Can You Do Everything Online with Bihar Gramin Bank E-Mandate & ECS?

Bihar Gramin Bank lets customers set up recurring debits in two common ways: the traditional ECS (Electronic Clearing Service) / NACH route and the newer digital e-mandate (electronic mandate) process. Both let a third party — a lender, insurer, utility company or mutual fund house — debit your account automatically. But whether you can do “everything” online depends on which service you need, your account access (netbanking or mobile banking), and the specific product or merchant involved. Below I explain what each method is, when to use them, how to register, what you can do fully online, costs, how to cancel, and common real-world examples.

What is an e‑mandate and what is ECS/NACH?

ECS/NACH is the older, bulk-clearing route used by banks to process recurring debits and credits. It works through the clearing house (NACH is NPCI’s centralized version). ECS mandates were often paper-based.

E-mandate is the digital version. It lets you authenticate a standing instruction online (via netbanking, debit card OTP, or UPI in some cases) so a merchant can pull recurring payments. E-mandate reduces paperwork and speeds activation. Under the hood, e-mandates still route through NACH/NPCI for settlement.

When and why are they used?

• EMIs and loan repayments: Banks or NBFCs use mandates so monthly EMI is auto-debited from your account.
• Mutual fund SIPs: SIPs via NACH/e-mandate avoid failed payments when you forget to pay.
• Insurance premiums and subscriptions: Annual/monthly premiums and digital subscriptions use mandates for convenience.
• Utility and telecom bills: Auto-debit prevents disconnection and late fees.

Why use them? You avoid missed payments, late fees and re-entry of mandate details. E-mandates are more secure and auditable because you authenticate online.

How to register — online (netbanking/mobile) and at a branch

Most banks offer two ways to set up a mandate. Which option you use depends on whether you have netbanking/mobile banking enabled and whether the merchant supports e-mandates.

Online via netbanking/mobile banking (typical steps)

• Log in to Bihar Gramin Bank netbanking or mobile app.
• Find a menu like “Mandates”, “Standing Instructions”, “e‑Mandate / NACH”, or under “Payments & Transfers”.
• Choose “Create e‑mandate” or “Accept e‑mandate” and enter merchant details supplied by the biller (biller ID, maximum amount, frequency, start & end date).
• Confirm the details and authenticate using OTP on your registered mobile number or netbanking transaction password.
• You will receive a mandate reference/ID. Merchant is notified and activates the mandate. Activation time varies (minutes to a few days).

Tip: Keep the mandate ID and screenshots. Check netbanking for a list of active mandates.

At the branch (paper ECS/NACH)

• Obtain the ECS/NACH mandate form from the bank or the merchant.
• Attach a cancelled cheque for account verification and submit required KYC/signature.
• The bank processes the form and registers the mandate centrally. This may take 7–30 days depending on processing cycles.

What can you do fully online?

• Register e‑mandates for merchants that support NPCI e‑mandate flow and when you have netbanking/mobile banking.
• View active mandates, mandate status (active/pending/expired), and mandate details online.
• Cancel or revoke an e‑mandate through netbanking in most cases.

What you usually cannot do fully online: register a physical ECS paper mandate, or set up mandates if your netbanking is not activated. Also some old-school billers may insist on a signed physical mandate or additional verification at their end even after you create an e‑mandate.

Benefits

• Convenience: No repeated manual payments or visits to bank/office.
• Faster activation: E‑mandates are typically active much faster than paper ECS.
• Audit trail: You get a mandate ID and online records for disputes.
• Control: You can set maximum debit amounts and expiry dates when creating the mandate.

Charges, limits, and how to revoke control

Charges: In most cases, banks do not charge customers for registering e‑mandates. Processing charges, if any, are usually borne by the merchant. However, returned transactions (insufficient funds) may attract a fee. Confirm with the bank for up-to-date charges.

Limits and controls: When you create an e‑mandate you can often set a “maximum amount” per debit and the frequency (monthly, quarterly). This prevents an unexpected large debit.

Revoking a mandate:

• Online: Go to netbanking/mobile > mandate management > select the mandate > cancel/revoke. Keep the confirmation screenshot or reference number.
• Branch: Submit a written request to the branch with mandate details and a copy of your identity. Ask for an acknowledgement.
• After cancellation: It can take a few working days to reflect. The merchant might attempt one last debit before cancellation completes. If an unauthorized debit happens, raise a dispute with the bank immediately.

Real examples

• Home loan EMI: Your lender sends an e‑mandate link. You authenticate via netbanking. The loan EMI is debited monthly without further action.
• Mutual fund SIP: The AMC requests a NACH mandate. You approve it in netbanking. SIPs are processed on the SIP date; if your account lacks funds, the SIP fails and may be rescheduled depending on the scheme rules.
• Electricity bill auto‑debit: You set a monthly limit and expiry. The utility company pulls the monthly bill up to your limit.

FAQs

Q: Can I stop an e‑mandate immediately online?
A: Usually yes via netbanking or the mobile app. Allow a few working days for processing and check status. Keep proof of cancellation.

Q: What if an auto‑debit fails?
A: It fails due to insufficient funds or technical return codes. You may get a return charge. Notify the merchant or bank if you believe the debit was incorrect.

Q: Will mandates show in my passbook?
A: Mandates themselves are not passbook entries, but debits done under a mandate show as NACH/ECS or the merchant name. Check the netbanking mandate screen for mandate history.

Q: Are e‑mandates safe?
A: Yes, when done through your bank’s netbanking or UPI/autopay flow. Authentication uses OTPs or transaction passwords. Keep your credentials secure and never share OTPs.

Q: If Bihar Gramin Bank does not offer a full online flow for a particular merchant, what should I do?
A: Ask the merchant if they accept alternate flows (UPI AutoPay or card‑based e‑mandate) or submit a paper mandate at your branch. Confirm timelines and keep copies.

Bottom line: You can do most mandate tasks online with Bihar Gramin Bank if you have netbanking or the bank’s mobile app and if the merchant supports NPCI e‑mandate. For older paper ECS forms, or for some merchants, a branch visit may still be needed. Always confirm merchant requirements and keep mandate IDs and screenshots for your records.