Tired of entering a one-time password (OTP) every time you make an online card payment? That extra step may soon become optional.
Visa has introduced Visa Payment Passkey (VPP) in India, making it one of the first global card networks to roll out passkey-based authentication for online card transactions in the country.
Initially available for eligible IDFC FIRST Bank Visa cardholders, the new feature replaces OTPs with faster authentication methods such as fingerprint, Face ID, device PIN, password, or pattern lock.
The rollout follows the Reserve Bank of India’s September 2025 framework on Alternative Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions, which permits payment providers to use secure alternatives to OTPs for online payments.
Also read | AU SMALL FINANCE BANK LAUNCHES LIFETIME FREE CS CREDIT CARD FOR COMPANY SECRETARIES
What is Visa Payment Passkey?
Visa Payment Passkey is a new authentication system that lets users verify online card payments using the security features already built into their devices, eliminating the need to enter an OTP.
Depending on the device, users can authenticate transactions through:
- Fingerprint authentication
- Face recognition
- Device PIN
- Password
- Pattern lock
Where is it available?
The feature is currently supported by select online merchants, including:
- Myntra
- Paytm
- MakeMyTrip
- Tata Starbucks
- Reliance Digital
- EatSure (Rebel Foods)
Visa Payment Passkey is also integrated with several payment and fintech platforms such as Juspay, Razorpay, PayU, Wibmo, Pine Labs, BillDesk, M2P Fintech, and Paytm Payments Services.
According to Visa, the new authentication method enhances both security and convenience while supporting India’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem.
The company also sees passkey-based authentication playing a key role in emerging technologies such as agentic commerce, where trusted AI assistants or digital agents can securely complete transactions on a user’s behalf using strong authentication.
With the launch of Visa Payment Passkey in partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank, India becomes one of the first markets to receive Visa’s next-generation authentication technology, paving the way for quicker, more seamless, and more secure online card payments.
For more such latest updates, click here.