limits independently.
When Business Accounts May Be Worth Exploring
If you’re someone who uses UPI for business transactions—such as receiving client payments or settling vendor dues—consider opening a UPI-enabled current account. Apps like PhonePe and Paytm offer merchant onboarding where UPI limits are higher for verified businesses. Transaction limits can stretch beyond ₹1 lakh, particularly if the payments are tagged as merchant transactions rather than peer-to-peer. These features, however, come with compliance steps, such as GST details or business PAN documentation.
Security Factors and Limit Increase Eligibility
Another layer in this puzzle is security. UPI is built for real-time processing, but security protocols often prevent sudden jumps in transaction behavior. If you suddenly attempt a high-value transfer after months of inactivity, your bank or the app may flag it, even if it’s technically under the ₹1 lakh limit. Consistent usage, verified KYC, and low chargeback/refund activity all help build your “UPI credibility,” increasing your chances of getting higher flexibility from the platform.
Customer Support and Raising Manual Requests
If you believe your account merits a limit increase, one proactive step is reaching out to customer support from your respective UPI app. While they cannot override bank or NPCI rules, they may initiate a request to the bank on your behalf. For instance, some users have reported success by contacting Paytm’s support and getting upgraded after sharing valid financial usage justifications. Similarly, PhonePe and GPay support might suggest account re-verification or a switch to a partner bank offering better UPI performance.
FAQs About Increasing UPI Limits on PhonePe, GPay & Paytm
1. Can I increase the UPI limit beyond ₹1 lakh per day?
No, the NPCI-set maximum limit per day is ₹1 lakh for most users. However, merchants or special accounts may get exceptions.
2. Does my app determine the limit or my bank?
Your bank primarily controls the transaction limits, not the app. The app only reflects what’s permitted by your linked bank.
3. Can I use multiple UPI apps to bypass daily limits?
Yes, as long as you use different banks or app-linked accounts, you can extend your effective limit.
4. How does KYC affect UPI limits in Paytm?
Full KYC verification in Paytm Payments Bank can unlock better functionality and consistent UPI transfers.
5. Is it possible to send more than ₹1 lakh using UPI?
Only in special cases like business or merchant accounts. For regular users, the hard limit is ₹1 lakh per day.
6. Do all banks offer ₹1 lakh UPI limits?
Not necessarily. Some cooperative or rural banks offer lower UPI limits based on their internal risk policies.
7. Why does my UPI transaction fail despite being under the limit?
This can happen due to network issues, security flags, or internal app-level transaction frequency restrictions.
8. How long do I need to wait after hitting the daily UPI limit?
Limits reset every 24 hours, typically from the time of your first transaction.
9. Does upgrading to a premium savings account help?
Yes, premium accounts often have higher thresholds and better UPI reliability.
10. Can I raise a manual request to increase my UPI limit?
Yes, some banks accept manual requests via customer service if you demonstrate consistent usage or have special requirements.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly driven by cashless payments, hitting a UPI limit at the wrong moment can be frustrating—but not insurmountable. While the NPCI guidelines do place a firm ceiling on daily and per-transaction UPI transfers, there’s still plenty of room to optimize your experience within apps like PhonePe, GPay, and Paytm. By understanding how these limits work, upgrading your bank accounts, using multi-app strategies, and leveraging full KYC processes, you can ensure smoother, more efficient financial operations. With the right setup, UPI can become a powerful and frictionless part of your everyday financial life.
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