India Post Payments Bank Introduces Face Authentication For Contactless Banking Services

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has activated face authentication across its banking platform. The feature allows IPPB accountholders to complete tasks, such as opening a savings account or authorising transactions without touching biometric scanners by linking facial recognition technology with the Aadhaar database. The bank announced this feature through its official social-media channels. 

Aadhaar-Based Verification Process

Face authentication relies on a one-to-one match between the customer’s live facial image and the image stored against the individual’s Aadhaar number at the time of enrolment. According to the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), a successful match confirms the holder’s identity and is considered a consent-based mode of electronic-know your customer (e-KYC).

Target Beneficiaries

The facility has been introduced to enhance accessibility for senior citizens and differently-abled persons, many of whom experience difficulty visiting branches or using fingerprint sensors. By removing the need for physical contact, IPPB aims to reduce barriers for these people while also providing an alternative when fingerprints are worn or temporarily unavailable.

Doorstep Delivery Via Postal Network

The banking at home facility will cover account opening, cash transactions, bill payments, insurance purchases, and Aadhaar-enabled withdrawals from other banks by leveraging more than 150,000 post offices across the nation.

 All face-authenticated services can be requested through IPPB’s postal network. Customers can call the helpline (155299 or 033-22029000), place a request with their local postman, or contact a Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS). Service windows will run between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with delivery slots available from 2-10 days after the request.

Compliance And Early Adoption Status

The rollout follows broader trends across the financial sector toward introducing contactless biometric solutions, supplementing fingerprint and iris modalities which are already accepted under the Aadhaar system.

Access, Charges And Further Information

At present, IPPB’s doorstep banking requests do not carry any charge. The bank also waives off fee for new account openings conducted at home. Customers needing additional details can visit the IPPB website or contact the customer-care numbers listed above.