The Digital Payments – E-Mandate Framework, 2026, published by the Reserve Bank of India on 21 April 2026, has consolidated all the already existing guidelines of recurring digital payments into a single overall direction. The aim of this framework is to streamline auto-debit activities, strengthen consumer and regulatory safeguards.
The model focuses on automatic digital payments i.e., auto-debit ecosystem. This enhances customer security and visibility. The payment platforms should be unified in terms of regulations which will ultimately improve security and fraud control systems.
The highlights of the framework are as follows:
- Circulars.
The framework incorporates several circulars of RBI into a single set of rules, which are applicable to all the payment system providers and participants. - One-Time Authentication Requirement
To use e-mandates, customers must have gone through a single registration under Additional Factor Authentication (AFA). - ₹15,000 Threshold Without OTP
Repeat transactions to 15,000 can be performed without repeated authentication, making the user easier to use. - Pre-Debit Notifications (24-Hours’ Notice)
Users should be informed at least 24 hours before the debit when they will be able to check or cancel the transactions. - Multiple Modes of payment Extension.
The framework is used to card transactions, Unified Payments Interface transactions, prepaid payment instrument (PPI) transactions, both domestic and cross border. - Customer Control & Flexibility
Online payments will be more independent and open as customers can update or suspend or cancel e-mandates at any time.
The framework will mark a huge shift in the regulation to a consent-based digital payment ecosystem. It balances convenience (with the aid of simplified recurring payments) and robust protection features such as authentication, alert, and revocation authority. It is also in line with the requirement of RBI in the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 to deliver secure and effective payment systems.
The regulations take effect as early as 21 April 2026 and the providers of the payment system have to impose compliance. This framework will be significant in the subscription-based services, fintech platform, and banking operations by encouraging standardisation and customer trust in online transactions.