🇵🇱 Launch of Biometric Payments
Starting Wednesday, Mastercard and PayEye are launching a groundbreaking pilot program for biometric payments at five Empik stores across Poland. This system, which combines iris and facial biometrics, marks Europe's first biometric payment pilot under the Mastercard Biometric Checkout program. "We are introducing a completely new technology in Poland, taking biometrics to the next level," said Marta Życińska, General Director of Mastercard Europe in Poland.
📱 How It Works
The biometric payment system at Empik uses a mobile app where users input personal data and payment card information once. During the first transaction, the system needs confirmation via PIN or phone number. For later transactions, users just look into a special terminal to pay. "Biometrics is something we already use daily, like unlocking our phones. Now, we can make payments without any devices, cards, or phones," Życińska added.
🛒 Locations and Duration
The pilot will run for three months in five locations: Galeria Mokotów in Warsaw, Bielany in Wrocław, Posnania in Poznań, Galeria Kazimierz in Kraków, and M1 Mall in Czeladź. The Polish Press Agency reports that the system's calibration ensures no risk of accidental payments by merely looking at the terminal.
📈 Poland's Role in Innovation
Poland was chosen due to its advanced payment infrastructure. Mastercard states 80% of Poles have used biometric security measures, with nearly all aged 18-25 having encountered biometrics. PayEye's proprietary technology based on eye and face biometrics enables this system. Businesses need a special "eyepos" terminal to accept PayEye payments.
Would you trust biometric payments at stores?
