In a move aimed at making online transactions more secure and seamless, Flipkart, Axis Bank and PayU have introduced biometric authentication for card payments. The feature allows Axis Bank cardholders to approve transactions using fingerprint or Face ID instead of entering a one-time password (OTP).
The feature is currently available for Axis Bank users on supported Android and iOS devices. PayU manages the merchant-side infrastructure and authentication flow, while Axis Bank uses Wibmo, a PayU subsidiary, for issuer-side verification. Flipkart said it is among the first major e-commerce platforms in India to enable this capability.
The rollout comes at a time when digital payment fraud is rising in the country. According to data linked to the Reserve Bank of India, fraud values increased more than 5 times to cross ₹1,400 crore in FY 2024. The RBI has issued its ‘Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions Directions, 2025’, encouraging the use of biometric and risk-based authentication instead of SMS-based OTPs.
The companies said the new system reduces risks such as SIM-swap and OTP interception fraud by using device binding and stronger security checks. Since biometric authentication is already widely used on smartphones, they believe it will be easy for users to adopt.
Gaurav Arora, Vice President of Payments and SuperCoins at Flipkart, said the integration is designed to meet regulatory requirements while making the checkout process smoother. Hemang Dattani, Chief Business Officer at PayU Payments, said the move supports a faster and more secure payment experience. Arnika Dixit, President and Head of Cards, Payments and Wealth Management at Axis Bank, said the bank plans to expand such innovations as digital commerce grows.
The partnership is positioned as a response to RBI’s push for modern payment authentication. The companies also indicated that the model could be expanded further in the future.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
