Biometric payment cards with Precise, NXP, FPC tech achieves Mastercard security certificate

A biometric smart card module featuring a secure processing module from NXP Semiconductors and Precise BioMatch Card algorithm from Precise Biometrics is the first dual-interface card to receive Mastercard CAST certificate for meeting all Mastercard security requirements, according to a series of company announcements. The module also includes the FPC T-Shape sensor FPC1321 and its driver from Fingerprint Cards, and the BioLAM fully integrated inlay solution from LINXENS.

Mastercard’s CAST (Compliance Assessment and Security Testing) certificate is valid for three years, and confirms an appropriate level of security for contactless payments without spending caps, with fingerprint on card technology keeping personal data safe. NXP says the certificate was achieved by designing a fully integrated, one-module solution which fulfills all Mastercard security requirements.

The solution divides tasks between a specially EMVCo and Common Criteria-certified secure elements and a low-power microcontroller. The secure processing unit within the secure element receives extraction data from the microcontroller, and performs the match, returning a simple “yes” or “no” answer. The Secure Processing Module also provides high performance and a convenient customer experience, according to NXP. The solution can be easily integrated into a card body with typical manufacturing processes like hot lamination.

“This is a historic milestone for biometric payment cards, and a significant step on the road to enable secure and convenient payments for consumers around the world,” says Fingerprint Cards SVP Business Line Smartcards Thomas Rex. “We are pleased to collaborate with NXP and to support them with our superior biometric solution as we approach the next step for wider commercial roll-out of biometric payment cards.”

Precise calls the certificate an important step in the module’s release, and reiterates previous expectations for modest initial volumes of biometric smart cards to be delivered by the end of the year.

Many trials of fingerprint payment cards are now being carried out, supported by several collaborations, including a recently announced partnership between Fingerprint Cards and G+D.

Goode Intelligence has forecasted that 579 million biometric payment cards will be used globally by 2023.

Updated July 30 at 8:27 ET to correct the wording of “certificate” and clarify NXP credentials.

Article Topics

biometric cards  |  biometric payments  |  biometrics  |  certification  |  Fingerprint Cards  |  fingerprint sensors  |  Linxens  |  Mastercard  |  NXP Semiconductors  |  Precise Biometrics