TagNitecrest prints biometric payment cards in the UK
Lancashire-based Nitecrest Group has produced some of the first wave of biometric payment cards at its Visa and Mastercard secure facility, reports Jane Connolly.
The card manufacturer claims it is pioneering the use of fingerprint activated payment cards through its financial services operation, TagNitecrest.
Using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the dual interface card can draw energy from the payment terminal, allowing retailers to accept contactless payments of over £30 without having to change their point of sale terminals.
The payment is verified using a fingerprint identification panel.
“The physical payment card market is definitely experiencing a resurgence in creativity and innovation,” says Ronnie Hart, group chairman at Nitecrest. “Challenger banks have the flexibility to be creative, from pantone coloured cards, coloured edging, metal cards and environmentally friendlier cards.”
He adds: “The card suppliers are being challenged and TagNitecrest are excited to be up there, leading the way.”
Last month NatWest launched a national pilot for its own biometric fingerprint card, in partnership with Visa and digital security company Gemalto.
