Outlook Business Desk
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday rolled out a new e-mandate framework with immediate effect, bringing uniform rules for recurring digital payments and replacing earlier guidelines to make auto-debit transactions simpler across India.
Under the new rules, recurring payments up to ₹15,000 will be processed automatically without additional authentication like OTP, making transactions such as subscriptions and utility bills faster and more seamless for users.
Users must first set up a one-time e-mandate using additional factor authentication, after which the system enables automatic processing of recurring payments within the ₹15,000 limit without requiring OTP for every transaction.
The RBI said the framework now extends to cross-border recurring payments, expanding its scope beyond domestic transactions and making it applicable to a wider range of digital payment use cases across international platforms and services.
The central bank has clearly stated that banks are not permitted to impose any additional charges on customers for using the e-mandate facility, ensuring that recurring payment services remain accessible without extra financial burden on users.
The RBI highlighted exceptions for insurance premiums, mutual fund investments and credit card bill payments, allowing recurring transactions up to ₹1 lakh without additional authentication due to their higher-value nature.
Banks and payment providers must send pre-debit alerts at least 24 hours in advance with details such as merchant name, amount and date, the RBI said, allowing users to cancel or opt out before processing and enabling modification, pause or revocation anytime.
The framework mandates post-transaction alerts and grievance systems, extends zero-liability protection for unauthorised transactions and lets users choose notification modes such as SMS or email, improving transparency and control.