No Phone, no card—just thumb: Proxgy reveals ThumbPay payment device

ThumbPay enables users to make instant payments by placing their thumb on a compact reader, which verifies identity via Aadhaar AEPS and debits funds through UPI—eliminating the need for phones, cards, or cash

Proxgy, a pioneering Internet of Things (IoT) deep‑tech startup, has introduced ThumbPay, a “thumbprint‑only” payment system designed to transform everyday transactions across India. ThumbPay dispenses with cards, phones, or wallets—payments are made via Aadhaar‑linked identity and UPI, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat goal of indigenous innovation.

How ThumbPay simplifies transactions

ThumbPay works by allowing users to place their thumb on a compact reader, which verifies identity through Aadhaar AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System). Once authenticated, the payment is instantly debited from the user’s Aadhaar‑linked bank account via UPI (Unified Payments Interface). The system is designed for speed and simplicity, eliminating the need for QR codes, smartphones, or cash.

Pulkit Ahuja, Founder & CEO of Proxgy, describes ThumbPay as a natural evolution of India’s digital infrastructure. “India built Aadhaar and UPI over the last decade; ThumbPay is a creative synthesis of these,” he says, adding that the platform embodies “Digital India, by India” by letting people transact using nothing but their inherent identity.

Technology, features & design

ThumbPay integrates AEPS and UPI in one smooth flow. AEPS handles biometric verification, UPI ensures bank‑to‑bank fund transfer, delivering a secure, one‑touch payment experience. Interoperability is built in: any merchant with a ThumbPay device can accept payments from customers of any bank.

The hardware is designed for resilience in diverse conditions. It is battery powered, enabling use in areas with unstable or no electricity supply. Key features include:

·         A STQC‑certified thumbprint scanner with liveness detection to deter fraud

·         A tiny onboard camera for visual verification and optional QR scanning

·         UV sterilization for maintaining hygiene in public use

·         Integrated display and keypad for entering amounts or PIN when needed

·         Connectivity via 4G, Wi‑Fi, and LoRaWAN to support even low‑connectivity regions

·         QR code and NFC payment options for users who prefer scanning or tapping

·         A sound box for UPI confirmations, reducing the number of separate devices at shop counters

Access, affordability, and rollout

Priced under ₹2,000 (about USD $25), ThumbPay is among the most affordable biometric payment devices globally. Because Aadhaar‑linked bank accounts are widespread, most Indians are already eligible to use ThumbPay without new registration.

Proxgy has completed pilot field trials in select merchant locations, which saw quick adoption by users and strong feedback from merchants, especially for the speed and convenience of transactions. With those successes, the company is now pursuing regulatory clearance from UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India). Once approvals are in place, ThumbPay’s rollout will begin in phases—starting with major banks, then fintech companies, and finally broader deployment across both urban and rural markets. Subsidised distribution strategies may help small vendors and kirana shops adopt the hardware.

Implications for India’s payment landscape

ThumbPay positions India to lead in biometric payments globally by leveraging existing digital identity and payments infrastructure. It aims to address pain points for populations left out of smartphone‑oriented payment systems—elderly people, laborers, street vendors, and others who prefer simple, secure, hassle‑free payment methods.

Proxgy believes that by making a thumbprint itself a payment instrument, physical tokens like cards or wallets may gradually become redundant. As Ahuja puts it: “We’re bringing the power of UPI to every person’s fingertip—literally.” With its promise of dignity, simplicity, security, and scalability, ThumbPay could shape the next phase of India’s digital payments journey.