JCB launches biometric fingerprint device with FPC sensor for payment authentication

JCB has partnered with Sony Imaging to offer a fingerprint scanner to support biometric authentication for the QUICPay digital payment system to provide an alternative to mobile phone-based biometrics. The fingerprint sensor in the device is supplied by Fingerprint Cards.

The FeliCa fingerprint device was exhibited by the companies at the JCB World Congress in Hawaii on October 16 and 17, with the lightweight 7cm by 3cm (2.8 by 1.2-inch) device providing an alternative to smartphone-based biometric payment authentication. It leverages a contactless IC card technology from Sony.

Once it is rolled out, FeliCa can be used for electronic payments at QUICPay + member stores. Other suggested use cases for the FeliCa include digital tickets for concert venues and sports facilities, preventing unauthorized entry and resale, and can be used for concessions payments within the venue, as well as pre-payment for sharing services for cars and bicycles, and other services that require easy, high-security personal authentication.

JCB ran a proof of concept for the device in September, and is planning to commercialize the device in 2020, according to the announcement.

“We’re excited to see biometrics diversifying and expanding into new payment form factors, a variety of use cases, across different regions,” says Thomas Rex, SVP of the smartcards business line at Fingerprint Cards.

JCB was honored earlier this year at the Cards and Electronic Payments Asia Awards (CEPI) for its biometric card system jointly developed with Idemia.

Article Topics

authentication  |  biometric payments  |  biometrics  |  Fingerprint Cards  |  fingerprint sensors  |  mobile