UPI Refund — Timeline & Process
UPI refunds follow RBI guidelines on failed/disputed transactions. The timeline depends on the transaction type and the reason for refund.
Refund Timelines (RBI Guidelines)
Merchant payment refunded by the merchant before settlement. Refund initiated via the merchant app.
Source: NPCI
Technical decline — beneficiary bank could not credit. Auto-reversal per RBI failed transaction circular.
Source: RBI Circular DPSS.CO.OD.No.629/06.08.005/2019-20
Other failed transaction scenarios where auto-reversal takes longer. Maximum timeline per RBI customer protection circular.
Source: RBI
Consumer complaints / disputes raised via NPCI ODR or bank for merchant disputes.
Source: RBI and NPCI
Source: RBI Circular on Failed Transactions (TAT) . Timelines are business days and depend on specific scenario.
How To Raise a UPI Refund Request
Open your UPI app (PhonePe / GPay / BHIM / Paytm)
Go to Transaction History → select the failed transaction
Tap "Raise Dispute" or "Raise Complaint"
Select the appropriate reason (e.g., "Amount debited but not received")
Submit — you will receive a complaint reference number
If not resolved within the bank's timeline, escalate to NPCI ODR portal
Refund timelines sourced from RBI.org.in circulars on failed transactions. Exact timelines may differ based on your bank's internal SLA. Verify with your bank.