Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issues Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026

Key facts

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Digital Payments: E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all existing guidelines on recurring digital payments into a single master framework.
• The framework applies to recurring domestic and cross-border transactions processed through cards, prepaid payment instruments (PPIs), and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Customers opting for recurring payment facilities must complete a one-time registration process requiring validation through an Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA).
• Issuers must send pre-transaction notifications at least 24 hours before the debit, including merchant name, transaction amount, date and time of debit, reference number of the e-mandate, and reason for the debit.
• Pre-transaction notifications are not required for auto-replenishment of FASTag balances and National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) balances.
• The RBI retained a threshold allowing recurring transactions of up to ₹15,000 per transaction without additional authentication.
• Recurring payments of up to ₹1 lakh per transaction without additional authentication are permitted for insurance premium payments, mutual fund subscriptions, and credit card bill payments.
• No charges may be levied on customers for availing e-mandate services for recurring transactions.
• The RBI repealed multiple earlier circulars issued between 2019 and 2024 relating to recurring payment processing through cards, UPI, and other digital channels.