India is preparing to make a major leap in digital payments. Starting October 8, 2025, users of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will no longer need to enter their MPINs to confirm transactions. Instead, payments can be authenticated using biometric verification — through facial recognition or fingerprint scans — according to a report by Reuters.
The move marks one of the biggest shifts since UPI’s launch, as India looks to make digital transactions more seamless, secure, and inclusive.
At present, every UPI payment requires users to type in an MPIN for final confirmation. Under the new system, users will be able to verify payments using their Aadhaar-linked biometric data — either by scanning their face or fingerprint.
The process will rely on India’s Aadhaar database, which assigns every resident a 12-digit ID based on biometric and demographic details. When making a payment, users can simply opt for biometric verification instead of keying in a PIN — a change expected to make UPI even faster and more user-friendly.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been pushing for stronger, smarter authentication systems to enhance digital security and convenience. By phasing out MPINs, the new system reduces risks associated with forgotten or stolen PINs and lowers the chances of fraud or unauthorised access.
Biometric data, being unique to each person, offers an additional layer of protection while simplifying the overall payment experience.
For users, this means quicker payments — no more remembering or resetting MPINs. Just a face scan or fingerprint will do. The new method also makes UPI more inclusive, helping those who struggle with text-based authentication, such as elderly users or those unfamiliar with digital banking.
The change is also expected to boost confidence in India’s already world-leading digital payment ecosystem. While PINs might soon fade out, the focus is clear — faster, safer, and simpler payments for everyone.
