American Express is set to pilot facial and fingerprint recognition for user authentication during online checkouts.
The biometric capabilities have been integrated into the card scheme’s SafeKey 3-D Secure authentication tool. The development of fingerprint and facial recognition for SafeKey utilized web authentication technologies from the FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium, which are compatible with all major web browsers.
“We’re focused on developing solutions that keep us one step ahead of fraudsters,” said J.J. Kieley, vice president of digital identity & commerce experiences at American Express. “Now, checking out safely and securely is as easy as unlocking your phone. SafeKey’s biometric facial and fingerprint recognition minimizes friction while maximizing security for our card members at checkout. It’s how we check in when you checkout.”
A select number of US customers will participate in the pilot program after completing a security validation during the SafeKey checkout process, and using a device and browser that support facial and fingerprint recognition. These features are expected to be available to all US cardholders in early 2024.