The fingerprint sensor sits at the top right corner of the card. Despite featuring a fingerprint sensor, the card is of the same size as a standard card. The fingerprint readings are stored as encrypted digital template in the card’s EVM chip. Moreover, using this new biometric card doesn’t need new POS machines so you can expect quick adoption. However, it doesn’t work with older magnetic stripe models.
How does the new Mastercard Biometric card work?
Once you insert the card into the payment terminal, the terminal gathers card details from the chip and authenticates it with the bank. Once it gets validated, it asks to verify your identity using fingerprint sensor instead of a pin. The fingerprint reading is again cross checked with the reading embedded in the chip to authenticate the transaction. Currently, the company is conducting trials in South Africa and planning to test the service in Europe and Asia in the coming months. The new biometric card may be commercially available across the world by the end of 2017. However, your bank or the financial institution should embrace the new technology for you to start using it. Speaking on the launch of its new card, Ajay Bhalla, president, enterprise risk and security, Mastercard, said: “Consumers are increasingly experiencing the convenience and security of biometrics. Whether unlocking a smartphone or shopping online, the fingerprint is helping to deliver additional convenience and security. It’s not something that can be taken or replicated and will help our cardholders get on with their lives knowing their payments are protected.”
