UPI AutoPay: Using It to Manage EMIs and Subscriptions Effectively

UPI has already changed the way India pays, instant, secure, and accessible to everyone with a smartphone. But the story doesn’t stop at one-time transfers. The UPI AutoPay, for recurring transactions, is another major leap toward effortless financial automation.

From EMIs and credit card bills to OTT subscriptions and insurance premiums, UPI AutoPay allows users to automate their monthly payments directly from their bank accounts. Users don't have to enter any card details, standing instructions, or app hopping. It’s a modern solution for a digital lifestyle where convenience, control, and punctuality go hand-in-hand.

Let’s have a closer look at how UPI AutoPay works. Why it matters, and how you can use it to manage your EMIs and subscriptions without missing a single due date.

What is UPI AutoPay?

UPI AutoPay is a recurring e-mandate system introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on 22 July 2020 to streamline automated payments through the the UPI framework. Once you authorize a mandate, your bank or UPI app automatically debits the agreed amount on the chosen schedule, daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly, without manual intervention each time.

Setting up UPI AutoPay is simple. Choose a merchant that supports AutoPay (like your bank, OTT platform, or fintech app), tap ‘Set UPI AutoPay’, enter payment details and frequency, then approve the mandate by entering your UPI PIN once. After that, payments are processed automatically as per the schedule.

All leading UPI apps support this feature. You can view, pause, modify, or revoke any active mandate anytime from the app’s “AutoPay” or “Mandates” section.

The NPCI currently allows auto-debits up to ₹15,000 per transaction for standard recurring payments. For select categories like insurance premiums, mutual fund SIPs, and credit card bills, the cap has been raised to ₹1 lakh per transaction. This means you can automate even high-value EMIs or premiums without worrying about missed dates — though amounts beyond the cap may require an extra authentication step. 

Why UPI AutoPay is a Game-Changer

Managing EMIs and subscriptions can quickly turn chaotic — different apps, multiple due dates, constant reminders. UPI AutoPay fixes all that by putting automation and transparency in one place.

• Set and Forget Convenience

Once a mandate is approved, payments happen like clockwork. No need to log in, remember dates, or re-enter credentials.

• Zero Missed Payments or Penalties

UPI AutoPay ensures EMIs, insurance renewals, and credit card dues are settled on time, helping you maintain a healthy credit score and avoid late fees.

• Transparent Control

Every mandate shows the merchant name, amount, and schedule inside your UPI app. You can pause, change, or cancel anytime.

• One Platform for All Recurring Payments

No matter the type — OTT, utilities, EMIs, or mutual funds — everything flows from your primary bank account through one trusted interface.

• Safer than Card Auto-Debits

Because AutoPay runs on UPI’s direct-bank system, no card storage or tokenization is needed. Two-factor authentication and app-level security keep transactions protected.

How to Manage EMIs and Payments with UPI AutoPay

One of the most practical uses of UPI AutoPay is for managing EMIs. Whether it’s a consumer durable loan, a personal loan, or a credit card EMI, setting up AutoPay ensures every installment is deducted on time — automatically.

If your account balance is low, the debit will fail. If such a situation arises, you’ll get a notification to pay manually. Built-in reminders and retry mechanisms make repayment reliable, reducing penalties and maintaining your credit score.

How to Handle Subscriptions and Bills Using UPI AutoPay

Subscriptions are another space where UPI AutoPay stands out. OTT platforms, as well as telecom and utility providers, now support recurring UPI payments.

Setting up UPI AutoPay is simple:

• Open the app
• Choose UPI as your payment method
• Select “Enable AutoPay"
• Enter your UPI ID
• Authorize the first payment

From then on, renewals happen automatically. You can pause or cancel any subscription at any time from your UPI app — no emails or customer care hassles.

This is also valuable for freelancers, startups, and small businesses managing multiple software subscriptions. However, note that international platforms not registered with NPCI currently don’t support UPI AutoPay. For Indian merchants, though, it’s quickly becoming the most efficient, secure, and transparent way to handle recurring payments.

UPI AutoPay Security and Limits

Security remains the cornerstone of UPI, and AutoPay carries the same DNA, user consent, real-time alerts, and strong authentication.

Each mandate is established using two-factor authentication: once when setting it up (via UPI PIN) and again for large payments that require confirmation. You can view, modify, pause, or cancel any mandate under the “AutoPay” or “Mandates” section of your UPI app.

Unlike card-based auto-debits, UPI AutoPay doesn’t store sensitive details anywhere. Transactions are processed directly between your bank and the merchant over UPI’s secure rails. Each debit generates an instant notification, giving you complete visibility and peace of mind.