The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is set to revolutionize digital transactions in India with the introduction of biometric authentication and wearable glass support, according to announcements made at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. These innovations, spearheaded by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), promise to make digital payments more secure, seamless, and inclusive.
Biometric Authentication: A PIN-less Future?
UPI users will soon have the option to authenticate payments using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, eliminating the need to enter a four- or six-digit PIN. This feature leverages on-device biometric capabilities already present in most smartphones, ensuring that sensitive data remains on the user's device, enhancing privacy and security. The system builds upon the existing Aadhaar infrastructure, which stores residents' biometric data, integrating it into the UPI framework for payment verification. While biometric authentication is optional, it offers a faster, simpler, and more secure way to transact.
UPI Lite on Wearable Glasses: Hands-Free Payments
In a move towards ambient payments, UPI Lite is now available on wearable smart glasses. This feature enables users to make small-value transactions completely hands-free. By simply scanning a QR code and giving a voice command, users can authenticate and complete payments without needing a phone or entering a PIN. This "Look. Speak. Pay" functionality is designed for everyday payments such as retail, food, and transit, promoting greater digital payment adoption. The extension of UPI to wearable devices marks a significant step towards seamless digital payments.
Multi-Signatory Accounts and UPI Cash Points
The NPCI also introduced UPI Multi-Signatory, a feature for joint account holders, requiring approval from one or more signatories for payments. This enhances convenience and transparency in managing shared accounts. Additionally, UPI Cash Point allows users to withdraw or deposit cash at local shops and businesses using a UPI app to scan a QR code, functioning like a mini-ATM.
Impact and Future Implications
These innovations aim to address the growing demand for seamless, frictionless payments. By reducing dependency on core banking infrastructure and enabling offline transactions through UPI Lite, the new features enhance the reliability and accessibility of digital payments. The integration of biometric authentication and wearable technology strengthens India's position as a leader in digital payment innovation.
As of September 2025, UPI recorded 1,963.34 crore transactions worth Rs 24.89 lakh crore, a slight decrease from August. The introduction of these new features is expected to further boost UPI adoption and transaction volumes, driving the growth of India's digital economy.
