How to File a UPI Refund Complaint and NPCI Complaint Online in 2026

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized the way Indians transfer money. Whether it’s paying for groceries, sending money to friends, or completing business transactions, UPI makes the process seamless and real-time. But what happens when a UPI transaction fails, or worse, when money is debited but not credited to the recipient’s account? That’s when filing a UPI refund complaint becomes crucial.

This article walks you through the steps to file UPI and NPCI complaints online, helping you recover your hard-earned money quickly and efficiently.

Why Do UPI Transactions Fail?

Before diving into the complaint process, it’s important to understand why UPI failures occur. Some common reasons include:

Server downtime of the bank or UPI service provider
Technical issues with the app (like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.)
Incorrect UPI ID or account details
Exceeding daily transaction limits
Network issues or poor internet connectivity

These failures often result in situations where the amount is debited from your account but not credited to the receiver. While most such issues resolve automatically within 24 to 72 hours, if your refund doesn’t come through, it’s time to take action.

Step-by-Step Guide to File a UPI Refund Complaint

Here’s how you can register a complaint if your UPI transaction fails:

1. Use the UPI App’s In-App Support

Open the UPI app used for the transaction (e.g., PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM).
Go to “Transaction History”.
Click on the failed or pending transaction.
Tap on “Raise a complaint” or “Report issue”.
Describe the issue and submit.

Most UPI apps provide tracking updates once the complaint is lodged.

2. Contact Your Bank

If the app support doesn’t help, reach out to your bank’s customer service. Provide them with:

UPI transaction ID or UTR number
Date and time of transaction
Screenshots, if available

Banks generally have a turnaround time of 3 to 7 working days.

3. File a Complaint with NPCI

If the issue persists even after contacting the app and the bank, escalate the matter to NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).

Here’s how to file an NPCI complaint online:

Visit: https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/dispute-redressal-mechanism
Click on “Raise a Dispute”
Fill in the required details:
- UPI transaction ID
- Bank details
- Date of transaction
- Issue type (money debited but not credited, failed refund, etc.)
Submit the complaint

NPCI usually takes 7–10 working days to investigate and provide resolution. Make sure you retain all proof like transaction details and screenshots.

Tips to Avoid UPI Transaction Failures

To reduce the chances of running into such issues:

Avoid transferring money during peak hours
Always ensure you have strong internet connectivity
Double-check the UPI ID and amount before proceeding
Update your UPI app regularly for the latest features and bug fixes
Use trusted UPI apps and avoid unknown or third-party platforms

Final Thoughts

While UPI is a game-changer in digital payments, technical glitches can cause trouble for users. The good news is that the refund and complaint redressal system is improving, and with proper steps, users can get their money back without much hassle. If you ever face a failed or stuck transaction, don’t panic—follow the escalation ladder from the app to the bank, and finally to NPCI if needed.