No more OTP hassle: how RBI’s new e-mandate rules smooth out high-value payments
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.Many Indians rely on recurring payments to manage everything from systematic investment plan (SIP) installments and insurance premiums to credit card bills. However, until recently, there was a major pain point for transactions above ₹15,000 done through cards or UPI: the requirement for a one-time password (OTP).
A simple network glitch or a missed notification could lead to a failed transaction, resulting in missed payments and stiff penalties.The RBI's consolidated e-mandate framework, effective April 21, fixed this by increasing the cap on transactions to up to ₹1 lakh for SIPs, insurance premiums, and automated credit card payments. "Meanwhile, the standard threshold remains at ₹15,000 for everyday subscriptions such as streaming services, utility bills and gym memberships, which will continue to be processed without an OTP.Mint takes a closer look at the RBI’s revised framework and explains what it means for you.An e-mandate is a standing digital instruction to your bank or payment platform to automatically debit your account for recurring payments made using UPI, a debit or credit card, or through the electronic national automated clearing house (eNACH) and electronic clearing service (ECS).Setting one up will still require a one-time authentication via OTP, net-banking password, UPI PIN, or biometric data.
But the process is now more standardised, transparent, and customer-controlled than before. Before confirmation, your bank must show you a clear summary of the mandate with a maximum amount, validity period, and your preferred alert channel, to ensure you don't create an e-mandate by accident.Earlier, any payment above ₹15,000 required OTP verification every single time,
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