The first biometric fingerprint credit card issued by a UK bank has begun its three-month national trial.
The bank has previously piloted biometric debit cards, but this will be the first-time credit cards have been issued. NatWest is piloting cutting-edge, biometric fingerprint technology with 150 customers, in partnership with Mastercard and Gemalto.
The biometric credit cards will offer contactless payments using fingerprint verification for transactions up to £100, an increase on the current £30 limit.
As well as retaining contactless functionality, the fully integrated card can be used as normal in ATMs and for online shopping.
Additionally, there are no hardware changes needed to accept biometric cards, so cardholders can use them at existing contactless and Chip and PIN terminals. The card is powered through the card terminal and when a customer presents a card, a green light on the card indicates that the fingerprint has been matched successfully.
Georgina Bulkeley, Director of Innovation, NatWest said: “After the successful pilot of our biometric debit card we are looking to test the technology further with credit cards. This is the biggest development in card technology in recent years and not having to enter a PIN not only increases security but makes it easier for our customers when paying for goods or services.”
NatWest is working closely with Mastercard and digital security company Gemalto to bring the service to customers in the UK.
Bob Reany, Executive Vice president, Identity Solutions, Mastercard added: “Feeling confident that your information is protected is paramount.
“We, along with our partners, are building biometric cards that recognize an individual rather than a password or PIN. Biometrics are more secure, more trusted and better suited to a world that requires more frequent authentication.”