In a groundbreaking move, Mastercard has extended its Biometric Checkout Program to Latin America, launching a pioneering in-store payment system in Uruguay at Tienda Inglesa’s Red Expres. This innovative program allows shoppers to complete transactions using only their palms, thanks to the collaboration with partners Ingenico, Fulcrum Biometrics, Fujitsu Frontech, and Scanntech.
Shoppers at Red Expres can now register their payment credentials and biometrics on-site, enabling them to make purchases by simply placing their hand over a sensor. This new system promises quicker transactions, shorter queues, and integration with loyalty programs for a personalized shopping experience.
“We are thrilled to expand our Biometric Checkout Program in Latin America with this pilot at Red Expres,” said Federico Cofman, Cluster Lead for Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay at Mastercard. “Consumers want more payment choices, and our innovative approach delivers a seamless, secure experience.”
Mastercard’s program sets a new standard for in-store payments, using cutting-edge technology from Ingenico and Fulcrum Biometrics to link palm biometrics with debit, prepaid, or credit cards, ensuring a wallet-free, device-free payment process.
Arnaud Dubreuil, Director of Innovation at Ingenico, highlighted the security benefits: “Palm biometrics offer unmatched security and a smooth payment experience. Our collaboration with Fulcrum Biometrics and Mastercard is transforming how consumers pay.”
Takahiro Matsumura, Corporate Vice President of Fujitsu Frontech Limited, emphasized the global impact: “Biometrics will create a safer, more secure environment. Seeing our PalmSecure technology in Ingenico’s next-gen solutions through Mastercard’s program is a milestone.”
Juan Manuel Parada, General Director of Tienda Inglesa Group, added: “We are proud to lead in offering palm payments in Latin America. Innovation drives us to provide the best shopping experiences.”
Verónica Bustamante, General Manager of Scanntech, noted the technology’s benefits: “Palm vein technology reduces identity theft and payment fraud, helping merchants grow their businesses securely.”
Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout Program, first launched in Brazil in Spring 2022, is poised to revolutionize in-store payments globally, with further pilots planned across various countries later this year.
For more information, visit Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout Program.
