2025 Major Financial Changes: UPI Limit, Amazon Prime Policy Update, and RBI’s New FD Rules, Details Inside

As the new year begins, several significant changes have been introduced that will impact your daily life, finances, and purchases. From changes in car prices to updates in financial services, here’s a breakdown of what’s new from January 1, 2025. The changes introduced in 2025 bring both positive and challenging shifts in various sectors, including car pricing, digital payments, and financial services.

While some changes, like the drop in commercial gas prices and increased loan limits for farmers, are beneficial, others, such as the adjustments to Amazon Prime and car price hikes, may require some adjustment. Be prepared to navigate these updates in the new year!

Price Increases for Car

Car buyers will notice a price hike on vehicles from companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Kia India, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi. These manufacturers have decided to raise car prices by about 3%, which will impact the cost of new vehicles in 2025.

Cheaper Commercial Gas Cylinder

The price of a 19 kg commercial gas cylinder has dropped by Rs 16 and will now be available for Rs 1,811 in Kolkata. However, there has been no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders, which remain at Rs 803 for a 14.2 kg cylinder.

UPI Limit for Feature Phones

A new rule allows users to send up to Rs 10,000 through UPI from feature phones. This move aims to enhance the accessibility of digital payments for a wider population.

RBI Changes FD Rules

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new regulations for Fixed Deposits (FDs) of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Housing Finance Companies (HFCs). These rules, effective from January 1, include changes to deposit-taking rules, liquid asset holdings, and deposit insurance.

Amazon Prime Membership Update

Amazon India has updated its Prime membership policy, limiting streaming on Prime Video to just two devices per account, down from five. To stream on more devices, an additional subscription will be required.

Changes in GST Portal

The GST portal will undergo key changes starting January 1, including updates related to e-way bills and enhanced security measures.

Simplified Pension Rules

The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has simplified pension withdrawal rules. As of January 1, employees can now withdraw pension amounts from any bank without additional verification requirements.

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Unsecured Loan Limit for Farmers Increased

The RBI has raised the limit for unsecured loans to farmers from Rs 1.60 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. This will allow farmers to access collateral-free loans for agricultural and related purposes.

Changes in F&O Expiration

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has changed the expiration dates for certain F&O (Futures & Options) contracts. From January 1, 2025, the expiration of Nifty Bank, Finifty, Midcap Select, and Nifty Next 50 contracts will occur on the last Thursday of each month, as opposed to previous expiration dates which varied by contract.