American Express plans to introduce facial and fingerprint recognition at online checkouts
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American Express has announced a new program that will see the company introduce biometrics at online checkouts, allowing users to authenticate payments through facial and fingerprint authentications.
The biometric form factor was already added to the card scheme’s SafeKey 3-D Secure authentication tool. This means that now, fingerprint and facial scans can be used to approve of transactions, thus adding an extra layer of security to consumers.
Benefits of using biometrics scans
Both fingerprint and facial recognition for SafeKey were created via web authentication technologies provided by the World Wide Web Consortium and Fido Alliance. Both entities’ technologies are supported on all major web browsers, which should make integration simple.
American Express’ VP of digital identity & commerce experiences, J.J. Kieley, said that the company is focused on developing solutions that will keep it and its consumers one step ahead of fraudsters.
Kieley added that checking safety and security is now as simple as unlocking one’s phone. The biometric fingerprint and facial recognition is not unbeatable, but they will still minimize friction while simultaneously maximizing security for the card users at checkout. As Kieley put it: “It’s how we check in when you checkout.”
The company noted that a select number of US customers will be eligible to participate in the pilot program once they complete a security validation during the SafeKey checkout process. They will be able to use a device or a browser that supports fingerprint and facial recognition to make their payments.
The company expects these features to be ready to be rolled out to all of its US cardholders within months, likely in early 2024. In addition to making the process more secure, the company also hopes to speed up identification checks for online transactions.
Out with the codes, in with the scans
The new approach comes as consumers have grown rather weary of PINs and passwords, especially in a world where they can access most of their devices with a facial or fingerprint scan. Since these technologies became widespread and rather quick and comfortable for users, American Express believes that using them to authenticate payments is the next step in securing accounts and payments.
Right now, most of the company’s cardholders are still being asked to confirm whether they are actually making payments through the use of codes generated by apps like Google’s Authenticator. Another option is email confirmation or app notifications. However, biometrics will make these older methods obsolete, as it will be faster and easier, both qualities consumers deeply appreciate.
