Mastercard expands Biometric Checkout Program to Uruguay

Mastercard has confirmed the expansion of its global Biometric Checkout Program in Latin America.

In partnership with Ingenico, Fulcrum Biometrics, Fujitsu Frontech and Scanntech, the financial giant has delivered a unique in-store biometric payment experience at Tienda Inglesa’s Red Expres, Uruguay.

Mastercard Biometric Checkout Program

According to Mastercard, not only is this the first Biometric Checkout Program pilot that allows shoppers to pay with their palm, but it is the company’s second pilot in the region. 

Now, Red Expres shoppers can register information, payment credentials and biometrics on-site.

This enables them to pay for goods by placing their hand over a sensor at the payment terminal.

By utilising the Biometric Checkout Program, faster payments are enabled which subsequently shortens queues and wait times at checkout.

The program is also capable of integrating with loyalty programs.

“Consumers are looking for more choice”

“We are excited to expand our Biometric Checkout Program further into Latin America with the launch of our pilot program at Red Expres,” commented Federico Cofman, Cluster Lead, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, Mastercard. 

“Consumers are looking for more choice in how they pay and thanks to our collaborative innovation, we can deliver more seamless, secure payment experiences.” 

“Palm is one of the most secure biometrics for identifying customers and enabling a smooth and seamless payment experience,” added Arnaud Dubreuil, Director of Innovation, Ingenico.

“It is faster than traditional chip and pin and offers several tangible advantages, including unmatched security. We are seeing a lot of interest from merchants in the solution that we have developed with Fulcrum Biometrics.

“Through the Mastercard Program, these global partnerships are set to transform payment experiences for more consumers,” 

“An easier and more secure environment”

Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout Program was Launched in 2022 in Brazil.

Last year, the company confirmed the expansion of the program to the Asia Pacific region.

“We believe that biometrics will create an easier and more secure environment for everyone around the world, in our ever-expanding digital society,” remarked Takahiro Matsumura, Corporate Vice President of Fujitsu Frontech Limited and Global Head of PalmSecure Business.

“I’m very happy to see our PalmSecure and Fulcrum Biometrics technology shaping Ingenico’s next generation of payment solutions through the Mastercard BCO program.”

“Innovation is in our DNA”

“We are proud to be the first in Latin America to offer palm payments within Mastercard’s Biometric Checkout Program using cutting-edge technology,” said Juan Manuel Parada, General Director, Tienda Inglesa Group. 

“Innovation is in our DNA and we always seek to provide our customers with the most practical and adapted ways to make their purchases with the utmost convenience.”

“Due to its high level of precision in identifying individuals, palm vein technology helps merchants reduce identity theft and payment card fraud, which cause significant losses,” concluded Verónica Bustamante, General Manager, Scanntech.

“In this way, we continue to bring innovative solutions according to our customers’ needs, helping them grow their business.”