India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is changing the way people pay with a sweeping upgrade that introduces biometric authentication and smart glass payments to millions. This was announced at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. Starting today, October 8, users can authorise small transactions simply by scanning their fingerprint or face directly on their devices. These features are introduced to make payments faster, safer, and more seamless, without relying on traditional PINs or smartphones.
This shift to on-device biometrics enhances privacy, adds an extra layer of security, and notably speeds up the checkout process. Another interesting highlight unveiled at the event was UPI payments via smart glasses, which will enable users to scan QR codes and confirm payments hands-free using voice commands.
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has also introduced Aadhaar-enabled facial authentication for setting or resetting UPI PINs for flexibility in financial transactions. As a result, this considerably simplifies the onboarding process for first-time users and those in rural areas. There is more good news as users will soon be able to withdraw cash from micro ATMs using UPI QR codes and biometric verification, making access to cash entirely card-free.
As a result of this ease in financial transactions, the joint bank accounts will also benefit from improved security, as there are new multi-signature approval options to protect shared funds through dual or group authorisation.
Innovations as these are surely redefining UPI, giving users a phenomenal experience beyond a digital payment platform. Now users can enjoy India’s digital lifestyle that is going to be intuitive, inclusive, and deeply embedded in everyday routines.
As India continues to lead the world in fintech innovation, these next-generation tools are a mirror to a near future where digital payments become invisible yet shall always be secure, reliable, and increasingly effortless.
Also Read: UPI Launched in Qatar, Empowers Over 8 Lakh Indians Abroad
