Mastercard In Discussions to Launch Cards With Fingerprint Scanners

It may be harder than ever for crooks to start using stolen credit cards with what Mastercard is thinking about doing.

The company is in discussions with UK banks to launch cards that have fingerprint scanners.

The credit card company is testing cards that have built-in fingerprint scanners which can be used to verify the customer’s identities.

A Mastercard spokesperson confirmed to CNBC on Monday that it was speaking with banks about launching the biometric cards.

“The use of passwords to authenticate someone is woefully outdated, with consumers forgetting them and retailers facing abandoned shopping baskets,” said Ajay Bhalla, who is the president of global enterprise risk and security at Mastercard.

“In payments technology, this is something we’re closing in on as we move from cash to card, password to thumbprint, and beyond to innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence. It’s far easier to authenticate with a thumbprint or a selfie, and it’s safer too.”

Disclaimer: We have no position in Groupon Inc Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) and have not been compensated for this article.