NatWest trials first biometric credit card

The first biometric fingerprint credit card issued by a UK bank has begun its three-month national trial in partnership with Mastercard and Gemalto

NatWest has previously piloted biometric debit cards, but this will be the first-time credit cards have been issued. 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.

Biometric data

Enrolment is simple and takes as little as five minutes. A customer can register in the comfort of their home using a plastic sleeve and once a digital fingerprint is locked onto a card, it cannot be changed.

The user’s biometric data never leaves the card, is never shared with the merchant or bank, and no fingerprints are stored in a cloud. This ensures that biometric data cannot be accessed or used outside the card.

Georgina Bulkeley, director of innovation, NatWest said: “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.”