When a UPI payment shows ‘Transaction Pending’ status, your money is being stuck between banks. This may happen when either your bank or the receiver’s bank is delaying payment processing. It may resolve itself in a few minutes, but it could take longer if there is a technical issue.
When the payment doesn’t go through, don’t send the payment again immediately; you need to check on the payment status, track the transaction, and then take the appropriate next steps to raise a complaint if necessary.
This will give you the steps to take to avoid making a double payment and ensure your money is returned quickly.
Immediate Actions to Take – During a UPI “Transaction Pending” status.
If a UPI payment shows ‘Transaction Pending’, there is no need for panic. If you follow the steps below, it will help you stay calm and avoid making the mistake most people make.
Step 1: Wait 30 – 60 minutes.
In most cases, a pending UPI payment will resolve itself automatically within one hour. The status will change to either ‘Success’ or ‘Failed’ automatically. If the payment fails, the bank will automatically refund the money, typically within 24 – 48 hours.
Step 2: Do not attempt again immediately.
Do not resend the same payment immediately. In many cases, the first payment may go through in the background at the same time. If both transactions go through, you may pay twice!
Step 3: Check the transaction history of your UPI app.
Launch the UPI app you used (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) and go to Transaction History or Activity. Follow the pending transaction information to see its status and complete details. Side note, it will show the UTR (Unique Transaction Reference) number here as well.
Step 4: UTR number for tracking.
If you notice that the status has not changed after a while, take note of the UTR number. You can use this information to contact your bank or UPI app support to help trace or track the transaction faster.
Step 5: Raise a Complaint If It’s Persisting For More Than 24 Hours.
Now, if the problem persists, you must take action; you can raise a complaint:
- Using the Help/Support section of your UPI application
- Calling your bank’s customer care
- Or using the official NPCI UPI complaint portal
Make sure to provide the UTR number, the amount of payment, and the time of transaction.
Step 6: Monitor Your Refund.
Once the payment shows as ‘Failed’, the refund will be processed. Most banks process the refund in 24–48 hours. Check for the credit on your bank account or SMS alerts.
Common Reasons – Why does UPI Show ‘Transaction Pending’?
Here are some common reasons for a pending status:
- Server Delay: Sometimes the UPI system or the app server is slow or busy.
- Bank Downtime: One of the banks involved may be having a technical problem or doing system maintenance.
- Heavy Network Load: Too many users making payments at the same time can cause a traffic jam in the UPI system.
Note: A pending UPI transaction is very common and in most cases, it gets resolved automatically within a few minutes to an hour.
If it doesn’t, you should take the next steps to avoid confusion or double payments.
How do you register a complaint for an outstanding or failed UPI transaction?
If your UPI transaction is pending for more than 24 hours or has failed, and you have yet to receive a refund, you may register a complaint. There are three different ways to register a complaint:
Method 1: Register a Complaint in the UPI App
Most UPI apps, such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and others, allow you to raise disputes directly.
Step 1: Open your UPI app
Step 2: Go to Transaction History
Step 3: Tap on the pending/failed transaction
Step 4: Click ‘Help’, ‘Raise Dispute’, or ‘Report Issue ‘Step 5: Choose the reason: Money deducted but not received, etc.
Register the request – some apps provide live status tracking.
Method 2: Notify Your Bank
If the app does point out the issue:
Step 1: Go to your bank branch or contact customer care
Step 2: Provide the crucial details: UTR number, amount, date, and your account details
Step 3: Ask them for tracking and hopefully seek a refund for the stuck amount
Method 3: Register a Complaint Via NPCI UPI Complaint Portal.
You can also register a complaint online (through) NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India):
Step 1: Visit: NPCI UPI Complaints Portal
Step 2: Complete and enter your bank name, transaction ID/UTR, UPI ID, and explanation of the issue
Step 3: Let them submit and track your complaint.
Conclusion.
A “Transaction Pending” status in UPI might be alarming, but it is usually a short-lived concern. Most often, the payment would either succeed or fail within 30 – 60 minutes after your transaction, and refunds typically take a few days to process. If issues persist, you can follow up and file a complaint using your app, your bank, or the NPCI portal.
Also Read: How to Check UPI Transaction Status & Get Instant Refunds?
Why UPI Payment Fails – Common Reasons & Easy Fixes
Frequently Asked Questions.
Most refunds are processed between 24 and 48 hours, but it can sometimes take longer due to processing; it could potentially take 3 to 5 working days.
The amount will be credited back to the same Debited Source account from which it was debited under the cancelled transaction.
You should raise a complaint via your UPI app under Help, call the bank, or use the NPCI UPI Complaint Portal.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Refund timelines and resolutions depend on your bank, UPI app, and NPCI protocols. Always use official channels to raise complaints and never share sensitive banking details with unknown sources. For urgent issues, contact your bank’s customer care directly.