News

NatWest to pilot test biometric payments card

March 12, 2019

As part of a national trial, U.K. financial institution NatWest will pilot test a payment card featuring biometric fingerprint technology. 

According to a press release, the trial will begin in the coming weeks with participation by 200 NatWest customers. The bank said it is working closely with Visa, Mastercard and digital security company Gemalto to introduce the service.

Cardholders in the test will use their fingerprint to verify transactions of more than 30 pounds ($39), increasing security and making it easier for customers to pay at the point of sale, as PIN input is not required, the release said.

"We are using the very latest technology across our business to make banking easier for our customers, and biometric fingerprint cards are one of the many technologies we are exploring further," said David Crawford, head of effortless payments at NatWest. "This is the biggest development in card technology in recent years and we are excited to trial the service."

Gemalto Managing Director Howard Berg said that using a fingerprint rather than a PIN for authorization offers advantages of enhanced security and greater convenience.

"Cardholders can pay quickly and easily with just a simple touch, and they no longer need to worry about the limit on contactless payment transactions," he said.