Mastercard users will soon be able to pay using a thumbprint or selfie
Online shoppers who have a Mastercard debit or credit card will be able to pay using a thumbprint or selfie by April next year.
The technology complies with EU rules requiring banks and credit card companies to beef up their security on internet shopping.
For example, if you’re using a home computer for the weekly shop, when you get to the payment screen you will be asked to verify your identity.
To complete payment, you will have to log into your banking app and take a picture of your face or press your thumb on your smartphone.
If you don’t, you won’t be able to finish the purchase, making it even more difficult for crooks to steal your identity.
However, you don’t have to opt in to so-called the biometrics technology.
You can request a text message containing a special code to be sent to your mobile phone. You then input this code into the payment screen on your computer to complete the purchase.
Mark Barnett, of Mastercard, says: ‘Biometric technologies will meet the public’s expectation for state-of-the-art security when making a payment.’
p.thomas@dailymail.co.uk
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