BHIM App Introduces Biometric Authentication for UPI Payments up to ₹5,000
NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India, has launched biometric authentication for its BHIM Payments App, marking a significant step toward simplifying and securing everyday digital transactions.
The new feature, now available on both iOS and Android devices, enables users to approve Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions using fingerprint or facial recognition. Biometric authentication is currently capped at transactions up to ₹5,000 and is designed to streamline common payment activities such as peer-to-peer transfers, merchant QR payments, and online purchases.
Eliminating Friction in Everyday Payments
The introduction of biometric approval directly addresses one of the most common user pain points in UPI transactions—the need to repeatedly enter a PIN.
By replacing manual PIN entry with biometric verification, the BHIM app aims to reduce failed transactions caused by incorrect PIN inputs or forgotten credentials. This enhancement is particularly beneficial in fast-paced, everyday scenarios where speed and convenience are critical.
Leadership Perspective
Lalitha Nataraj, Managing Director and CEO of NBSL, emphasized the organisation’s focus on improving user experience while maintaining strong security standards.
She noted that the addition of biometric authentication reinforces BHIM’s mission to make digital payments simple, secure, and accessible for millions of users across India. By linking transaction approvals directly to the user’s biometric identity, the feature reduces reliance on PINs while enhancing trust in the payment process.
Strengthening Security with Biometrics
Beyond convenience, the new feature introduces an additional layer of security. Biometric data such as fingerprints and facial recognition credentials are unique to each user and are securely stored on the device, ensuring that authentication remains tightly linked to the individual.
This approach helps mitigate risks such as PIN sharing, shoulder surfing, and incorrect entry. For higher-value transactions exceeding ₹5,000, the app will continue to require traditional UPI PIN authentication, ensuring an added level of protection.
How to Enable the Feature
Users can activate biometric authentication within the app through a simple setup process:
- Open the BHIM Payments App
- Navigate to the Profile section
- Select the linked bank account
- Enable the “Biometric Transactions” option
Advancing India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem
The rollout reflects the continued evolution of India’s digital payments ecosystem, where innovation is increasingly focused on enhancing both usability and security. As UPI adoption continues to surge nationwide, features like biometric authentication are expected to play a key role in driving the next phase of growth.
By combining convenience with robust security, BHIM is further strengthening its position as a user-friendly and trusted platform in India’s rapidly expanding digital payments landscape.
