Mastercard today announced the expansion of its global Biometric Checkout program to Latin America (LAC). With partners Ingenico, Fulcrum Biometrics, Fujitsu Frontech and Scanntech, Mastercard launched an innovative in-store biometric payment experience at Tienda Inglesa’s Red Expres in Uruguay.
This is the first Biometric Checkout pilot to allow shoppers to pay with their palm and the second pilot in the LAC region.
Red Expres shoppers can enter their details, payment credentials and biometrics on the spot and effortlessly pay for their goods by placing their hand over a sensor at the payment terminal. The Biometric Checkout Program enables faster payments and shorter lines at checkout and integrates with loyalty programs, leading to an enhanced and personalized customer experience.
“We are excited to further expand our Biometric Checkout program in Latin America with the launch of our pilot program at Red Expres,” said Federico Cofman, Cluster Lead for Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, Mastercard. “Consumers are looking for more choice in how they pay, and thanks to our collaborative innovation, we can deliver more seamless, secure payment experiences.”
Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout program represents a first-of-its-kind technology framework for setting standards for new in-store payment methods. A state-of-the-art payment system, developed by Ingenico and Fulcrum Biometrics, a Fujitsu company, allows pilots to register their palm biometrics and link them to any debit, prepaid or credit card, allowing them to pay seamlessly without a wallet the device.
“Palm is one of the most secure biometrics for identifying customers and providing a smooth and seamless payment experience. It is faster than traditional chip and pin and offers many tangible advantages, including unparalleled security. We are seeing great interest from merchants in the solution we have developed with Fulcrum Biometrics. Through the Mastercard program, these global partnerships are set to transform payment experiences for more consumers,” said Arnaud Dubreuil, Chief Innovation Officer, Ingenico.
“We believe biometrics will create an easier and safer environment for everyone around the world in our ever-expanding digital society. I am very pleased to see PalmSecure and Fulcrum Biometrics technology shaping Ingenico’s next generation of payment solutions through the Mastercard BCO program,” said Takahiro Matsumura, Corporate Vice President of Fujitsu Frontech Limited and Global Head of PalmSecure Business.
“We are proud to be the first in Latin America to offer palm payments under Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout program using state-of-the-art technology. Innovation is in our DNA and we always seek to provide our customers with the most practical and customized ways to shop with maximum convenience,” said Juan Manuel Parada, General Manager of the Tienda Inglesa Group.
Verónica Bustamante, General Manager of Scanntech, commented on the company’s commitment to technological development and process simplification with maximum security. “Due to the high level of accuracy in identifying individuals, palm vein technology helps merchants reduce identity theft and payment card fraud, which cause significant losses. In this way, we continue to bring innovative solutions according to the needs of our customers, helping them grow their business,” he noted.
Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout program, which launched in spring 2022 in Brazil, is set to transform in-store payments. Last year, Mastercard announced the expansion of the program to the Asia Pacific region. To continue promoting biometrics in stores, Mastercard will launch several biometric pilots later this year in countries around the world.