To protect customers from unwanted subscriptions and fraudulent payment modes (dark patterns), NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) has taken a decisive step. Effective January 1, 2026, the rules for UPI AutoPay are set to change completely. You will now be able to track and manage all your active auto-payments from a single location. This new system will curb the arbitrariness of e-commerce companies and ensure your money is completely safe. In this article, we will explore in detail the new NPCI rules and how you can control your subscriptions.
UPI AutoPay’s New Portal
It has often been observed that many apps lure customers into setting up monthly auto-payments, which are very difficult to turn off. To address this problem, NPCI has launched a central portal called upihelp.npci.org.in.
Customers will no longer need to check AutoPay individually in each app. All banks and payment apps are required to integrate with this robust system by December 31, 2025. Through the new portal, you’ll be able to see where and when your money is being deducted, and you’ll be able to pause or cancel it with a single click.
Porting AutoPay will now be easy
According to NPCI’s new circular, the powerful feature of “portability” is about to arrive in the world of UPI AutoPay. This means you’ll be able to easily transfer your payments from one app to another.
If you want to switch from Google Pay (GPay) to PhonePe, you can transfer your AutoPay there as well.
Shopkeepers or merchants will also be able to update their payment provider or UPI ID without pausing their payment.
Any changes to AutoPay settings will require entering a UPI PIN, which adds a strong layer of security.
Any AutoPay will be allowed to be ported only once in 90 days. Apps will not be able to force you to switch apps repeatedly by luring you with cashbacks.
Crackdown on Dark Patterns
E-commerce and subscription-based companies often use “dark patterns,” i.e., designs that force customers into unwanted expenses. NPCI has made it clear that no app will be able to lure customers into such traps. Under the new rules, a list of all active payments will be clearly visible in the “Manage Bank Account” or “AutoPay” section.
Furthermore, the new platform “UPI Help” will allow customers to resolve issues through conversational mode. If your money has been wrongly deducted, you can visit this powerful portal to lodge your complaint and receive an immediate resolution. To protect privacy, AutoPay data will be used only for display purposes, not for marketing.
Precautions for Digital Security
Your caution is your true armour when using UPI. Be sure to check the list in the ‘AutoPay’ section of your app every month. Download UPI apps only from the official store and never enter your UPI PIN by clicking on an unknown link. It’s crucial to carefully read any ‘Payment Due’ or ‘Auto-debit’ messages from your bank.