A Complete Guide to Submitting UPI Refund and NPCI Complaints Online in 2026
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has become the backbone of India’s cashless economy. With billions of transactions taking place monthly, occasional glitches such as failed transactions or incorrect debits are inevitable. Thankfully, the system is well-equipped to handle such grievances swiftly. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting for a refund or facing transaction errors, understanding how to lodge a UPI refund complaint and raise an NPCI complaint online can save you a lot of stress.
What is a UPI Refund Complaint?
A UPI refund complaint is filed when money is debited from your account but not credited to the recipient’s account, or if the transaction fails entirely. This could happen due to network issues, server delays, technical bugs, or incorrect recipient details.
When such issues occur, your first step should be to wait for at least 24 hours. In most cases, the bank or UPI service provider (such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) automatically reverses the amount within this window. However, if the refund does not occur, you can raise a complaint to get your money back.
Step-by-Step Guide to Raise a UPI Refund Complaint
- Identify the Transaction
Open your UPI app and go to the transaction history. Note the transaction ID, amount, date, and time. These details will be crucial during the complaint process. - Contact Your UPI App’s Support First
Every UPI app has a customer care or help center section. Raise a complaint directly through the app:- On PhonePe, go to Help > Select the transaction > Report Issue.
- On Google Pay, click the transaction and tap “Raise Dispute.”
- On Paytm, visit Help & Support, then choose “24×7 Help” and select your issue.
- Wait for Resolution from the App Provider
Usually, the UPI app will initiate a refund request with the bank and NPCI. If not resolved within the given period (usually 3-7 working days), proceed to the next step.
Filing an NPCI Complaint Online
If your issue is still unresolved after approaching your bank or UPI app, you can escalate the matter to NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), which is the backbone of UPI services.
Here’s how to file an NPCI complaint online:
- Visit the NPCI Dispute Redressal Portal
Go to: https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/dispute-redressal-mechanism - Fill the Online Complaint Form
Enter:- Your name
- Contact details
- Bank/UPI service provider name
- Transaction ID
- Date and time of transaction
- Description of the issue
- Attach Screenshots or Proof
If possible, upload screenshots of the transaction failure or error messages for faster processing. - Submit and Note the Reference ID
After submitting the form, you’ll receive a complaint reference number. Use this to track the status.
What Happens After Filing?
NPCI will investigate your complaint by liaising with your bank and UPI provider. If your claim is valid, the amount will be refunded to your account. Typically, resolutions take 7 to 10 working days.
Tips to Avoid UPI Payment Issues
- Always ensure a strong internet connection during UPI transactions.
- Double-check the recipient’s UPI ID or mobile number before confirming.
- Avoid peak hours or server maintenance windows for high-value transfers.
- Keep a screenshot or record of every transaction for your records.
Final Thoughts
Digital payments are meant to make life easier, not stressful. If you face issues, knowing how to navigate the system is key. Raising a UPI refund complaint is easy if you follow the steps and remain patient. If your bank or app fails to provide a resolution, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue through an NPCI complaint online.