CRED Introduces Biometric Authentication for UPI Payments up to INR 5,000
Fintech platform CRED has partnered with the NPCI to launch biometric authentication for UPI payments up to INR 5,000. Available on iOS and Android, the feature allows for face or fingerprint-based approvals to reduce fraud and PIN-related errors across utility bills, merchant, and peer-to-peer transactions.
Bengaluru, March 25: Fintech platform CRED on Wednesday announced the introduction of biometric authentication for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, allowing users to authorise payments using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. Developed in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the new feature applies to transactions valued up to INR 5,000.
The update is currently being rolled out to both iOS and Android users. By leveraging the native security features of a user’s smartphone, the platform aims to provide a faster and more secure alternative to the traditional manual entry of a UPI PIN for everyday payments. WhatsApp Testing New 'After Reading' Disappearing Messages Feature With 15-Minute Timer.
CRED Launches Biometric Authentication
CRED Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention
The primary objective of the biometric integration is to mitigate risks associated with PIN exposure. CRED stated that using fingerprints or Face ID adds a robust layer of protection against "shoulder-surfing" and social engineering scams where a user's PIN might be compromised in public spaces.
Additionally, the feature is designed to improve transaction reliability. By removing the need for manual numerical entry, the system reduces instances of failed transactions caused by mistyped PINs or forgotten codes, which often lead to payment delays at merchant points.
CRED Broad Application Across Services
The biometric option is not limited to merchant payments; it has been enabled across the entire CRED ecosystem. Users can utilise the feature for:
- Credit card bill settlements
- Utility and rent payments
- Merchant "Scan and Pay" transactions
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) fund transfers
- Regulatory Compliance and Limits
In line with current regulatory guidelines for digital payments in India, the biometric authentication is restricted to a cap of INR 5,000 per transaction. Payments exceeding this threshold will continue to require the standard UPI PIN to ensure an additional level of verification for higher-value transfers. UPI Transactions Exceed 20 Billion for 1st Time in August 2025 With Total Value INR 24.85 Lakh Crore, PhonePe and Google Pay on Top Spots.
This move follows similar updates across the Indian fintech sector as companies align with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) focus on strengthening multi-factor authentication. While the feature offers significant convenience, it remains an optional tool that members can enable based on their device's hardware capabilities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2026 03:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).