Companies have been trying to simplify payments for a while now. Google has been trying with Google Wallet and Apple is releasing Apple Pay on Oct. 20. However, mobile payments aren't for everyone.
For those who want an easier way to pay but aren't yet ready to use a smartphone, there's another new option called Zwipe, which combines a MasterCard with NFC and a biometric fingerprint sensor.
"Our belief is that we should be able to identify ourselves without having to use passwords or PIN numbers," said Ajay Bhalla, president of enterprise security at MasterCard. "Biometric authentication can help us achieve this."
The announcement comes after successful tests using the device in partnership with Norway's Sparebanken DIN Bank, which reportedly produced some very encouraging results.
The way it works is quite simple. The card stores fingerprint data directly on it without the need for another database to store the data. Once the user scans fingerprints the card can be used anywhere that accepts NFC payments. Not only that, but users do not need to remember PIN numbers and can make payments of any amount.
Contactless cards have been around for a while, but they are much less secure. While they don't even require users to take the cards out of their wallet, they could potentially be stolen and used, which is why, in the U.K. for example, they have a limit of £20. Because of the fact that Zwipe authenticates users through their fingerprint, there is no limit to purchases.
The card doesn't even need a battery, and instead harvests power from payment terminals whenever it is used. This follows a test run in which the device used a small battery but was admittedly clunky and really too big too keep in a wallet. The new version is as sleek as any other card that one would keep in their wallet.
"Our challenge is to ensure the technology offers robust security, simplicity of use and convenience for the customer," continued Bhalla.
The Zwipe MasterCard is set to be released to the public in 2015. However, there are no specific dates as to when it will be released in the U.S.
Zwipe offers an interesting medium between traditional credit cards and mobile payment services, such as the much-anticipated Apple Pay. While NFC payment systems have been around for a while, adoption has been much slower than companies originally expected. It is widely predicted Apple Pay will accelerate the rate of adoption among consumers.
