NPCI is soon launching a biometric system for UPI payments, allowing users to make secure payments without a PIN using Face ID or fingerprint.
UPI Payment: A major change is on the horizon in the world of digital payments. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has begun preparations for a new biometric payment system to make UPI (Unified Payment Interface) more secure, easier, and faster. Under this system, users will no longer need to enter a 4 or 6-digit PIN for UPI transactions; instead, they can make payments using their fingerprint or Face ID. This new technology will not only reduce fraud cases but also make UPI payments easier than ever for the elderly and those with limited literacy.
What is a Biometric Payment System?
A biometric payment system is a technology that uses a user's unique physical identifiers—such as fingerprints or facial recognition (Face ID)—to authorize transactions. This is the same technology we use to unlock mobile phones or log in to apps. Now, NPCI plans to implement this technology in UPI payments. This method is not only simple but also considered highly reliable from a security standpoint.
Face or Fingerprint Instead of PIN
Currently, when a person transfers money via UPI, they have to enter their UPI PIN at the end of the transaction. However, to make this process more seamless, a biometric verification option will now be provided in place of the PIN. This means that UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc., will have a new feature where transactions can be confirmed simply by scanning a fingerprint or using face recognition at the time of payment.
Reduction in Cases of Cyber Fraud
Biometric-based transactions are considered much more secure than PINs or passwords because they are nearly impossible to hack or steal. As cases of digital fraud increase, NPCI is now emphasizing technologies that improve user security. The biometric system will ensure that the payment is being made by the actual owner of the account.
Will All Phones Support It?
This feature will initially be available only on smartphones that have biometric authentication sensors—such as fingerprint scanners or face unlock. Additionally, NPCI and the related apps will ensure that this feature is provided with secure algorithms at the device level, minimizing the possibility of data leaks or biometric cloning.
Suspense on Launch Date
NPCI has not yet disclosed the launch date of this biometric payment system. However, according to sources, this feature will first be implemented as a pilot project in some select banks and apps. If everything goes well, this feature may be made available throughout the country in the next few months.
Several Changes in UPI from August 1st
While preparations are underway for biometric payments, NPCI has also announced the implementation of some new rules related to UPI from August 1, 2025.
These include:
- Auto-pay requests can now only be sent before 10 AM and between 1 PM and 5 PM.
- The limit for balance checks has been set—balance cannot be checked more than 50 times a day.
- Users will receive immediate information about transaction failures through Fast Fail Status.
Another Step Towards Digital India
NPCI is continuously introducing new features to promote the Government of India's Digital India campaign. QR code payments, sound boxes, auto-pay, and now biometric payments—all these innovations are making India one of the fastest-growing digital payment economies in the world.
