If you’ve ever faced a failed UPI transaction, money debited without credit, or a stuck refund while using PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or BHIM—you’re not alone. With the growing use of UPI across India, refund delays and transaction failures are becoming more common. Thankfully, you don’t have to panic or keep waiting endlessly. There are structured ways to file a complaint and get your money back through your bank, app, or directly via the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Let’s walk through how to register a upi refund complaint and how to raise a formal npci complaint online if your issue isn’t resolved quickly.
Understanding UPI Failures & Refund Delays
UPI (Unified Payments Interface) enables real-time bank-to-bank transfers, but issues like these can still happen:
- Payment debited but not received by the beneficiary
- Refund not credited after a failed payment
- Transaction timeout or technical errors
- Double debit or incorrect beneficiary credit
In most cases, banks and apps resolve these automatically within 3–5 working days. But if you’re still waiting, it’s time to act.
Step 1: Contact Your UPI App First
Whether you’re using PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, Amazon Pay, or BHIM, the first step is to raise a complaint within the app:
Here’s how:
- Go to the transaction history
- Select the failed/pending/refunded transaction
- Tap on “Need Help” or “Raise Complaint”
- Choose the issue type (e.g., “Money debited but not received”)
- Submit the complaint
Your app will forward this to the bank or NPCI and update you via SMS/email.
🕒 Resolution Time: Usually 2–5 business days.
Step 2: Call or Email Your Bank
If the UPI app doesn’t help or is delaying, go to your bank directly:
- Visit your nearest bank branch
- Use net banking or mobile banking to log a support ticket
- Contact customer care and explain the UPI reference number
Make sure to note the complaint number for tracking.
Step 3: Raise an NPCI Complaint Online
If neither your app nor bank is helping, escalate it directly to NPCI.
Here’s how to file a NPCI complaint online:
1. Visit: https://www.npci.org.in
- Navigate to the “Dispute Redressal Mechanism” or search “UPI Dispute Form”
2. Fill the UPI Dispute Form:
- Your UPI app name
- UTR/Transaction reference number
- Date & time of transaction
- Your bank details
- Nature of the issue (refund not received, failed transaction, etc.)
3. Submit the form and save the complaint ID
NPCI will forward your grievance to the concerned bank and follow up with them.
🕒 Expected Response Time: 7–10 business days
Step 4: RBI Ombudsman (For Extreme Delays)
If even NPCI fails to resolve your issue within a reasonable time, you can complain to the RBI Banking Ombudsman via:
Choose “Digital Transactions” and file a formal complaint citing previous efforts (App, Bank, NPCI).
Pro Tips to Speed Up the Process
- Always save screenshots of your transaction & error messages
- Note the UTR/Transaction ID immediately after payment
- Follow up every 3–4 days and keep records of your complaints
Final Thoughts
UPI is fast and powerful—but not flawless. When it breaks down, knowing your rights and the right steps makes all the difference. Start with your app, escalate to your bank, and then go to NPCI if needed. And if all else fails, RBI is the final door to knock.
