UPI gets biometric upgrade: NPCI enables fingerprint and face id payments across India

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced biometric authentication for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, marking a major step toward enhancing digital payment security and user convenience.

The new feature, launched at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai by M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, enables users to verify transactions using on-device biometrics such as fingerprints or facial recognition, replacing the traditional UPI PIN.

The biometric authentication can also be used for setting or resetting UPI PINs and for cash withdrawals at ATMs using UPI. NPCI emphasised that the feature is optional, empowering users to choose their preferred mode of verification.

Each transaction, it added, is independently verified by the issuing bank through advanced cryptographic checks, ensuring strong data protection and a frictionless payment experience.

Simplifying payments for new users and senior citizens

The introduction of biometrics is expected to make digital onboarding more accessible, particularly for senior citizens and users new to UPI.

Until now, setting up a UPI PIN required debit card details or Aadhaar OTP verification. With Aadhaar-based face authentication, users can now complete the setup quickly without the need for physical cards or complex steps.

“This innovation aligns with NPCI’s mission to make digital payments secure, inclusive, and effortless for every citizen,” the corporation said in its release.

The initiative also reflects the Reserve Bank of India’s growing emphasis on alternative second-factor authentication methods, such as biometrics and behavioural analytics, to reduce fraud linked to PIN and OTP misuse.

NPCI has been exploring these technologies since 2021, when it launched the “NPCI PayAuth Challenge” to encourage startups to develop advanced authentication solutions.

Among the winners were Tech5, Juspay, MinkasuPay, and Infobip, with banks later favouring MinkasuPay for its easy integration.

UPI continues to dominate India’s digital payments landscape, accounting for nearly 85 percent of online transactions.

With around 20 billion transactions worth ₹25 lakh crore processed each month, the addition of biometric authentication aims to strengthen the platform’s security while maintaining the simplicity that has made it India’s most trusted digital payment system.Read about our editorial guidelines and ethics policy