PIB Fact Check: News stories frequently go viral on social media. While some are genuine, others are fake; such information spreads rapidly across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook via text messages, audio clips, and videos. Amidst these developments, a media website has claimed that banks received instructions to stock ATMs with cash before the implementation of UPI fees. Let us examine the facts behind this viral story.

The Truth Revealed
The Government of India’s fact-checking agency, PIB Fact Check, has dismissed the viral claim as fake. The agency stated on its official X handle that the claim is entirely false and misleading. In reality, neither the RBI nor the Ministry of Finance has issued any directive requiring ATMs to be stocked with cash prior to the implementation of UPI fees on October 15.

The stamp of fake on the screenshot of a newspaper clipping published by Livemint that claims that banks have been asked to stock up ATMs ahead of UPI fee roll out.

Understanding the Full Story
According to reports, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to implement new rules starting October 15, 2026. Under these guidelines, person-to-person transfers and merchant payments of up to ₹2,000 will be completely free for the general public. However, a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will apply to payments exceeding ₹2,000 or to certain large-scale business transactions; this fee is to be borne by the merchants. Customers will not have to pay a single rupee due to these changes in the UPI system.

“>September 23, 2026

How ​​to Get a Fact Check
If you receive such information via text message, video, or audio, do not trust it blindly. Instead, verify its authenticity through PIB. You can visit PIB’s official website at https://factcheck.pib.gov.in/. Alternatively, you can verify the news by sending the message or video to the WhatsApp number +918799711259 or the email address pibfactcheck@gmail.com.