The Reserve Bank of India has introduced a consolidated Digital Payments e-mandate framework, bringing uniform rules for recurring transactions across payment systems and replacing earlier circulars.
The framework covers cards, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), and applies to both domestic and cross-border transactions. It requires a one-time e-mandate registration with additional factor authentication (AFA), while allowing customers to modify or revoke mandates at any time.
Under the revised structure, both fixed and variable recurring payments are permitted, with users able to set caps for variable mandates. The first transaction requires AFA, while subsequent payments can be processed within prescribed thresholds.
The central bank has mandated pre-debit alerts at least 24 hours before each transaction, including details such as merchant name, amount and date, enabling users to opt out if required. Post-transaction alerts with grievance redressal details have also been made compulsory, although FASTag and NCMC auto-replenishments are exempt from pre-debit notifications.
Transaction limits have been set at Rs 15,000 per payment without AFA, with higher-value transactions requiring authentication. For categories such as insurance premiums, mutual fund subscriptions and credit card bill payments, the limit has been set at Rs 1 lakh.
The framework also outlines customer protection measures, including a zero-liability policy for unauthorised transactions and a mandatory dispute resolution mechanism, while prohibiting any charges for availing the e-mandate facility.
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