Google has announced its own UPI-based automatic payment option for users in India, finally giving them the option to pay for subscriptions with UPI. Previously, users could only use UPI to purchase apps, games, and in-app items. But now with this addition, they can also use the method for recurring payments.
The implementation makes use of the UPI Autopay technology introduced under UPI 2.0 by NPCI, which allows users to make recurring payments through a UPI application of their choice. Card payments have failed for many users since new RBI rules prohibited the storage of credit/debit card information without the user’s consent. So the recently added UPI support for subscriptions serves as a great alternative.
How to use UPI Autopay for Google Play Store subscriptions
1. Simply open any app or OTT service you want to subscribe to. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding the option to subscribe; these apps usually make it very obvious. For this example, we’ll be using the Evernote app, which offers a ton of extra features over the free plan for around Rs 200 per month.
UPI really simplifies the underwriting process
2. Choosing the monthly subscription plan opens the Google Play payments popup.
3. If you already have a UPI ID added as a payment method, then great. If not, you can select the “Pay with UPI” option to add a new UPI ID. This added UPI ID is saved to your Google Play account so you can quickly access it for similar payments.
4. Once you have added your UPI, you can continue by pressing the big green Subscribe button at the bottom
5. After authentication, you should receive an SMS or notification from the UPI in question, asking you to approve the automatic payment request.
6. Once approved, the first month’s amount will be deducted from your bank account. Automatic payment will also ensure that you do not need to manually perform this process for months to come.
How to cancel an ongoing Google Play Store subscription
Of course, the automatic payment will keep the subscription active indefinitely and will continue deducting the amount from your bank automatically. Then, when you no longer need the service, you’ll need to manually cancel the subscription as soon as possible to block any automatic payments. This is especially important since Google Play does not refund subscriptions.
1. To cancel a subscription, open the Google Play Store on your Android device
2. Tap on the account icon at the top right and select “Payments & subscriptions”.
3. Tap Subscriptions and select the subscription you want to cancel.
4. Touch Unsubscribe, and then follow the instructions.
In a related development, Apple recently removed the ability to pay for subscriptions and app purchases with bank cards in India. Users now have to pay with their Apple ID balance to continue enjoying their subscriptions. That can be recharged through App Store codes, Net Banking and UPI.
