UPI AutoPay lets an app collect money from your bank account automatically. It is useful for subscriptions — and dangerous when you approve one without realising, because the app can keep pulling money on a schedule.
How a hidden mandate happens
During a deposit, some apps present a recurring “AutoPay” mandate that looks like a normal one-time payment. You approve it in your UPI app, and now the operator has standing permission to debit your account up to a set limit, again and again, until you cancel it.
How to check your mandates
Open your UPI app — Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or your bank app — and look for a section called “Autopay,” “Mandates,” or “Subscriptions.” There you can see every recurring authorisation, who it is to, the amount, and the frequency.
How to cancel one
Tap the mandate you did not intend to set up and choose Pause or Cancel. The change takes effect immediately and stops future debits. Do this now as a check even if you think you have none — it takes two minutes and can prevent a slow drain you never noticed.
A safer habit
When approving any UPI payment, read the screen: a one-time payment and a recurring mandate look different. If it says “AutoPay,” “recurring,” or shows a future frequency, and you only meant to pay once, reject it.
Get help or report a scam
If you’ve lost money to a scam app, report it at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. If gambling is affecting your life or someone you love, you can reach the free, confidential mental-health helpline Tele MANAS at 14416. Asking for help early is a strength, not a weakness.
This article is for consumer awareness and harm prevention. It is not legal or financial advice.