🔒 Federal Bank Launches Biometric Checkout — Goodbye OTPs!

General
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:new_button: What’s New?

Federal Bank has introduced India’s first biometric authentication for e-commerce card payments, allowing customers to complete online purchases using Fingerprint or Face ID instead of OTPs. The solution is built in collaboration with fintech partners M2P and MinkasuPay.

:high_voltage: How It Works: Speed and Security

  • On checkout in supported merchant apps (e.g. EaseMyTrip, ixigo, Netmeds): choose your tokenized Federal Bank card.
  • Authenticate using fingerprint or Face ID (on compatible Android or iOS devices).
  • Transaction processes in just 3–4 seconds, with OTP available as a fallback if biometrics fail.

:light_bulb: Key Benefits

  1. Enhanced Security: Biometric 2FA meets RBI compliance while linking each transaction directly to you.
  2. Faster Experience: Cut out OTP delays—transactions finish in a few seconds.
  3. Seamless Integration: No new app or hardware needed—built into existing merchant app flows.
  4. User Control: Opt in/out anytime; choose biometric or fallback PIN/OTP authentication.

:shopping_bags: Current Availability

  • Live now for Federal Bank debit and credit card users.
  • Works only on select partner merchant apps (currently, 3 apps live including EaseMyTrip, ixigo, Netmeds).
  • Expected to expand gradually to more partners and platforms soon.

My Take

Federal Bank has raised the bar in payment innovation—not by leveraging a new app or hardware, but by upgrading the authentication experience itself. Biometric checkout can significantly reduce friction and fraud risk for card users. The initial merchant list is limited, but the quick transaction time and fraud protection make it compelling.