The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), announced a series of innovative initiatives at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 held in Mumbai. These advancements are set to significantly enhance India’s already thriving digital payments ecosystem. A standout feature is the introduction of biometric and wearable glass authentication for UPI transactions, promising a leap forward in both speed and convenience for digital payments. During the same event, Navi UPI proudly emerged as the nation’s first UPI platform to roll out biometric authentication, simplifying the onboarding process for its users.
NPCI Unveils Advanced Biometric and Wearable Glass Authentication for UPI
On Tuesday, the NPCI officially launched on-device biometric authentication for UPI payments. This exciting feature enables users to authenticate their transactions with a simple fingerprint or face unlock on their smartphone, eliminating the need to type in a UPI PIN. While optional, every transaction still undergoes verification by the user’s bank. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for senior citizens and new digital payment users who might find traditional PIN-based systems cumbersome.
In another exciting development, UPI Lite has expanded its capabilities to include payments through wearable smart glasses. This means users can now complete small transactions by simply scanning a QR code and using a voice command, all without needing their mobile phone or a PIN. This seamless system is ideal for daily purchases in retail, food, and transit, making frequent small-value payments effortless.
To further streamline the user experience, Aadhaar-based face authentication has been rolled out for setting up or resetting UPI PINs. This system leverages the UIDAI’s FaceRD App for secure verification, significantly simplifying the onboarding process for individuals who may not readily have access to debit cards.
The NPCI clarified that the biometric authentication feature is initially applicable for transactions up to ₹5,000. Banks and UPI application providers are mandated to ensure device compatibility, conduct thorough security checks, and adhere to all guidelines set forth by UIDAI and NPCI. It’s important to note that biometric authentication is automatically disabled if a UPI PIN is reset, and users who have been inactive for 90 days will need to reconfirm their consent to continue using the feature.
Beyond these, a new method for cash withdrawals has been launched, allowing users to access funds via micro ATMs at UPI Cash Points managed by business correspondents. Additionally, UPI payments are now accessible to joint and multi-signatory account holders, significantly broadening the reach and convenience for these users.
Navi UPI proudly announced on Tuesday that it has become the first platform in India to successfully implement biometric-based payments on a large scale, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital payment evolution.