Samsung wallet introduces seamless UPI onboarding, PIN-free biometric payments, and enhanced tap & pay support in India

Samsung has announced a major update to its Samsung Wallet app in India, introducing several new features aimed at streamlining digital payments and enhancing user convenience. The update, which was rolled out on Friday, brings support for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) onboarding during device setup, PIN-free biometric authentication, expanded Tap & Pay functionality, and online payments with stored cards.

The South Korean technology company stated that it has become the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in India to enable integrated UPI onboarding directly during the initial setup of Galaxy smartphones. This new feature allows users to link their UPI accounts through Samsung Wallet while setting up a new device, enabling instant access to payment capabilities without the need for multiple steps or app installations. The integration is designed to simplify the digital payment experience, allowing Galaxy users to make transactions immediately after activating their phones.

Samsung also announced the introduction of biometric authentication for UPI payments through Samsung Wallet. With this addition, users can approve transactions using fingerprint or facial recognition instead of entering a UPI PIN for every payment. The company explained that the biometric system is powered by Samsung Knox, its defence-grade security platform that safeguards sensitive data and ensures secure transactions.

Further enhancing payment flexibility, Samsung Wallet now supports direct online payments using stored tokenised credit and debit cards. This allows users to make purchases at participating merchant websites and checkouts using their stored cards without manually entering card details. The feature adds another layer of convenience to the digital wallet’s growing list of capabilities.

The update also expands the app’s Tap & Pay functionality. Samsung confirmed that the Wallet now supports Tap & Pay transactions using Forex cards, powered by WSFx Global Pay Limited. This enables Galaxy users to make secure contactless payments internationally through compatible terminals, using preloaded foreign currency balances. The addition is expected to simplify cross-border payments for users travelling abroad.

In addition to Forex card compatibility, Samsung has included AU Small Finance Bank cards in its list of supported issuers for Tap & Pay, further extending the range of financial institutions compatible with Samsung Wallet in India.

Samsung Wallet, launched in 2022, already allows Galaxy users to store and manage digital keys, payment methods, travel passes, and identification cards within a secure environment protected by Samsung Knox. The platform integrates several digital services such as Aadhaar, PAN, vehicle registration certificates, and travel documents. It also offers access to FASTag recharges, boarding passes, train tickets, and event bookings in partnership with Paytm.

Recently, Samsung introduced Digital Car Key support for Mahindra’s XEV 9e and BE 6 electric SUVs, allowing users to unlock and start their vehicles using their Galaxy devices. The feature is part of Samsung’s broader effort to unify digital identity, mobility, and payment services within its Wallet ecosystem.

The company confirmed that the newly announced features—UPI onboarding during device setup, PIN-free biometric authentication, online card payments, and Tap & Pay with Forex cards—are scheduled to roll out soon across supported Galaxy devices in India. The rollout will occur in phases, ensuring compatibility with devices equipped with necessary hardware such as NFC, fingerprint sensors, and face recognition capabilities.

Samsung’s latest Wallet update underscores its focus on advancing digital payment infrastructure and user experience in one of its key markets. India remains a major hub for mobile-based financial transactions, with UPI being one of the world’s largest real-time payment systems. By integrating UPI onboarding and expanding its payment options, Samsung aims to strengthen the utility of Galaxy smartphones as secure, all-in-one digital wallets for Indian consumers.

The enhanced features reaffirm Samsung’s commitment to offering a comprehensive payment and identity management solution, consolidating multiple services into a single, secure platform. The company stated that the rollout of these capabilities will continue in the coming weeks across eligible devices.