How Can Indian Users Subscribe to Bubble Plans and Complete Payments Under RBI Guidelines?
Indian users face certain challenges when subscribing to Bubble plans due to (1) regulatory requirements set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and (2) the necessity for 3D Secure (3DS) authentication for payments. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help Indian users navigate subscription plans, complete payments, and troubleshoot common issues.
Why Are Indian Users Unable to Access the Free Trial?
Indian users are not eligible for Bubble's free trial due to regional restrictions and the RBI's guidelines for recurring payments. These guidelines require additional verification steps like 3D Secure authentication, which are not currently compatible with free trial activations in India. If you are based in India and attempt to subscribe using the free trial option, you will encounter an error. Instead, Indian users can activate a Starter Plan ten days after account creation.
Tip: Forex Cards as Alternatives
Many Indian users successfully use Forex cards as their payment method for subscriptions, as these cards often bypass auto-debit restrictions imposed on local cards.
How to Subscribe to Bubble’s Paid Plans
Step-by-Step Guide for Subscribing:
If you are upgrading from the Free plan to any paid plan, follow the 3DS validation steps during the payment process. A pop-up will appear for additional validation; click “Continue” to proceed.
For existing subscriptions, downgrade to the Free plan first, then re-upgrade to the desired paid plan to go through the updated 3DS authentication steps.
3D Secure authentication is mandatory to comply with the RBI guidelines. Ensure you have a valid card enabled for 3D Secure payments for seamless transactions.
Troubleshooting Payment Issues
If you face issues completing 3D Secure authentication during payments, it could mean:
Your Bank Declined the Charge: Contact your issuing bank to confirm that 3DS payments are enabled and inquire about the declined transaction.
Use an Alternative Card: If your local card is not compatible, consider using a Forex card, which is often not subject to the same restrictions.
Once verified with your bank, retry the transaction to complete the payment process.
Summary and Best Practices
To navigate Bubble's subscription plans in India successfully, remember:
Free trials are not available to Indian users due to RBI guidelines. Subscribe directly to the Starter Plan or above.
Follow all 3DS authentication prompts to validate your payment. Downgrade and re-upgrade existing subscriptions for compliance, if necessary.
Consider Forex cards as reliable alternatives for making payments seamlessly.
By adhering to the specific steps outlined above, Indian users can continue to access and benefit from Bubble's features without disruption or confusion under the RBI's regulatory framework.