Explained: Why Biometric Authentication Is Becoming The Next Big Thing In UPI Payments
India's digital payments ecosystem is steadily moving towards password-free transactions.
Biometric authentication, which allows users to authorise UPI payments using their smartphone's fingerprint or facial recognition, is witnessing rapid adoption. According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), biometric-based UPI transactions crossed 611 million in June 2026, signalling growing consumer confidence in faster and more convenient payment methods.
Biometric UPI payments see rapid growth
NPCI said on-device biometric authentication enables users to approve payments through fingerprint or facial recognition instead of entering a UPI PIN. The feature supports both person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
It is also available for RuPay Credit Card on UPI, allowing users to make PIN-free credit payments.
The platform processed more than 611 million biometric-authenticated transactions in June 2026, with a total transaction value of Rs 25,416 crore across a range of everyday payment use cases.
"The growing adoption of biometric authentication reflects the increasing preference among UPI users for payment experiences that are simple and efficient. With over 600 million transactions in June, the solution is seeing strong acceptance across use cases, including RuPay Credit Card on UPI," said Sohini Rajola, Executive Director - Growth, NPCI.
Why NPCI believes adoption will continue to grow
NPCI expects biometric authentication to become more common as additional banks and UPI applications enable the feature for customers.
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Rajola said several banks and UPI applications already offer biometric authentication and expressed confidence that adoption would continue to rise as more users choose the secure and convenient payment option.
She added, "The growing adoption of biometric authentication reflects the increasing preference among UPI users for payment experiences that are simple and efficient. With over 600 million transactions in June, the solution is seeing strong acceptance across use cases, including RuPay Credit Card on UPI."
What this means for consumers and businesses
Biometric authentication reduces dependence on UPI PINs by allowing payments through a smartphone's built-in fingerprint scanner or facial recognition system. According to NPCI, this can improve transaction speed, enhance success rates and make digital payments more seamless.
For consumers, wider adoption could mean quicker and more convenient payments without repeatedly entering a UPI PIN. For businesses, especially merchants, it could lead to faster checkout experiences and smoother digital transactions.
NPCI believes the growing use of biometric authentication, including for RuPay Credit Card on UPI, will further strengthen UPI's position as India's preferred digital payment platform by offering a secure, frictionless and more accessible payment experience across everyday transactions.
(With inputs from ANI)