Now, there will be no need to enter a PIN for UPI payments. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched fingerprint and Face ID-based biometric authentication. This new system will provide a fast, secure, and convenient transaction experience with on-device security, greatly benefiting senior citizens and new users.
UPI Biometric Authentication: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a biometric authentication feature for UPI payments across the country. Users will now be able to make payments using fingerprint or Face ID, eliminating the need to enter a PIN. This feature is a significant step towards making digital payments in India even more secure and simple. The new system is entirely based on an on-device process and will be particularly useful for senior citizens, new customers, and users without debit cards.
Maximum Benefit for Senior Citizens and New Users
This new system will provide the most relief to senior citizens and new customers. Previously, creating a UPI PIN required debit card details and Aadhaar OTP verification. Now, after Aadhaar-based Face Authentication, this process will become easier and faster.
This feature will also be helpful for those who do not possess a debit card. Additionally, this system will play a crucial role in preventing fraud and scams. In recent years, several fraud cases linked to PINs had emerged, which the RBI had expressed concerns about.
Cash Withdrawal from ATMs Also Possible
Users can set their UPI PIN using Face ID or fingerprint if they wish. Furthermore, biometric authentication can now also be used when withdrawing money from ATMs via UPI. For this, users will need to opt-in, meaning they can choose either PIN or biometric authentication as per their preference.
NPCI had been working on this feature for a long time, and a hackathon was also organized for it in 2021.
UPI Becomes the Country's Most Popular Payment Platform
UPI is the most popular method for digital payments in the country. Currently, approximately 85 percent of online transactions in India occur via UPI. On average, over 20 billion transactions take place every month, with a total value of around 25 lakh crore rupees.
With the introduction of biometric authentication, it is expected that UPI payments will now become even more secure, faster, and more convenient.
