The Bank of Cyprus has selected the biometric EMV card, which is claimed to be the world's first such type of card for contactless payments.
Gemalto’s new card, which is compatible with existing payment terminals, uses fingerprint recognition rather than PIN code to authenticate the cardholder.
The card will compare the scanned fingerprint and the reference biometric data, when customers place their fingerprint on the sensor.
According to the company, the biometric sensor card is provided with payment terminal and does not require an embedded battery.
Through using Gemalto's tablet designed for the card, the Bank of Cyprus' customers will complete the swift enrolment process at the bank's branches.
Gemalto has designed the biometric personalization and card activation process to restrict the transfer of biometric data over the air, helping to protect data privacy of the users.
In addition, the fingerprint template captured during the enrolment process will be stored only on the card, said the company.
Gemalto banking and payment executive vice president Bertrand Knopf said: "Bank of Cyprus customers will be first in the world to enjoy biometric convenience on a contactless payment card. Gemalto's biometric sensor payment card is designed to provide maximum security and data privacy.
"Using biometrics for contactless payments is a natural move as it fits in naturally with the gesture used to pay. It allows a better user experience, enabling higher transaction amounts without entering a PIN while benefiting from the convenience of contactless.”
Gemalto provides technologies and services for businesses and governments to authenticate identities and protect data.
Image: The Bank of Cyprus has selected Gemalto’s biometric EMV card for contactless payments. Photo: courtesy of Gemalto NV.
