Biometric authentication for ECOM card transactions

Biometric authentication for ECOM card transactions


Experience the Biometric solution for ECOM online transactions using our Debit and Credit Cards. The biometric solution is designed to provide a frictionless experience for users, allowing them to authenticate transactions quickly and securely using their fingerprint and facial recognition data. With this cutting-edge solution, users can now authenticate their e-commerce transactions effortlessly using fingerprint or facial recognition. Say goodbye to traditional passwords and OTPs—biometrics offer a faster, more secure alternative that significantly reduces the risk of fraud.

Powered by advanced technology, this solution ensures that every transaction is verified through your unique biometric data, delivering the highest standards of security and convenience. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the digital transformation journey of Federal Bank. The solution is live for Celesta, Imperio, and Signet* variants across Visa, MasterCard, and RuPay for both Debit and Credit Cards.

Why Switch to Biometric Authentication?

  • Enhanced Security
    Leverages 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) using your smartphone and biometrics—fully compliant with RBI mandates for digital transaction safety.
  • Faster Transactions
    Reduce your transaction time to just 3–4 seconds.
  • Higher Success Rates
    Enjoy smooth and hassle-free payments with fewer failures.

List of Live Merchants

We are currently live with the following merchants:

  • Easemytrip
  • Ixigo
  • Netmeds

 

*Rupay Signet Credit cards is work in progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) ? Why is it required?

2FA is mandated by RBI to increase the security of all digital transactions by requiring two factors of authentication. The factors of authentication can be something the person knows (password, PIN), something the person has (device, OTP) or something the person is (biometrics). The factors of authentication commonly in use are password, PIN, device binding, grid number, security questions, OTP, Fingerprint/ or Face ID.

How do I pay using Biometric authentication?

Once the biometric setup is done, you can pay seamlessly using the following steps:

  1. On the checkout screen of the partner merchant app, choose the tokenized card from the available options.
  2. You'll get the biometric authentication page directly, authenticate the payment using your Fingerprint, Face ID or enter the 4-digit Pay PIN to complete the transaction.

Note: To activate Biometric authentication, make sure that the phone number in the Partner merchant profile matches with your bank verified/registered phone number.

How is this beneficial to me?

It is quicker and more secure. As a user, you just need to tap the pay button and use your Fingerprint/ Face ID. You don't need to go through the friction of entering your username, password, grid number, security questions and OTPs for every transaction. Typical banking transactions take around 45 to 60 seconds. By using Biometric authentication, you can complete a transaction within 3-4 seconds by using your Fingerprint/ Face ID.

Why is a Setup Code required?

Setup Code is sent to your verified (bank) phone number to verify your contact details. It is the second factor of authentication before enabling biometric payments in partner merchant app.

Why does it ask me to enter the Setup Code every time I use a new device?

Biometric payment solution is specific to each merchant app and each device. So you need to enter the Setup Code for every new device for your Partner merchant app. For the 4-digit PayPIN, as long as you are using the same profile/ phone number in the Partner merchant app, the same Partner merchant PayPIN will be enabled across devices for your Partner merchant App.

Is Biometric 2FA available in all devices and Operating systems?

Biometric 2FA is a payment authentication solution available only on Partner merchant apps. Users can pay using Fingerprint on Android devices and with Face ID/ Touch ID on iOS devices. Biometric 2FA is supported on Android devices with OS version 5.0 (API level 21) and above. iOS devices with iOS version 13.0 and above are supported.

Do I have to install any app?

No. You don’t need to install any new app.

Can Biometric authentication be used to make payments on mobile web browsers?

No, Biometric 2FA removes the payment friction by enabling biometric for in-app payments only.

Whom do I report a fraudulent transaction to?

If you see any transactions without your authorisation, we recommend you report it to our contact centre contact@federalbank.co.in or call  1800 420 1199 immediately. Once you report it to our bank, all your Biometric 2FA transactions will be blocked in all apps until further notice.

I have multiple Fingerprints/ Face IDs on my device. Would Biometric 2FA be enabled for all my Fingerprints/ Face IDs, or only for the Fingerprint/ Face ID which I used during the onboarding process?

Biometric 2FA would be enabled for all the Fingerprints/ Face IDs registered on the device at the time of onboarding

I changed/ added my Fingerprint/ Face ID on the device recently. Will I have to enable the new Fingerprint/ Face ID for payment again?

Yes. You need to enable the new Fingerprint/ Face ID again in your Partner merchant app by entering the setup code while making your next Payment.

In case my biometric fails, what will happen to my transaction?

If the Biometric is not being accepted, the transaction gets routed through to the OTP flow, thereby making sure that there is no disruption in the transaction flow.

How do I deregister from biometric flow?

You can de-register from biometric flow by writing a mail to contact@federalbank.co.in or by calling our customer care 1800 420 1199

Can I use my card for biometric flow in any merchant apps?

No, you can only use the biometric flow in the merchant apps which are enabled.

Should I go through the registration flow for merchants separately to access the biometric flow?

Yes, you need to go through the one-time registration flow for each merchant separately.

Can I select any of my Federal Bank Credit /Debit cards for biometric registration in merchant apps?

Yes, you can use any of the organic Credit and Debit cards to go through the biometric auth flow

What is the use of Pay PIN?

In case you do not want to register your biometrics for the transaction you may choose to pay with Pay PIN, which is a device bound static PIN used for completing the transaction and this will be different for each merchant.

In case, I do not want biometrics or Pay PIN option, and can I choose to go ahead with normal OTP based authentication?

In that case, you may close the page using the cross button at the top right corner of page and proceed to normal OTP based process.