MasterCard has teamed up with Zwipe to introduce world’s first biometric bank card that will allow users to make payment using their thumbprint instead of the card’s PIN.
Users of the new card, Zwipe MasterCard payment card will have to place their thumb on a reader contained within the card, and then wave it over the merchant’s contactless terminal.
The card has been designed using Zwipe secure biometric authentication technology and integrated biometric sensor which stores the users’ biometric data.
The companies claim that it could be safer compared to other cards as the card holders fingerprint data is stored within the card and not on any third party database.
Presently users can wave their cards to make payment for up to £20 but PIN number is required for purchasing products that costs more than £20.
The new technology could help making payment using contactless cards simpler, especially for those who have trouble remembering the PIN.
MasterCard Enterprise Security Solutions president Ajay Bhalla said: "Safety and security in everyday payments is at the heart of MasterCard’s business.
"We will continue to work with innovators, like Zwipe, to ensure we stay ahead of fraudsters and provide a seamless payment experience, as ultimately it is consumers who decide how they choose to pay."
MasterCard is planning to roll out the biometric card to the UK banks, and the first card could be in the hands of customers in 2015.
