Dual function cards developed for biometric access control, digital identity, payments

New multi-function card solutions have been launched for access control and payments with fingerprint biometrics by CrucialTrak, and for digital identity and payments by Idemia and Mastercard.

CrucialTrak has developed a biometric-enabled card for secure access control and transactions without server storage. This biometric card can retain any combination of fingerprint, iris, face, and/or palm vein.

The biometric card is scanned with the RFID reader of an access terminal to perform two-factor, touchless authentication which provides anti-theft protection and maintains user privacy, CrucialTrak says. The card can be used with biometric terminals from other manufacturers, as well as CrucialTrak’s touchless, multi-biometric authentication system.

“Using our fingerprints and facial information for transactions on our smartphones, or facial recognition when entering certain areas have become the norm,” states CrucialTrak Global R&D Campus President Kim Myungjin. “We have reached the point where social debate is rampant about how important it is to safely manage each individual’s unique biometric data. I feel confident that our newly developed biometric card security solution will put an end to this discussion.”

A release of application samples and detailed information on the solution’s flexibility is planned for an official product launch in November, along with a demonstration conference.

The company is reportedly working towards a 2022 IPO.

Idemia and Mastercard launch converged card solution

Idemia has launched a new converged card solution developed in partnership with Mastercard to provide financial inclusion to people in the U.S.

The ‘Converged Card’ is a government-issued ID like a driver’s license with an integrated payment credential. The card or digital application supports state-subsidized programs like unemployment benefits, housing and utility assistance, according to the announcement, allowing the government an automated means of reaching people in need of public sector assistance faster than with a paper check.

Mastercard and Idemia have also partnered recently on biometric card solutions, though fingerprint biometrics are not mentioned in relation to the Converged Card.

“This card will address the foundational issues of financial inclusion, allowing all citizens to have access to financial services via a prepaid card, in an affordable and timely way, which will create a new and improved process to disburse state government funds,” comments Megan Heinze, president of Financial Institutions for North America at Idemia. Heinze announced the Converged Card in a keynote address at the MoneyFest virtual event.

The companies established their partnership in 2018 through the City Possible global network for urban co-development, and Mastercard EVP for Global Cities and Enterprise Partnerships Miguel Gamiño Jr. says they have worked together since to develop solution to enable financial inclusion around the world.

“With IDEMIA and Mastercard in partnership, we believe the capabilities of a multi-functional card with combined payment and identifications will increase in importance due to the demand to get funds into consumers’ hands quickly and easily without compromising security,” says Matt Thompson, senior vice president, Civil Identity for North America, IDEMIA. “We’re talking to multiple state leaders interested in the opportunity to provide this type of solution to their residents.”

Idemia already works with more than three-quarters of U.S. states to provide physical driver’s licenses, and is currently working with several on digital driver’s licenses with the same features as the Converged Card.

“We see a massive opportunity for the convergence of identity and finance,” states Eric Jorgensen, director, Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. “This solution creates an easy way for our citizens to access financial services to receive payments, including unemployment insurance benefits and tax refunds, or to make payments including vehicle registration fees, income taxes, and professional licensing fees. This creates a more secure environment for both citizens and the state as we can confirm that payments are going to real and eligible customers. We’re grateful for partners like IDEMIA and Mastercard that we can work with to provide our citizens with these impactful innovations.”

The state of mobile driver’s licenses was the topic of a recent IBIA webinar presented in partnership with Biometric Update.

This post was updated at 5:22pm Eastern on November 3, 2020 to add that the CrucialTrak biometric card can retain other biometrics besides fingerprints.

Article Topics

access control  |  biometric cards  |  biometric payments  |  biometrics  |  CrucialTrak  |  digital identity  |  fingerprint sensors  |  IDEMIA  |  identity document