NPCI Now Enables UPI Payments With Face, Fingerprint Authentication Instead Of PIN

The National Payments Corp. has enabled Unified Payments Interface transactions via biometric authentication, according to an update posted on its official social media handle on Tuesday.

This will allow UPI users to authenticate their transactions using face or fingerprint, instead of the six-digit PIN they use at present. However, the existing method of authenticating payments through the PIN will also be allowed.

The new feature was launched by the NPCI at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, in presence of RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar.

"Faster, simpler, and secure. Bio-metric authentication for transactions is now available on UPI," the NPCI posted on X, adding that this device-based fingerprint and face authentication is making "transactions easier than ever".

The NPCI has also launched 'UPI Multi-Signatory', a feature which enables multi-signatory or joint accounts on the UPI that require authorisation from one or more signatories to perform the UPI payments.

Further, small transactions can now be carried out on the UPI Lite using wearable glasses that are "designed to enable users to complete hands-free and secure transactions by scanning a QR, authenticate and complete payments through voice on Smart Glasses, without needing a phone or entering a PIN".

The company also announced the launch of UPI Cash Point at the summit, enabling UPI-powered cash withdrawals. This allows users to withdraw or deposit cash at participating local shops, pharmacies, and business correspondents using a UPI app to scan a QR code, similar to how a shop functions as a mini-ATM.

As of Sept 2025, UPI recorded 1,963.34 crore transactions worth Rs 24.89 lakh crore marking a decline of roughly 1.83% from August.

In August, it recorded approximately 2,000 crore transactions, aggregating to Rs 24.85 lakh crore, according to data released by National Payments Corporation of India.