Introduction

In todays fast-paced digital economy, convenience and consistency are key. UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has revolutionized how India transacts from paying utility bills to subscribing to streaming services. One of its most powerful yet underutilized features is UPI autopay. Enabling autopay means setting up automatic, recurring payments from your bank account to a merchant or service provider without manual intervention each time. But with rising digital fraud and unauthorized debits, not all autopay setups are created equal. Trust is not optional its essential. This guide reveals the top 10 trusted ways to enable UPI autopay, backed by security best practices, regulatory compliance, and user-tested reliability. Whether youre paying for your mobile recharge, insurance premiums, or gym memberships, knowing how to set up autopay securely ensures peace of mind and financial control.

Why Trust Matters

UPI autopay is designed to simplify recurring payments, but it also carries inherent risks if not configured properly. Unlike one-time UPI transactions that require explicit authentication via UPI PIN or biometric verification, autopay setups can, in some cases, be initiated with minimal consent especially on unregulated or poorly secured platforms. Unauthorized autopay enrollments have led to users being debited for services they never agreed to, or at amounts higher than expected. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued multiple advisories urging users to verify the authenticity of autopay requests and to monitor linked accounts closely. Trust in UPI autopay comes from three pillars: transparency, control, and security. Transparency means knowing exactly what youre authorizing the amount, frequency, and recipient. Control means being able to modify or cancel the mandate at any time without barriers. Security means the platform uses end-to-end encryption, RBI-approved authentication protocols, and does not store your UPI PIN. Only platforms that meet all three criteria should be used. This guide focuses exclusively on those that do.

Top 10 How to Enable UPI Autopay

1. Enable UPI Autopay via Google Pay (GPay)

Google Pay is one of the most widely used UPI apps in India and offers one of the most secure autopay setups. To enable autopay on GPay, open the app and navigate to the Payments section. Tap on Autopay and select Add New Autopay. Youll be prompted to enter the merchants UPI ID or scan their QR code. After selecting the service such as electricity, water, or Netflix youll be shown the payment amount and frequency. Google Pay displays a clear summary of the mandate, including the maximum amount that can be debited and the next scheduled payment date. Crucially, you must authenticate with your UPI PIN to confirm. Once set, youll receive an SMS and in-app notification every time a payment is processed. Google Pay does not store your UPI PIN; it only uses it for authentication. The platform also allows you to pause, edit, or delete any autopay mandate with two taps. Its integration with Googles security infrastructure, including device authentication and fraud detection, makes it among the most trusted options available.

2. Use PhonePes Mandate Manager for Controlled Autopay

PhonePe offers a dedicated Mandate Manager feature that gives users granular control over their UPI autopay settings. To begin, open the PhonePe app and go to Profile > Mandates. Tap Add Mandate, then select the service provider from the list or enter their UPI ID manually. PhonePe requires you to verify the merchants identity through a registered business profile. After selecting the payment details such as monthly subscription for Zomato Gold or Amazon Prime youll be shown a summary screen that includes the merchants legal name, payment limit, and frequency. You must authenticate using your UPI PIN. Once confirmed, PhonePe sends an instant confirmation via SMS and email. What sets PhonePe apart is its Mandate History tab, where you can view every autopay transaction, including the exact time, amount, and merchant reference ID. You can also set alerts for payments exceeding a custom threshold. PhonePes mandate system complies with NPCIs UPI 123Pay guidelines and does not allow third-party apps to initiate autopay without your direct consent.

3. Set Up Autopay Through Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay, integrated into the Amazon India app, allows users to enable UPI autopay for recurring purchases such as Amazon Prime, Amazon Pay balance top-ups, and partner services like Zomato and Swiggy. To enable it, go to Amazon Pay > Autopay Settings > Add New Mandate. Select the service provider and enter the UPI ID. Amazon Pay displays a mandatory consent screen that outlines the payment amount, frequency, and cancellation policy. Unlike some platforms, Amazon Pay does not auto-enroll users every mandate requires explicit confirmation via UPI PIN. After setup, youll receive a unique mandate reference number (MRN) that you can use to track or dispute payments. Amazon Pay also allows you to set a monthly spending cap for autopay transactions, preventing unexpected high-value debits. All mandates are stored securely in your Amazon account with end-to-end encryption. Additionally, Amazons customer trust system flags suspicious merchants before they can be added to autopay, reducing the risk of fraudulent enrollments.

4. Enable Autopay via Paytm with Verified Merchant Integration

Paytm offers one of the most comprehensive autopay ecosystems, especially for utility bills and insurance. To enable autopay, open Paytm and go to Paytm Payments Bank > Autopay > Add New. Choose the biller such as BSNL, Tata Power, or HDFC Life and enter your account details. Paytm verifies the merchant through its internal compliance system, ensuring only NPCI-registered entities are allowed. Once verified, Paytm shows a detailed payment schedule, including the next due date and total annual cost. You must authenticate using your UPI PIN. Paytms standout feature is its Autopay Dashboard, which aggregates all your active mandates in one place. You can view payment history, adjust the payment date, or cancel any mandate instantly. Paytm also sends a pre-debit notification 24 hours before each transaction, giving you time to review or pause. Importantly, Paytm does not allow autopay for unverified third-party apps only merchants with official UPI IDs and business licenses can be added. This strict vetting process makes Paytm one of the most trustworthy platforms for recurring payments.

5. Use BHIM App for Government-Backed Autopay Security

The BHIM app, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is the only UPI app directly backed by the Indian government. This makes it the most secure platform for enabling UPI autopay. To set up autopay on BHIM, open the app and go to Mandates > Create New. Enter the merchants UPI ID or select from a list of pre-approved billers like Indian Railways, BSNL, or municipal corporations. BHIM displays a legally compliant consent form that includes the payment terms, maximum amount, and cancellation rights under RBI guidelines. Authentication requires UPI PIN verification and, in some cases, OTP from your registered mobile number. BHIM does not allow any merchant to initiate autopay without your explicit, one-time consent. All mandates are stored on NPCIs secure servers, not on your device. BHIM also provides a downloadable mandate certificate for each enrollment, which can be used as legal proof in case of disputes. Because BHIM is not a commercial app, it has no incentive to push unnecessary autopay enrollments its sole purpose is secure, transparent transactions.

6. Enable Autopay via WhatsApp UPI via Trusted Business Accounts

WhatsApp UPI, powered by NPCI, allows users to make payments directly through chat. To enable autopay, you must first receive a payment request from a verified business account indicated by a green checkmark and Verified Business label. Open the message, tap Pay, and select Set Up Autopay. WhatsApp will show the merchants legal name, payment frequency, and amount. You must confirm with your UPI PIN. WhatsApp UPI does not allow users to manually search for merchants to set up autopay only those who have been verified by Meta and NPCI can offer this feature. This restriction significantly reduces fraud risk. After setup, youll receive a unique mandate ID and periodic reminders before each payment. WhatsApp UPI mandates are encrypted end-to-end and cannot be accessed by third parties. You can manage all your autopay settings by going to Payments > Mandates within the WhatsApp app. The platform also allows you to revoke mandates instantly without contacting the merchant, giving you full control.

7. Use FreeCharges Autopay with Smart Budgeting Tools

FreeCharge, now integrated with Paytm, offers a robust autopay system enhanced with financial intelligence. To enable autopay, go to FreeCharge Wallet > Autopay > Add New. Select the service provider such as Zomato, Jio, or BookMyShow and enter the UPI ID. FreeCharge displays a clear breakdown of the payment cycle and allows you to set a monthly spending limit. You must authenticate with your UPI PIN. What makes FreeCharge unique is its Smart Budget feature, which analyzes your spending patterns and suggests optimal payment dates to avoid cash flow issues. You can also receive weekly summaries of your autopay usage and set alerts for unusual activity. FreeCharge mandates are stored securely and comply with PCI-DSS standards. The app does not auto-renew any mandate without your confirmation, and all cancellations are processed instantly. FreeCharge also partners with only RBI-registered billers, ensuring every autopay setup is legitimate and traceable.

8. Enable Autopay via Kotak 811 via Bank-Integrated UPI

Kotak 811, the digital savings account from Kotak Mahindra Bank, offers one of the most secure bank-integrated UPI autopay systems. To enable it, log in to your Kotak 811 app, go to UPI > Autopay Mandates. You can link any UPI ID even from other banks to your Kotak account for autopay. Select the merchant, enter the amount and frequency, and confirm with your UPI PIN. Kotak 811 displays a legal disclaimer outlining your rights under the UPI Autopay Guidelines issued by NPCI. Every mandate is linked to your bank account and appears in your transaction history with a Mandate tag. You can view all active mandates under Mandate Dashboard and cancel them with one tap. Kotak 811 also sends a pre-debit alert 48 hours in advance and requires a secondary authentication (via app notification) for any new mandate. Because the system is bank-controlled, not app-controlled, it benefits from the highest level of encryption and compliance with RBIs cybersecurity framework.

9. Set Up Autopay via Axis Bank Mobile App with Direct Bank Link

Axis Banks mobile app allows users to enable UPI autopay directly from their bank account, bypassing third-party apps entirely. To begin, open the Axis Mobile app, go to Payments > UPI Autopay. Select Add New Mandate, then choose the merchant from the list of pre-approved billers or enter their UPI ID. Axis Bank verifies the merchant through its internal compliance engine, which cross-checks against NPCIs registry. Youll be shown the payment terms, including the maximum per-debit limit and total annual exposure. Authentication requires UPI PIN and a one-time SMS OTP. Once confirmed, the mandate is stored in Axis Banks secure servers, not on your device. You can manage all mandates under My Autopay and receive real-time notifications for every transaction. Axis Bank also allows you to set up recurring payments for EMIs, insurance, and subscriptions without needing a UPI ID you can use your account number and IFSC directly. This bank-level integration ensures maximum security and accountability.

10. Enable Autopay via PayZapp (by HDFC Bank) with Two-Factor Authorization

PayZapp, HDFC Banks dedicated UPI payment app, offers one of the most secure autopay setups with mandatory two-factor authorization. To enable autopay, open PayZapp, go to Autopay > Add New. Select the service provider and enter the UPI ID. PayZapp displays a consent screen that requires you to confirm the amount, frequency, and merchant name. You must authenticate using your UPI PIN and then approve a push notification sent to your registered device. This dual-step process ensures that no autopay can be set up without your physical access to the device. PayZapp also allows you to set a daily and monthly spending cap for autopay, preventing large unauthorized debits. All mandates are encrypted and stored on HDFCs secure cloud infrastructure. You can view, edit, or delete mandates anytime from the Mandate Center. PayZapp also sends a monthly summary report of all autopay transactions, helping you track recurring expenses. As an HDFC Bank product, PayZapp adheres to the highest standards of financial security and regulatory compliance.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Can I disable UPI autopay anytime?

Yes, you can disable or cancel any UPI autopay mandate at any time through the app where you set it up. All trusted platforms allow you to delete mandates with a single tap. The cancellation takes effect immediately, and no further payments will be processed. You may receive a confirmation message or email once the mandate is revoked.

What happens if I dont have enough balance for an autopay?

If your account lacks sufficient funds, the autopay transaction will fail. Most platforms will attempt to retry the payment once or twice over the next 2448 hours. Youll receive a notification about the failed transaction. No penalty is charged by the UPI system itself, but the merchant may apply late fees based on their policy. Ensure sufficient balance before the due date to avoid disruptions.

Are UPI autopay mandates secure from hackers?

Yes, when set up through trusted platforms, UPI autopay mandates are highly secure. Your UPI PIN is never stored on servers or apps its only used for authentication during setup. Transactions are encrypted end-to-end, and mandates are linked to your registered mobile number and device. Fraudulent attempts to create a mandate without your consent are blocked by RBI-mandated authentication protocols.

Can I use UPI autopay for international services?

No, UPI autopay currently only works with Indian-registered merchants and UPI IDs. International services like Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime (outside India) cannot be paid via UPI autopay unless they have a local Indian billing partner with a UPI ID. For international subscriptions, use a credit card or other international payment methods.

Do I need to re-enable autopay after changing my UPI app?

Yes. UPI mandates are tied to the app or bank where you set them up. If you switch apps or change your primary UPI account, you must re-enable autopay on the new platform. However, your existing mandates on the old app will continue to function unless you delete them manually.

Can a merchant increase the autopay amount without my permission?

No. Under RBI guidelines, no merchant can increase the autopay amount without your explicit consent. If a merchant tries to charge more than the agreed amount, the transaction will be rejected. You will also receive a notification if the amount changes, and you must re-authenticate the new amount to proceed.

How do I know if a merchant is legitimate for autopay?

Only use merchants with verified UPI IDs look for a green checkmark or Verified Business label in your app. Avoid entering UPI IDs manually unless youre certain they belong to the official service provider. Trusted apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and BHIM only allow pre-verified merchants to be added to autopay.

Is UPI autopay free to use?

Yes, enabling and using UPI autopay is completely free for users. No platform charges fees for setting up, managing, or canceling mandates. Merchants may pay transaction fees to their payment processors, but these costs are not passed on to you.

Whats the difference between UPI autopay and auto-debit?

UPI autopay uses the UPI network to initiate payments directly from your bank account via a UPI ID. Auto-debit, on the other hand, uses the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) system and requires you to sign a physical or digital mandate form. UPI autopay is faster, more flexible, and easier to cancel. Auto-debit is typically used for larger recurring payments like EMIs and insurance premiums.

Can I set up autopay for multiple services with one UPI ID?

Yes. You can link multiple merchants to a single UPI ID and set up separate autopay mandates for each. Each mandate is tracked independently, so you can manage them individually changing amounts, pausing, or deleting them without affecting others.

Conclusion

Enabling UPI autopay doesnt have to mean surrendering control it can mean gaining efficiency, security, and peace of mind. The top 10 methods outlined in this guide are not just convenient; they are rigorously designed to protect your finances. From government-backed BHIM to bank-integrated systems like Kotak 811 and Axis Bank, each platform prioritizes transparency, user control, and regulatory compliance. Avoid unverified third-party apps, never share your UPI PIN, and always review mandates before confirming. Trust in UPI autopay is earned through consistent security practices, not marketing claims. By choosing one of these trusted methods, you ensure that your recurring payments are seamless, secure, and entirely under your command. Take the time to set up autopay correctly its one of the smartest financial habits you can adopt in the digital age.