MasterCard brings biometric payments to Europe
It’s a European roll-out as MasterCard has launched Identity Check Mobile, a new payment technology app that uses biometrics to verify a cardholder’s identity.
The technology is now being introduced across 12 markets in Europe – including the UK, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden, following a series of “successful trials” in the Netherlands, US and Canada. The technology will be rolled out across the world in phases in 2017.
MasterCard says Identity Check Mobile eliminates the need for cardholders to recall passwords. Instead, the cardholder can verify their identity by using the fingerprint scanner on their smartphone or via facial recognition technology by taking a “selfie” photo.
Ajay Bhalla, president of enterprise risk and security, MasterCard, says this is a “significant milestone in the evolution of payments”.
The firm says the move comes after trials and undisclosed research discovered European consumers prefer biometric payments to current systems that rely on passwords.
More details in the infographic below:
The lawsuit isn’t priceless
Away from biometrics, MasterCard has been busy.
It is facing a £14 billion lawsuit – the biggest in UK legal history – in a collective action over card charges that were passed on to shoppers.
MasterCard also plans to become a payment service provider in China; and entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 92.4% of VocaLink for $920 million.
