NPCI and RBI launch UPI Biometric Authentication 2025: Authorize payments with fingerprint or face, no PIN required, for a faster, secure digital experience.
Mumbai/New Delhi | October 8, 2025 | The Interview Times — India’s digital payments landscape just got a futuristic upgrade. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), introduced UPI Biometric Authentication 2025, allowing users to authorize payments using fingerprint or facial recognition, completely eliminating the need for a PIN.
Announced at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, these upgrades aim to make transactions faster, more secure, and accessible, especially for seniors, rural users, and first-time digital adopters. With UPI processing 19.63 billion transactions worth ₹24.9 trillion in September 2025, this initiative is set to further boost adoption and digital inclusion.
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Biometric Authentication: PINs Are History
The core feature is on-device biometric authentication. Users can now confirm UPI payments through:
- Fingerprint scanners
- Facial recognition
This optional, opt-in system links device biometrics with Aadhaar verification, ensuring every transaction is cryptographically secured by the issuing bank.
“This isn’t just convenience—it’s about making payments as intuitive as unlocking your phone,” said an NPCI spokesperson.
Biometric Authentication: Limits and Security
- Initial transactions: Up to ₹5,000
- Biometric access disabled after 90 days of inactivity or PIN reset
- Banks and apps must ensure device compatibility and UIDAI compliance
Apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm are expected to enable this update soon. Social media users are already celebrating:
“No more PINs—just your face or fingerprint! UPI just went full sci-fi,” tweeted one early adopter.
Hands-Free Payments: UPI Lite on Smart Glasses
UPI Lite, designed for low-value, fast transactions, is now compatible with wearable smart glasses.
- Users scan a QR code and confirm payments via voice commands
- Ideal for retail shopping, dining, and public transit
- Tokenized data ensures privacy without storing biometric info
RBI officials highlighted that this feature is especially helpful for visually impaired users and busy professionals.
Navi UPI: Aadhaar-Integrated Biometric Onboarding
Navi UPI became India’s first platform to combine Aadhaar-based facial verification and fingerprint authentication for PIN setup and resets.
- No debit card needed for onboarding
- Makes UPI accessible for rural and elderly populations
“We’re democratizing access to secure payments,” said a Navi executive.
RBI Enhancements: Cash Withdrawals & Joint Accounts
- UPI-Based Cash Withdrawals:
- Withdraw via micro ATMs using a QR scan and UPI app authorization
- Expands financial inclusion by 20–30% in underserved areas
- Multi-Signatory UPI Accounts:
- Family or business accounts can approve transactions via multiple signatories
- Ensures control, transparency, and interoperability
“These changes improve convenience while maintaining top-notch security,” said RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar.
Feature Highlights
| Feature | Key Benefit | Limit | Security Highlights |
| Biometric Authentication | PIN-free approvals via fingerprint/face | ₹5,000 | Device-bound, bank-verified; re-consent required |
| Wearable Smart Glasses (UPI Lite) | Voice-confirmed QR payments | Small-value only | Tokenized, hands-free, accessible |
| Aadhaar Face Auth for PIN | Cardless onboarding/resets | N/A | UIDAI-integrated; inclusive |
| Micro ATM Withdrawals | QR-based cash access | Bank-dependent | Expands AePS; rural-focused |
| Multi-Signatory UPI | Joint account approvals | N/A | Controlled, interoperable |
Keynote Address by RBI Governor
@GovSMalhotra at Global Fintech Fest 2025 on ‘Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Growth Through Digital Public Infrastructure and FinTech
— ReserveBankOfIndia (@RBI) October 8, 2025
Biometric Authentication: Why This Matters
As India targets a $1 trillion digital economy by 2026, these updates:
- Solve PIN fatigue and device dependency
- Strengthen security and fraud protection
- Enhance financial inclusion for all demographics
“India’s digital payment innovation is redefining what’s possible,” said one analyst.
The rollout starts October 8, 2025. Users are encouraged to update their UPI apps and enable biometrics securely.
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