Mandate processing and timelines

Physical mandates and eSign eMandates are created in acknowledged status and take a few working days to reach active/failed. API eMandates are created instantly in active status.

After the mandate is authorised by the customer, the mandate is processed via the sponsor bank (the creditor's bank) and the destination bank (the debtor's bank) via NPCI, which assigns a Unique Mandate Reference Number (UMRN).

See Mandate statuses for more information on status changes.

Physical mandate and eSign eMandate:

• After source is authorised and received by LotusPay, LotusPay submits the input to the sponsor bank on the same working day (if received before the cut-off time) or the next working day (if received after the cut-off time). Processing begins by the sponsor bank.

• The sponsor bank messages NPCI and receives acknowledgement. LotusPay creates the mandate in acknowledged status.

• NPCI forwards the message to the destination bank.

• The destination bank responds to the input with acceptance or rejection. Some destination banks respond faster than others.

• Mandate response (also known as turnaround time) takes max 7 days (max 5 days, effective 1 Dec 2023) * for physical mandates and max 2 days for eSign eMandates.

• Transaction can be initiated as soon as the mandate becomes active.

* Prior to 1 Sep 2023, max turnaround time was 10 days, but this was reduced in Circular NPCI/2023-24/NACH/006.

API eMandate:

• After mandate is authorised, the mandate is instantly active.

• NPCI informs the destination bank and sponsor bank.

• Transaction can be initiated on the second working day after mandate activation.