ICICI Bank has introduced biometric authentication for UPI transactions on its mobile banking application, iMobile, allowing customers to approve payments of up to ₹5,000 using fingerprint or facial recognition instead of entering a UPI PIN. The bank said the feature is aimed at improving both convenience and security for users by enabling faster transactions while reducing risks such as shoulder-surfing in public spaces. Customers can use biometric authentication for peer-to-peer fund transfers, QR code-based in-store payments, and online transactions conducted through the iMobile app. Transactions above ₹5,000 will continue to require the traditional UPI PIN for authorisation.
An ICICI Bank spokesperson said the move aligns with regulatory guidelines and reflects the bank’s focus on offering secure and seamless digital banking solutions. The spokesperson added that customers will continue to have the option to choose between PIN-based and biometric authentication based on their preference. The feature is available on Android version 30 and iOS version 28.2 of the iMobile app. Android users can authenticate transactions through fingerprint verification, while iPhone users can use facial recognition.
In Guwahati, the move is expected to boost confidence in digital payments among retail consumers and small businesses, especially as UPI adoption continues to grow rapidly across Assam’s urban markets and organised retail sectors.
