Photo credit: ANIMUMBAI: Visa Pass Key, which enables cardholders to authenticate online payments using their device’s native unlock mechanisms such as fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, password or pattern, is live in India with IDFC First Bank becoming the first issuer to adopt it, marking a shift from OTP-based authentication to device-based methods.The solution is available to select users across merchants such as Myntra, Paytm, MakeMyTrip, Tata Starbucks, Reliance Digital and EatSure. It is supported by fintech partners including Juspay, Wibmo, Razorpay, PayU, Pine Labs, BillDesk, M2P Fintech and Paytm Payments Services, enabling integration across payment platforms.The rollout aligns with RBI’s Sep 2025 framework on alternative authentication mechanisms beyond OTPs. The system allows users to authenticate transactions using familiar device unlock methods and is designed to simplify checkout, enhance security and reduce friction in online payments.The company said the solution is expected to improve payment success rates and reduce the number of steps required to complete transactions. Suresh Sethi said the offering strengthens trust, enhances security with tokenisation, and supports future “agentic commerce” use cases.The system requires a one-time setup and enables seamless authentication across participating merchants without repeated enrolment. It is compatible with major operating systems and browsers and works across billions of FIDO-enabled devices globally.The launch comes amid rapid growth in India’s digital payments ecosystem, where regulators and industry participants are focusing on balancing convenience and security. The company said it plans to expand collaboration with financial institutions and ecosystem partners to scale adoption.