MasterCard has partnered with Zwipe to launch contactless payment card featuring an integrated fingerprint sensor.
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Touted to be world’s first fingerprint authenticated contactless payment card, the Zwipe MasterCard payment card features an integrated biometric sensor and the Zwipe secure biometric authentication technology that holds the cardholder’s biometric data.
The card includes an EMV certified secure element and MasterCard’s contactless application. It combines the security of biometric authentication with the speed and convenience of contactless payment. Cardholder fingerprint data is stored directly on the card, not in an external database.
The Zwipe MasterCard card can be activated by a simple fingerprint scan. The biometric authentication replaces the PIN entry, enabling cardholders to make payments of any amount, unlike other contactless payment cards on the market.
Commenting on the launch, Ajay Bhalla, president of enterprise security solutions at MasterCard, said: "Our belief is that we should be able to identify ourselves without having to use passwords or PIN numbers. Biometric authentication can help us achieve this.
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By GlobalData"However, our challenge is to ensure the technology offers robust security, simplicity of use and convenience for the customer. Zwipe’s first trial is a significant milestone and its results are very encouraging."
Norway-based Sparebanken DIN has conducted a live pilot of the Zwipe MasterCard over the last few months.
