PIN-Free UPI Payments Arrive as Amazon Pay Enables Face or Fingerprint Authentication

Digital payments in India are entering a new phase of convenience. PIN-based UPI payments may soon feel outdated, as biometric authentication begins to take center stage. In a major first, Amazon Pay has introduced a feature that allows users to complete UPI transactions using their face or fingerprint, eliminating the need to enter a four-digit PIN for smaller payments.

Amazon Pay Becomes India’s First with Biometric UPI

Amazon Pay has become the first payment app in India to roll out UPI Biometric Authentication. With this feature, users can authorize UPI payments simply through fingerprint or face recognition, making everyday transactions faster and smoother.

The feature is currently capped at Rs 5,000 per transaction. This means if the payment amount is Rs 5,000 or less, biometric verification is enough. However, even if the amount exceeds the limit by one rupee, users will still need to enter their traditional UPI PIN.

Faster Payments, Less Hassle

The new biometric option is designed especially for users who prefer quick, one-tap payments and want to avoid the repeated hassle of entering a PIN. According to Amazon, early testing revealed that nearly 90% of users chose biometric authentication over PIN-based payments, indicating strong acceptance and trust in the new system.

This feature works across key payment modes, including Send Money, Scan & Pay, and online merchant transactions, ensuring a consistent experience across use cases.

Security Without Compromise

From a safety perspective, biometric UPI is seen as a strong upgrade. Unlike PINs, biometric data cannot be easily shared, guessed, or stolen. Authentication happens securely at the device level, adding an extra layer of protection. It also allows users to complete payments comfortably with one hand, which is particularly useful during on-the-go transactions.

The broader goal behind biometric UPI is to reduce “transaction friction”, meaning the small delays and interruptions that often discourage seamless digital payments.

Who Can Use It Right Now?

At present, the feature is available only for Android users whose smartphones support fingerprint scanning or face unlock. Amazon has confirmed that support for iOS devices will be introduced in the near future. As UPI continues to evolve in India, biometric authentication could soon become the new standard for low-value digital payments. By saving time, improving ease of use, and strengthening security, PIN-free UPI may redefine how millions of Indians pay every day.