The new feature enables customers to authorise UPI payments up to ₹5,000 using device-level fingerprint or facial recognition, eliminating the need to manually enter a UPI PIN for smaller transactions. This development aligns with the evolving expectations of India’s rapidly growing digital payment ecosystem, where speed and security remain paramount.
Customers can now seamlessly complete peer-to-peer transfers, scan-and-pay at merchant QR codes, or make online purchases simply by authenticating via their device’s biometric sensors. For transactions exceeding ₹5,000, the traditional UPI PIN requirement continues to apply, ensuring layered security for higher-value payments.
The initiative addresses a key pain point in public spaces — the risk of shoulder-surfing or PIN exposure — while delivering a frictionless user experience. By leveraging the built-in biometric capabilities of smartphones, ICICI Bank has strengthened transaction integrity without compromising ease of use.
A spokesperson for ICICI Bank emphasised the bank’s customer-centric approach: “Safeguarding our customers’ interests has always been at the centre of our operations. We believe in providing advanced digital solutions that combine security with convenience. The introduction of biometric authentication on iMobile is fully aligned with current regulatory guidelines and represents a meaningful step towards a more secure and seamless payment experience. Customers retain the flexibility to choose between PIN-based and biometric authentication based on their preference.”
Availability and Activation
The biometric UPI feature is now live on the latest versions of the iMobile app — Android v30 and iOS v28.2. Android users can authenticate using fingerprint scanning, while iOS users benefit from Face ID.
Activating the feature is straightforward:
- Log in to the iMobile app
- Navigate to UPI Payments → UPI Settings
- Select the linked account
- Enable “Use biometric for payments” and proceed
- Enter your UPI PIN for initial verification
- Complete device-level biometric registration
Once activated, the setting offers customers greater control and convenience while maintaining robust security standards.
Context and Industry Significance
India’s UPI ecosystem has witnessed explosive growth, processing billions of transactions monthly. Banks are increasingly integrating biometric verification to meet both regulatory expectations from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and rising customer demand for secure, password-less experiences.
ICICI Bank’s move reinforces its position as a digital banking leader. By embedding device-native biometrics directly into the iMobile platform, the bank has created an additional layer of protection that is both user-friendly and difficult to compromise through traditional phishing or observation attacks.
Industry observers note that such innovations are critical as UPI expands into newer segments, including offline payments and international remittances. Biometric authentication is expected to reduce failed transactions caused by forgotten PINs while enhancing overall trust in mobile banking platforms.
Existing iMobile users are encouraged to update their applications via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access the feature immediately. The bank has also advised customers to ensure their device’s biometric settings are properly configured and secured with a strong screen lock.
This rollout forms part of ICICI Bank’s broader strategy to deliver intuitive, secure, and inclusive digital banking solutions that cater to India’s diverse customer base — from tech-savvy urban users to those seeking simplicity in everyday transactions.
For detailed guidance and app downloads, customers can visit the official ICICI Bank website or the respective app stores. As digital payments continue to evolve, features like biometric UPI authentication are set to become the new standard for secure, everyday banking in India.
