NPCI asks UPI apps to mask phone numbers and shift new users to username IDs
NPCI has directed banks and UPI apps to mask mobile numbers, account numbers and UPI IDs on transaction screens. New users will be steered to username-based VPAs, requiring coordinated app and bank-system changes by September 4, 2026.
NPCI has directed banks and UPI apps to mask customer phone numbers, account numbers and UPI IDs on transaction screens, while making username-based VPAs the default for new users. The change requires coordinated app, bank and backend updates by September 2026.
Why this matters
The directive extends NPCI’s recent move to mask UPI mobile numbers and follows concerns from smaller UPI apps and fintechs that UPI Meta could concentrate checkout choice.
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