Airtel Payments Bank Introduces Face Authentication for AePS in Collaboration with NPCI

Airtel Payments Bank has taken a significant step in enhancing Aadhaar-enabled payment services by partnering with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to introduce Face Authentication for AePS (Aadhaar-enabled Payment System). With this rollout, Airtel Payments Bank becomes one of the first four banks in India to offer this advanced authentication method. The service is now available at over 500,000 banking points across the country, driving greater convenience and security for customers.

Revolutionizing Aadhaar-Enabled Payment System

AePS, a system developed by NPCI, allows individuals to perform financial and non-financial transactions at banking points using their Aadhaar number or virtual ID to access their linked bank account. Traditionally, these transactions were authenticated using a combination of the customer’s Aadhaar number and biometric methods like fingerprints or an iris scan, as recorded in the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) database.

With the introduction of Face Authentication, customers can now validate their transactions using their Aadhaar number and a live image of their face. This new method, processed through UIDAI's Face Authentication RD Application, adds another layer of convenience and security for users.

Enhancing Reach and Security

Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer of NPCI, expressed her enthusiasm about the new feature, stating, "We commend UIDAI for introducing face authentication as an additional mode for Aadhaar-based authentication. It’s delightful to see Airtel Payments Bank implementing this feature for AePS transactions, which will enhance the reach of Aadhaar-based transactions across the country."

Ganesh Ananthanarayanan, COO of Airtel Payments Bank, also highlighted the importance of this collaboration. "We are delighted to collaborate with NPCI to offer this new facility to our valuable customers. Face authentication is an important addition to our existing bouquet of secure and simple banking solutions to drive financial and digital inclusion in the country."

Current Availability and Future Plans

In the initial phase, Face Authentication is available for non-financial transactions such as balance inquiries and mini-statements. However, Airtel Payments Bank has plans to expand the service to include financial transactions soon. Following NPCI’s guidelines, the bank will make this functionality accessible to other bank customers and enable Airtel Payments Bank users to avail of the service at any AePS-enabled banking outlet.

 How to Use Face Authentication for AePS Transactions

Airtel Payments Bank customers can easily access this service by following these simple steps:

1. The Banking Correspondent (BC) enters the customer’s Aadhaar number in the business app.
2. The customer is prompted to choose between fingerprint or face authentication.
3. Upon receiving the customer’s consent, the BC selects the Face Authentication option and proceeds.
4. The Face Authentication RD App opens, capturing a live image of the customer.
5. Once the face is successfully authenticated, the BC enters their mPIN to complete the transaction.

This new authentication method simplifies the process while maintaining the highest level of security for users. The introduction of Face Authentication is a part of Airtel Payments Bank’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand the accessibility of banking services, helping to foster greater financial inclusion across India.

As the country moves towards a more digital future, innovations like Face Authentication for Aadhaar-enabled payment systems are setting the stage for a seamless, secure, and user-friendly banking experience.