Wrong UPI Transfer: How to Get Your Money Back (2025 Guide)

UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has made digital payments in India fast and convenient. But a small mistake like entering the wrong UPI ID or scanning the wrong QR code can lead to a wrong UPI transfer. Losing money this way feels terrible, especially when it’s your hard-earned income.

The good news is: you do have options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every possible step to recover money from a wrong UPI transfer in 2025.

1. Gather All Transaction Details

Before raising a complaint, keep these details handy:

• UPI Transaction ID / UTR Number

• Date & Time of transaction

• Amount transferred

• Receiver’s UPI ID / VPA (example: xyz@ybl)

• Screenshots of the transaction & bank SMS

👉 These proofs are essential for every complaint or escalation.

2. Raise a Complaint in Your UPI App

All UPI apps (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, bank apps) have a “Help” or “Report a Problem” option.

• Open the wrong transaction in your app

• Tap Report Issue or Raise Dispute

• Select: Money sent to the wrong account

• Submit the complaint with details

⚡ Pro Tip: Always note the ticket/reference ID after raising a complaint.

3. Contact Your Bank Directly

If your UPI app doesn’t resolve it, contact your linked bank (the bank account from which the money was deducted).

Sample Email/Letter to Bank:

Subject: Request for reversal of wrong UPI transfer  

Dear Sir/Madam,  
On [date], I accidentally transferred ₹[amount] to an incorrect UPI ID [xxxxx@ybl].  
Transaction Reference No. (UTR): [ID].  

Kindly raise a reversal request with the beneficiary bank under the UPI chargeback process.  
Attached: Transaction screenshot and SMS proof.  

Regards,  
[Your Name], [Registered Mobile Number]

4. File a Complaint on NPCI Grievance Portal

If your bank/app does not resolve the issue, escalate it to NPCI.

🔗 NPCI UPI Dispute Redressal Mechanism

Steps:

• Fill the form with your name, mobile number, bank, and UPI app details

• Provide the UTR number of the transaction

• Describe the issue:

  “Wrong UPI transfer to unintended account. Requesting reversal under UPI chargeback.”

• Attach transaction screenshot

5. Escalate to RBI Ombudsman

If no solution is provided within 30 days, you can escalate your complaint to the RBI Ombudsman.

🔗 RBI Complaint Management System

This is the final banking authority escalation in India and often speeds up the resolution.

6. File a Police Complaint (FIR) if Necessary

If the transferred amount is large and the beneficiary refuses to return it, you should file a police complaint.

Carry these documents:

• Transaction screenshots

• Bank complaint acknowledgement

• NPCI/bank ticket reference

👉 This creates legal pressure on the beneficiary and increases your chances of recovery.

7. Safety Tips to Avoid Wrong UPI Transfer

• Never share your UPI PIN/OTP with anyone

• Always double-check the UPI ID before confirming payment

• Avoid scanning QR codes from untrusted sources

• For large amounts, send a ₹1 test transfer before full payment

8. Will You Get Your Money Back?

The truth:

• If the receiver is genuine, they may willingly return the money

• If they refuse, the bank and NPCI chargeback process can help

• If fraud is involved, police and RBI Ombudsman become necessary

👉 Following every step increases your chances of recovering your money.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to get a refund for a wrong UPI transfer?
👉 Usually between 7–30 days, depending on the beneficiary bank and user response.

Q2: Can I cancel a UPI transfer immediately after sending?
👉 No. Once processed, a UPI payment cannot be cancelled. You can only request a reversal through complaints.

Q3: What if the receiver refuses to return the money?
👉 In such cases, you need to escalate via NPCI, RBI Ombudsman, or file a police FIR.

Conclusion

A wrong UPI transfer is stressful, but you are not helpless.

1. Raise a complaint in your UPI app

2. Escalate to your bank

3. File a grievance with NPCI

4. Take the case to RBI Ombudsman or police if needed

Every step gives you proof and strengthens your case. With persistence, there’s real hope of recovering your hard-earned money.

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