UPI biometric authentication: Good news for users as NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has launched Biometric Authentication for UPI Payments on the BHIM Payments App. The new move will allow BHIM users to make small payments without the need to enter a PIN, but there is a twist.
Yes, you heard it right!
PIN-free UPI transactions up to Rs 5,000
BHIM users can now make transactions up to Rs 5,000 without entering a PIN. But, they have to use their smartphone’s fingerprint or facial recognition for quicker, simpler and more secure payments.
The feature is currently available for iOS and Android devices, which backs fingerprint and facial recognition capabilities.
Making digital payments more intuitive
BHIM users can now pay without manually entering their UPI PIN for every payment. This is especially helpful in situations where users may forget their PIN or enter it incorrectly, which can lead to failed payments.
The feature can be used across common payment scenarios, including sending money to friends and family, merchant QR payments, and online transactions, making digital payments more intuitive for everyday use.
What is biometric authentication?
Biometric authentication is a technology that leverages biological traits to confirm a person’s identification and enable access to secure systems or locations.
The new feature offers users to approve UPI transactions up to Rs 5,000 using their smartphone’s fingerprint or facial recognition. This will make everyday payments quicker, simpler and more secure.
How to enable biometric authentication on BHIM Payments app
1. Open the BHIM Payments App
2. Go to Profile
3. Select your bank account
4. Activate Biometric Transactions
5. Now make payments of up to Rs 5,000 with your fingerprint.
UPI clocks over 20 billion transactions in February
According to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI processed 20.39 billion transactions in February 2026, compared with 21.70 billion in January. The moderation was largely calendar-driven.
On a year-on-year basis, volumes rose 27 per cent.
In value terms, transactions amounted to Rs 26.84 lakh crore during the month, down 5.3 per cent from Rs 28.33 lakh crore in January. However, transaction value increased 22 per cent compared with February last year.
Notably, average daily transaction volumes climbed to 728 million in February — the highest level since UPI’s inception. Daily transaction values also moved closer to the Rs 1 lakh crore mark, reflecting sustained intensity in usage despite the shorter month.
(With inputs from ET)
