The Reserve Bank of India has issued the Digital Payments – E-Mandate Framework, 2026, standardising rules for recurring digital transactions across cards, UPI and prepaid payment instruments. The directions are effective immediately and apply to all payment system providers and participants, covering both domestic and cross-border transactions.
Customers must complete a one-time e-mandate registration with Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA). The first transaction requires AFA, while subsequent recurring payments can be processed without AFA up to Rs 15,000 per transaction. For insurance premiums, mutual fund subscriptions and credit card bill payments, the limit is Rs 1 lakh.
Issuers are required to send a pre-debit notification at least 24 hours in advance, with an option for customers to opt out. Post-transaction alerts and a robust grievance redressal mechanism are also mandatory.
The framework allows customers to modify or withdraw mandates anytime with AFA. RBI has also clarified that no charges shall be levied for availing the e-mandate facility, strengthening transparency, security and customer control in digital payments.
