American Express, one of the largest card issuers, is adopting facial and fingerprint recognition to SafeKey. This feature seeks to prevent fraud while enabling a simple, easy, seamless checkout process.

American Express is the first card issuer to launch biometrics features. These features will be rolled out as part of a new pilot program by the card issuer.

American Express’s Biometrics Use

The pilot program will be open to select US card members. These users can complete the checkout using their biometrics through devices that support facial and fingerprint recognition.

The checkout process will be completed with SafeKey, which will prompt the users to provide their biometric data. SafeKey is a platform offering multiple features, such as better safety and ease of conducting online transactions.

Through the SafeKey platform, it becomes easier for American Express to provide more security in ID checks. The process will also be completed much faster while being intuitive.

The Vice President of Digital Identity and Commerce Experiences at American Express, J.J. Kieley, noted that the platform was focused on creating solutions that keep it ahead of fraudsters. The offering will also allow card members to shop online safely.

“Now checking out safely and securely is as easy as unlocking your phone. SafeKey’s biometric facial and fingerprint recognition minimizes friction while maximizing security for our Card Members at checkout. It’s how we check in when you checkout,” Kieley said.

Working Process

The technology offered by SafeKey will work in the background to authenticate the authenticity of the person using the card. A user can also confirm the identity of a user using a code, app notification, and biometrics.

SafeKey relies on robust technology and authenticates the purchases made through American Express Cards online at the participating merchants. The FIDO Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium are behind the Web Authentication technologies used in this program.

The technologies can create a simple authentication process with high security compared to solely using passwords. The technologies run on all leading web browsers, iOS and Android platforms.

Select US Card Members will qualify for the pilot program after finalizing a security validation during the SafeKey checkout process. They can also use a device and browser supporting facial and fingerprint recognition. After the pilot process ends, the feature will launch to US Consumer Card Members early next year.