Understanding Contactless Biometric Payments: How They Work

In this method, a user can make payments without physical contact using biometric data such as voice recognition, iris scans, palm vein patterns, and more. This method promotes faster checkouts, enhances security, maintains hygiene, and diminishes the need for carrying cards or remembering long PINs and passwords. 

This technology was first introduced in South Korea in 1995 as a UPass. Later in the 2000s, NFC (Near Field Communication) was established, which is a protocol suite that transfers data when the two devices are closer. It was a crucial advancement in technology. COVID-19 was the boom of this technology when distance and hygiene were the high priorities. Currently, it is common among all because people find it quick and easy to use while making payments. 

Benefits of Contactless Biometric Payments

The technology offers several benefits with ease for all users across the world. It became popular over time and came up with new features every time. Now, this technology is very common for making payments in restaurants, petrol pumps, and more.

• It offers speed and convenience with no need to remember long PINs and passwords.
• It promotes enhanced security because biometric information is secure and can never be imitated.
• It is hygienic and reduces the spread of germs.
• It prevents fraud and unauthorized access to the accounts.
• It can be easily integrated with apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more.

Technologies For Making Contactless Payments

There are numerous biometric verification methods that are used for making transactions, such as fingerprint scan, iris scan, palm vein scan, face recognition, and voice recognition. But these are not all contactless. The contactless methods include:

Pay By Face

This method uses facial features to allow access to the user. After the enrollment of a particular face, the system extracts unique features such as the distance between the two eyes, nose, cheekbones, and jawline. Then the system authorizes access based on the stored pattern. 

Iris Scan

This is the most crucial, quick, and secure online biometric verification for making payments. An eye contains an iris, and it has a unique pattern that can not be imitated. There is a complicated network that is different for every individual. There is nothing more secure than this. The registered pattern, when recognized by the device, initiates the payment immediately. 

Voice Recognition

This payment method is also convenient for maintaining digital security. At the time of enrollment, the user is asked to utter some phrases. This stored voice is then used to make payments. For instance, the user only has to say ‘Pay 10$ to John’, and the payment proceeds. This method is also convenient for those with disabilities. 

Types of Contactless Payment Solutions

Contactless payment solutions are encouraged when it comes to secure and safe transactions. Here are some of the major solutions that are widely used for making transactions:

1. Cards

Debit cards and credit cards are still used for making payments. Such types of methods are incorporated with technologies like NFC and RIFD. By using this method, payment can be made by bringing the card near to the system. 

2. Mobile Phone Wallets

Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and others are some of the apps that are used for making payments without physical contact. These cards already have the information of the user and proceed with payments when brought together. 

3. QR Code Transactions

Users can also make payments by scanning the QR codes using smartphones and compatible applications. 

4. Voice Scans

There are some Google assistants that are used for making payments. These assistants include Siri, Amazon Alexa, and others. These are some of the hands-free methods of proceeding with transactions. 

Conclusion

A contactless payment verification system adds a layer of security in making secure transactions. The technology is user-friendly and uses advanced technologies like iris, voice, and face scan to protect users’ personal information. These methods eliminate the need to remember long passwords, preventing data breaches. Moreover, Google Assistants like Siri, Amazon Alexa, and others have made payment procedures easier and quicker. Besides, what else can come from just scanning a QR code to make instant transactions? Over time, biometric verification online systems will overcome the challenges with advancements. It will become widely accepted and will be easily integrated with the other systems.