Will UPI go PIN-free? Face or fingerprint feature likely from October 8

Mumbai: From paying for groceries to splitting restaurant bills, UPI has become the go-to mode of payment for millions of Indians-- quick, cashless, and just a tap away. Now, the way we approve these payments could be about to change.

According to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with the matter, users may soon be able to authenticate UPI transactions using facial recognition or fingerprint scans, instead of entering a PIN. The feature could roll out as early as October 8, although there’s been no official confirmation yet.

The report suggests that the new system will use biometric data already linked to users’ Aadhaar, offering a faster and more secure alternative to the current PIN-based approval process.

The move aligns with recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines that permit alternative authentication methods for digital transactions, aimed at boosting both convenience and security.

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI),  which runs the UPI platform, is expected to showcase this new biometric feature during the ongoing Global Fintech Festival in Mumbai. However, NPCI has not yet released a formal statement.