Money deducted but the UPI payment failed or the recipient did not receive it? Understand what to check, the applicable reversal timeline and what to do if your money is not returned.
Account debited but UPI transaction failed?
If money has been deducted from your account but the UPI payment failed or the recipient did not receive it, first identify what type of transaction failed and check the transaction status.
Do not immediately repeat the payment merely because your UPI app shows an error or failed transaction.
First check the transaction status and, where possible, confirm whether the beneficiary or merchant actually received the money.
The applicable RBI reversal timeline depends on whether you were transferring money to another person or making a payment to a merchant.
If the delay goes beyond T+1 day, the RBI framework provides for compensation of ₹100 per day of delay.
If the delay goes beyond T+5 days, the RBI framework provides for compensation of ₹100 per day of delay.
What does T mean?
T is the day of the transaction. For failed-transaction timelines,
T+1 and T+5 refer to calendar days.
NPCI advises that where a failed UPI transaction has resulted in an account debit, the amount should be returned. If the refund is not received within one hour, the customer may contact the bank’s customer support.
If the failed transaction has still not been reversed after the applicable TAT, RBI’s failed-transaction framework provides for ₹100 per day of delay beyond the applicable TAT for the UPI failure situations described above.
RBI’s framework also provides that where financial compensation is involved, it should be credited to the customer’s account suo motu — without waiting for a complaint or claim from the customer.
Raise the issue through the complaint facility available in your UPI app and / or through your bank’s official complaint channel.
Always preserve the complaint / reference number. You may need it if the matter has to be escalated later.
Bank Complaint & Escalation Directory →Never share your UPI PIN, OTP, debit-card PIN, CVV, internet/mobile banking password or other confidential banking credentials with anyone claiming that these details are required to process a refund or reverse the transaction.
If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily, escalate it through your bank’s grievance-redress mechanism.
Where applicable, an unresolved complaint may subsequently be taken to the RBI Ombudsman in accordance with the applicable RBI rules.
See bank escalation channels and RBI Ombudsman guidance →That is different from an ordinary failed UPI payment.
If the transaction is unauthorised or you suspect cyber fraud, do not wait for the normal failed-transaction reversal timeline before reporting it.
Cyber Fraud / Unauthorised Transaction — What to Do Immediately →
(The above official links can also be used to verify the UPI reversal timelines, compensation provisions and failed-transaction guidance mentioned on this page.)
Information checked against official RBI and NPCI guidance relating to failed UPI transactions, reversal timelines and customer compensation.
Last verified: 6 September 2026
Banking rules, contact details and procedures can change. If you notice information on this page that appears outdated or incorrect, please let us know.