Mastercard is teaming up with prepaid specialist Edenred and the Mexican state of Sonora to trial the use of cards with embedded fingerprint sensors for benefit programme disbursement.
The biometric cards work with existing EMV terminals, adding an extra layer of security for in-store purchases.
Meanwhile, benefit programme providers can disburse funds to recipients and also "can glean greater insight into user spending," says a statement.
Manuel Puebla Espinoza de los Monteros, Secretary of Social Development in Sonora, says: "The Administration for Sonora state is committed to technological innovation and the introduction of the biometric card for social benefits programs reflects this commitment.
"Our beneficiaries will experience greater security when receiving and using their benefit, since the cardholder’s identity is protected and only the owner of the card can use it."