Mastercard Tests Biometric Cards In Mexico

Mastercard and payments technology company Edenred announced Tuesday (May 7) the launch of a biometric card technology test in Mexico.

In a press release, the companies said they are testing the technology with a state benefits program. Consumers who are part of the benefits program will receive a card with an embedded fingerprint sensor to identify the cardholder when making in-store purchases. The biometric features can be embedded on any Mastercard debit, credit or prepaid cards and work with existing EMV card terminals. Mastercard and Edenred said it helps merchants improve the shopping experience without the need to purchase new hardware or spend on software upgrades.

“This trial allows Mastercard and Edenred to support financial inclusion and implement new technology, in partnership with the Mexican state social welfare agency in Sonora, demonstrating the true value of public-private partnerships in delivering meaningful programs,” said Jorge Noguera, president, Mexico and Central America, Mastercard. “By simplifying a typical purchase transaction, we can demonstrate that this technology works for the benefit of the people who need it the most and ensure that their disbursements are received securely.”

Mastercard and Edenred said credit card issuers can use the biometric match data to boost approval rates and reduce the potential for card-present fraud. Benefit program providers can also get deeper insight into how members are spending as well as show them how the company embraces and supports new technology.

“The Administration for Sonora state is committed to technological innovation and the introduction of the biometric card for social benefits programs reflects this commitment,” said Manuel Puebla Espinoza de los Monteros, secretary of social development in Sonora (SEDESSON) in the same press release. “Our beneficiaries will experience greater security when receiving and using their benefit, since the cardholder’s identity is protected and only the owner of the card can use it.”