PIN THUMBER

Bank launches trial of ‘fingerprint’ card

TECHNOLOGY Enhanced security against criminals HIGH street bank NatWest is launching Britain’s first fingerprint debit card to prevent fraudsters from cashing in.

And it means an end to having to remember PINs at checkouts as fingerprint recognition will verify bills of more than £30.

A three-month pilot scheme launched yesterday involves 200 customers. If successful it is expected to be rolled out later this year.

NatWest is working with Mastercard and Visa to ensure cards will be widely accepted.

An electronic copy of the customer’s fingerprint is stored in one corner of the card.

Shoppers place their finger on the card and wave it at the payment terminal. Currently, contactless cards are only authorised to cover £30 – after that a PIN is needed. The system will prevent crooks from using stolen cards as they will need a fingerprint match.

NatWest said customers would be able to register fingerprints at home using technology similar to fingerprint ID on their smartphones.

Cardholders press their digit onto a plastic sleeve on the card and it registers the print. A spokesman said: “The fingerprint is held on the card, not by the bank. Each transaction is verified using encrypted data.”

David Crawford, the bank’s head of effortless payments, said: “We’re excited.”

Jeni Mundy, UK managing director of Visa, said: “This technology has the potential to make the lives of consumers easier.”

Last year Brits spent more than £6billion on contactless cards despite the £30 limit.

The technology has been developed by Dutch company Gemalto. Howard Berg, its UK managing director, praised “enhanced security” as one of the advantages.

FIRST Bank could roll it out this year