<p>This study constructs a tech-driven multidimensional financial inclusion (MFI) index to evaluate financial inclusion in the BRICS nations. Drawing on data from 2004 to 2023 sourced from the IMF Financial Access Survey (FAS), this study uses a two-stage Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to integrate the dimensions of financial access (FAI) and financial usage (FUI). This approach overcomes the limitations of conventional methods, which often rely on arbitrary weights and simplistic indices. The framework incorporates digital financial services, such as mobile money and digital transactions, to reflect their transformative effects on modern financial systems. The results indicate varied financial inclusion patterns among the BRICS countries: Brazil and Russia display robust financial access, while India and China show notable advancements in financial usage, largely due to digital transformation. South Africa’s moderate performance across these dimensions suggests the need for more balanced policies. The reliability of the index is further strengthened by robust methodologies, including pre- and post-pandemic analyses and factor loadings. By introducing a technology-integrated, empirically based measurement framework, this study contributes to the advancement of financial inclusion research. It offers policymakers a precise tool for cross-country comparisons, performance evaluations, and formulating targeted digital finance policies in emerging markets.</p>