NEW DELHI: In a major push towards safer and frictionless digital transactions, Flipkart has partnered with Axis Bank and PayU to introduce biometric authentication for card payments in India.
The new feature enables customers to approve transactions using fingerprint or Face ID, eliminating the need for traditional OTP-based verification. Initially rolled out for Axis Bank cardholders, the service leverages issuer-level biometric validation, making Flipkart one of the first major Indian e-commerce platforms to adopt this technology.
The biometric authentication system is designed to significantly reduce transaction friction by removing delays and failures associated with one-time passwords (OTPs). Users can now authenticate payments instantly through their registered mobile devices, ensuring a smoother checkout experience.
The solution is backed by device binding, device fingerprinting, and advanced fraud detection mechanisms, enhancing overall transaction security while maintaining ease of use.
The launch comes amid rising concerns over digital payment fraud in India. According to RBI-linked data, fraud values surged over fivefold to cross ?1,400 crore in FY2024. Biometric authentication directly addresses vulnerabilities such as SIM-swap fraud and OTP interception.
The initiative aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions, 2025, which encourages the adoption of biometric and risk-based authentication systems over SMS-based OTPs.
Under the partnership:
Leaders from all three organisations highlighted that the move represents a shift toward next-generation, device-based authentication, combining security with convenience. The initiative is expected to improve transaction success rates while strengthening consumer trust in digital payments.
This rollout marks a significant milestone in India’s transition away from OTP-based systems. By introducing biometric authentication at scale, Flipkart, Axis Bank, and PayU are setting a precedent for faster, safer, and more resilient digital payment ecosystems in the country.
As digital commerce continues to expand rapidly, such innovations are likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of secure online transactions in India.
