Use Credit Card Autopay Feature to Make Payments

Managing regular expenses like Credit Card bills is part of the routine, but the due dates clashing with other payments make tracking difficult. The added stress of other financial obligations and a busy work-life schedule can make it even more challenging to keep up. This is where the Credit Card auto-payment facility acts as a boon. Read ahead to learn how it works. 

A Credit Card autopay refers to a standing instruction you set to automatically clear your Credit Card bills from a linked bank account. Once activated, the payment is processed on the due date as per your instructions without you having to intervene. 

Setting up an autopay on a Credit Card helps in managing monthly dues better. Here are some key advantages it brings:

• Prompt Payments: You can ensure your Credit Card bills are processed on time by scheduling them through autopay.

• Improved Credit Score: As you clear your Credit Card payments on time, the consistent repayment reflects positively in your credit report and boosts your credit score over time.

• Helps Avoid Late Fees: Since payments are automated, you are less likely to incur late payment fees and interest charges on Credit Cards.

A few aspects concerning Credit Card auto-payments are worth considering before setting it up:

• Activating autopay for Credit Cards can take anywhere between 5 and 7 working days.

• Sufficient balance to pay either the total or minimum amount due should be maintained in your bank account at all times to ensure Credit Card autopay is processed as intended.

• The auto-payment feature authorises the bank to recover, at least, the minimum amount due in case of insufficient balance. This is regardless of the auto-pay option you’ve chosen.

• If the balance is recovered for the minimum due as a result of insufficient balance, you may incur an autopay return charge on the unpaid amount.

• If you opt to make a partial payment before the auto-payment is processed, it disrupts the mandate, and it may be returned unpaid. Also, autopay return charges are levied on the net payable amount.

• Credit Card auto-payments exceeding ₹1 lakh require an additional factor of authentication (OTP verification) as per RBI guidelines on e-mandate framework, 2026.

You can customise how Credit Card auto-payments are processed. The different auto-pay options include:

• Total Amount Due: The entire outstanding bill is cleared through a single payment. This option prevents balance from carrying over to the next month and avoids interest charges.

• Minimum Amount Due: Pays the amount required to avoid late fees, but the interest accumulates on the balance amount.

• Custom Amount: Some banks may allow choosing a fixed amount to be paid every billing cycle.

The exact process to start a Credit Card autopay may vary across banks. But the usual steps include:

Online: Recommend H3 Tag

1. Log in to your bank’s portal or mobile app

2. Under the ‘Cards’ section, select the Credit Card for the e-mandate

3. Click on the ‘Manage’ option and choose to ‘Manage Autopay’

4. Choose the auto-pay type between total, minimum, and the custom option, as available with the bank

5. Link your savings account and confirm activation

Offline: Recommend H3 Tag

1. Fill out the autopay registration or NACH (National Automated Clearing House) e-mandate form at your nearest bank branch

2. Submit the required documents, such as a cancelled check of your savings account, to validate identification

3. Select the autopay debit option between the minimum and full amount

4. Set a maximum amount for auto-debit to ensure hassle-free payments. 

Managing a Credit Card comes down to spending within your means and creating a healthy repayment routine. Autopay assists in the latter part. As it reduces the hassle and stress related to Credit Card payments, you can focus on other aspects of financial planning. HDFC Bank simplifies the processing of setting up autopay, and the range of Credit Card options offers adequate control with digital payment features.Click here to apply now!

*Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Credit Card approvals are at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited. Credit Card approval is subject to documentation and verification as per the Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change. Please check with your RM or closest bank branch for current interest rates.