A small Rs 1 charge can lead to big bills. Many users are facing unexpected monthly charges on their bank accounts.
This happens because of hidden UPI Autopay mandates. You might think you only signed up for a trial. But later, the app pulls full money automatically.
Actually, these “subscription” models use UPI Autopay for easy payments. Companies love this method because it ensures they get paid. But for you, it can feel like a trap. You might forget which apps have access to your money.
Imagine you sign up for a music app. You pay Rs 1 for a one-week trial. Next month, the app charges you Rs 500 without asking. You might miss this notification entirely!
I personally tried this method…
How UPI Autopay Works
UPI Autopay allows apps to take money automatically. You give permission once, and the app repeats the task. This is great for things like Netflix or electricity bills. However, it becomes tricky with “free trials.”
Many apps use a tiny amount to verify your account. They ask for your PIN to set up the mandate.
Once you enter the PIN, you agree to future charges. Most people click “OK” without reading the fine print. I think we all need to be much more careful here.
Here is why your bank balance might drop:
- You signed a recurring mandate.
- The trial period ended suddenly.
- The app uses “autopay” settings.
- You ignored the SMS notification.
In my experience…
How to Stop Hidden Charges
You must take control of your UPI settings today. You can view all active mandates in your UPI app. This includes apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm. Check them regularly to stay safe.
Follow these simple steps to stop unwanted bills:
- Open your preferred UPI app.
- Go to your profile or settings section.
- Look for “Autopay” or “Mandates.”
- Select the active subscription.
- Click “Cancel” or “Remove” immediately.
Always check your bank statement every month. If you see weird charges, act fast. You can also find more details on digital banking rules from the Reserve Bank of India.
Their rules protect your digital money. Honestly, checking your settings once a week is a great habit. Don’t let small trials become big headaches!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was I charged ₹1 for a service I didn’t sign up for?
That ₹1 charge is usually a verification step for a UPI Autopay mandate. It confirms your bank details are active before the service starts charging you the full monthly amount automatically.
Q: How can I tell if I have any active UPI mandates running?
You can easily check this through your UPI app, like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. Just look for the ‘Autopay’ or ‘Mandates’ section in your profile or settings to see all your active subscriptions.
Q: Is there a way to stop these automatic monthly payments?
Yes, you can cancel them directly through your UPI app by selecting the specific mandate and hitting ‘Cancel’ or ‘Pause’. This prevents any future automatic deductions from your bank account.