MasterCard tests fingerprint payment cards

MasterCard is currently testing a new type of security measure for the company’s line of payment cards: fingerprint recognition in the form of a small fingerprint sensor fitted to the front of the card.

As reported by Engadget, the technology allows users to pay for items simply by scanning their thumbprint as opposed to entering a PIN or signing a receipt and is similar to that used for Apple’s Touch ID scanner.

MasterCard is testing out the new security feature in South Africa and intends to make it available globally for all MasterCard owners to use by the end of the year.