NatWest is to begin a three-month trial of biometric fingerprint credit cards with 150 customers.
The bank 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.
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 says: “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 with Mastercard and digital security company Gemalto to bring the service to customers in the UK.