India’s most popular digital payment system, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is getting a major upgrade. Starting October 8, users will be able to authorize UPI payments using their face or fingerprint, without entering a PIN.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which manages UPI, is introducing this feature at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. This new form of biometric authentication aims to make payments faster, simpler, and more secure for millions of users across the country.
The new system will use Aadhaar-based biometric data for authentication. When making a payment, users will be able to verify their identity using facial recognition or a fingerprint scan through supported devices. This will replace the need to enter a 4- or 6-digit UPI PIN. Since Aadhaar already stores biometric data like fingerprints and facial scans, it provides a secure foundation for this system.
The move comes after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated its guidelines to allow alternative authentication methods for digital transactions. This has opened the door for new innovations in fintech and payments, enabling smoother and more user-friendly verification options.
According to experts, the biometric system could help reduce fraud and unauthorized transactions. PINs can be shared, guessed, or stolen, but biometric data is unique and far harder to duplicate. Rohit Mahajan, Founder and Managing Partner of Plutos ONE, said the change will “redefine convenience” and make UPI more inclusive for users in rural areas and senior citizens who often struggle with remembering PINs or using complex apps.
However, experts have also highlighted the need for strong privacy safeguards. Since Aadhaar data is at the core of this system, ensuring data encryption, user consent, and secure processing will be crucial. NPCI and banks will need to maintain strict security standards to prevent misuse or unauthorized access to sensitive biometric information.
