Happy shoppers could soon be paying for their items by flashing a smile in an innovative new way to save time at the checkout.
Credit card giant Mastercard has unveiled plans for a hi-tech biometric system that makes even contactless payments appear old fashioned as there is no fumbling in handbags or wallets for plastic.
It is pioneering a global rollout where shoppers just have to grin or wave at a camera which recognises their features or fingerprints, tap a screen to confirm the payment and go.
The “Payface” technology is set up through a mobile phone app with users putting in their details as well as taking a picture and scanning a fingerprint on the device.
These are all added to their credit or debit card to set up an account which is linked to the user’s unique biometric data.
Mastercard said: “With Mastercard’s new Biometric Checkout Programme, all you will need is yourself.”
It is being trialled in Brazil first with pilot schemes planned for Asia and the Middle East before it comes to the UK.
Mastercard said the next step in contactless payments was “to make shopping a great experience for consumers and merchants alike, providing the best of both security and convenience.”
Ajay Bhalla, president, cyber and intelligence at Mastercard added: “The way we pay needs to keep pace with the way we live, work and do business, offering choice to consumers with the highest levels of security.”
According to research, three quarters of shoppers are “positive” about biometric technology and the market is predicted to be worth £15 billion by 2026.
But privacy experts have voiced concerns over data breaches which could lead to personal details and facial recognition being hacked by cyber criminals.
Suzie Miles, a partner at lawfirm Ashfords said: “A password can be changed, your smile and wave can not. If biometric data is hacked then the risk of fraudulent activity could be considerably higher than current payment methods.”
Mastercard said it has established a set of standards for banks, retailers and technology providers “to ensure the security and privacy of personal data when people pay biometrically”.
So it seems speedier check out times are just around the corner as smiling sweetly will be enough to pay the bill - as long as you’re happy with it and don’t scowl at the checkout.
