UPI Payment Rules: The way we make payments in India is changing rapidly, and one of the biggest reasons for this change is UPI (Unified Payments Interface). UPI has made sending and receiving money very easy. Now, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a new plan that could make UPI payments even more secure and faster.
Let’s understand this latest update in simple words.
What Is UPI?
UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface. It is a digital system that helps you transfer money from one bank account to another instantly using your mobile phone.
With UPI, you can:
- Pay your bills
- Buy things online or offline
- Send money to family or friends
- Receive money from others
All this happens using mobile apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, Amazon Pay, etc.
What Are the New UPI Payment Rules?
UPI Payment Rules As per the latest plan by NPCI, users will now be able to authenticate (approve) UPI payments using biometric methods like:
- Fingerprint
- Face ID (Face Recognition)
This means you don’t always need to enter a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to complete a UPI payment. If your phone supports it, you can simply use your fingerprint or face to approve the payment.
Why This Change?
UPI Payment Rules Here’s why NPCI is making this move:
1. Security Boost
Biometric authentication is harder to fake. Only you have your fingerprint or face. So, it adds an extra layer of safety to UPI payments.
2. Faster Payments
Instead of typing in a 4 or 6-digit PIN, you can just use your finger or face and the transaction is done quickly.
3. User Convenience
Some people, especially elderly or disabled users, find it hard to remember PINs. Biometric verification is easier for them.
How Will This Work?
NPCI has said that banks and payment apps will soon allow the use of Aadhaar-based biometric authentication and device-based authentication (like your phone’s fingerprint or face ID system) for UPI.
There are two major methods being considered:
1. Aadhaar-based Biometric Authentication
This method uses your Aadhaar number and your fingerprint (or iris scan) to approve the payment. Aadhaar is already linked to many bank accounts, so this system can be easily used.
2. Device-Based Biometric Authentication
This uses your phone’s fingerprint scanner or face recognition feature. Just like how you unlock your phone using your face or fingerprint, you can now do the same for UPI payments.
Overview Table UPI New Rules
| Feature | Old Rule | New Rule (2025) |
| Authentication Method | UPI PIN only | Fingerprint, Face ID, or UPI PIN |
| Supported Devices | All smartphones | Biometrics-supported phones only |
| Security Level | Medium | High |
| Payment Approval Time | 5–10 seconds (with PIN) | 2–3 seconds (with biometrics) |
| Who Manages UPI? | NPCI | NPCI |
Steps to Use Fingerprint/Face ID for UPI (Expected)
Note: These steps may vary slightly depending on the app and bank.
- Update your UPI app (like Google Pay or PhonePe) to the latest version.
- Go to Settings > Security or Biometric Settings.
- Enable the Biometric Authentication option.
- Allow the app to use your phone’s fingerprint or face ID feature.
- The next time you make a payment, you’ll see the option to use biometrics instead of a PIN.
Important Points to Know
- Not all phones support biometric payments. You need a device with a fingerprint scanner or Face ID.
- UPI PIN will still be available as a backup option.
- You must give permission for the app to use your biometric data.
- Your bank account must be linked with Aadhaar for Aadhaar-based authentication.
What NPCI Says
According to NPCI, the move towards biometric UPI payment is aimed at making India a more secure, digital-first economy. They believe this will benefit people in rural areas as well, where people may find it hard to remember PINs or passwords.
Conclusion
UPI is already a huge success in India. With this new feature of fingerprint and face ID-based payments, it is going to become even more secure and user-friendly.
This is especially helpful for people who want:
- Quick payments
- High security
- Easy to use apps without needing to remember a PIN every time
So, if your phone supports it, get ready to pay with your face or fingerprint soon!
