PhonePe Launches Biometric Authentication for Payments Up to Rs 5,000

PhonePe UPI: Big news for UPI users. Digital payments platform PhonePe has introduced biometric authentication for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, allowing users to approve payments of up to Rs 5,000 using fingerprint or facial recognition instead of entering a UPI PIN.

The company said the feature enables users to authenticate transactions through their smartphone’s native security systems. For payments above Rs 5,000, users will continue to authenticate transactions using their UPI PIN, in line with existing regulatory requirements.

PhonePe stated that the biometric option functions as a device-level two-factor authentication mechanism for eligible transactions. The feature also includes a fallback option, enabling users to switch back to PIN-based authentication in cases where biometric verification is not successful due to issues such as poor lighting or sensor limitations.

The use of UPI payments is increasing significantly these days. Users are using UPI for small payments every day. In such a situation, repeatedly entering the PIN becomes a hassle. With the introduction of this new feature, users can make payments without entering a PIN. They can easily make payments by scanning QR codes and can also use this feature for things like shopping. The company says that this feature will make payments faster and safer. It will save time and reduce the problem of failed transactions due to entering an incorrect PIN. It is important to note that this feature is only available for Android users. This feature will be released for iOS users soon.

As PhonePe says, the biometric option is a device-level two-factor authentication mechanism. In case of an issue, for example, low light or a sensor malfunction, users can revert to PIN-based authentication. The feature is available for common uses like peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments via QR code, online transactions, and bank balance checks.

It is currently available for Android users and supports both fingerprint and face recognition. The company said that support for iOS devices will be available soon. Deep Agrawal, Head of Payments at PhonePe, said that this new feature will simplify the payment process and also maintain security standards.