Users of PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay and BHIM may soon have the option to verify UPI payments using biometric methods like facial recognition or fingerprint scans, instead of manually entering a PIN. According to industry insiders, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is working on introducing this feature, aiming to boost both user convenience and transaction security.
This upcoming feature is still being developed:
This upcoming feature is still being developed and is expected to be rolled out as an optional setting. Users will be able to choose between traditional PIN verification or biometric methods for added convenience.
The system will leverage the device’s built-in biometric tools—such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning—which are already commonly used for unlocking smartphones and accessing apps.
Currently, digital payment platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM require users to input a 4- or 6-digit PIN to complete transactions. While this method offers a vital layer of protection, a new biometric authentication feature is in the works to streamline the payment process—especially for elderly individuals or users in rural regions who may struggle with PIN entry.
NPCI will roll out new UPI rules starting 1 August:
Bank Account Info Access Limited:
Users can now retrieve details of bank accounts linked to their mobile number only 25 times per day, helping reduce server congestion.
Auto-Debit Transactions Restricted to Specific Time Slots:
Recurring payments such as subscriptions, EMIs, and SIPs will be processed only during designated low-traffic windows: before 10 AM, between 1 PM and 5 PM, or after 9:30 PM.
Payment Status Check Capped:
For pending transactions, users can refresh the status only three times, with a mandatory 90-second wait between each attempt.
Limit on Balance Checks:
Each UPI app will now allow only 50 balance inquiries per day, aimed at reducing unnecessary API hits and ensuring smoother performance.
