Pay By Touch enhances financial security
(08 March 2006)

Cautious consumers may no longer need to take their money, cards or chequebook with them when doing their shopping – because Pay By Touch has finally hit the UK.

Extremely popular in the US – where it is used by 2.3 million people – the system sees fingerprint scanners read a customer's identity and bring up a list of their available credit and debit cards. The information is verified using a personal "search number" and the process should not exceed ten seconds in duration.

Strictly speaking it is not a customer's exact fingerprint data which is stored – rather, it is a selection of 40 geometrically-mapped points on the finger which are then encrypted.

The system is currently being used in three Oxford co-ops, with more to follow – and holds great advantages in the battle against fraud as cards and cash can safely be left and home.

The advent of Pay By Touch will make your ready money far safer, with only your finger being required to make a purchase! If you had any security fears about taking out a payday loan of between £80 and £1,000, for whatever reason, then these may be allayed by this increased sense of security around your cash.

Swindon and Gloucester are soon to see the system rolled out – with the rest of the country likely to follow gradually.



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