Pointing the Finger at Biometric Card Misconceptions

Chances are you know someone who uses a fingerprint to unlock his or her mobile device or maybe you use the technology to pay for in-store purchases. That’s because fingerprint authentication – once the realm of science fiction and James Bond – is now a reality. This technology uses biometrics – in this case a fingerprint – to identify a unique characteristic about you that no one else can have. Like a snowflake, no two are alike—and that’s exactly what makes it so secure.

Now biometric cards are being added to the payment mix. With these cards, you can use your thumbprint as an alternative to a PIN or signature at the same in-store chip or contactless terminals you use every day. Mastercard developed the biometric card, combining chip technology with fingerprints to conveniently and safely verify cardholder identity for in-store purchases. Introduced in 2017, the Mastercard biometric card has been piloted in Africa, Europe and the Middle East with additional countries being added this year.

Here’s how it works: dip your card into the store payment terminal and place your thumb on the sensor area embedded in the card itself. Powered by the terminal, the sensor in the card scans your fingerprint and compares it with the stored digital images of the fingerprints. If the biometrics match, the transaction can then be approved—and the card has never left your grasp.

Biometric cards are convenient and easy to use, offering benefits to consumers, retailers and banks:

• Authenticating a payment transaction biometrically confirms in a very unique, simple way that the person using the card is the genuine cardholder.
• Retailers can easily maximize the shopping experience, as the card works with existing EMV card terminal infrastructure and does not require any new hardware or software upgrades.
• For banks, the technology helps detect and prevent fraud while potentially increasing approval rates.

Are you still wondering if biometric cards are safe and secure? Rest assured. Your biometric data never leaves the card and is not shared with the retailer or bank.

Still not convinced? Let’s take a look at some of the common myths and realities of biometric card payments:

Knowing these facts should help you feel confident about using biometric technology as an alternative to remembering a PIN or using your signature. It’s all about providing options that make life easier and more convenient, ultimately improving the shopping experience without compromising safety and security.