RBS has begun a three month trial of biometric debit cards that allow customers to make payments with their fingertips.

The trial was launched in Edinburgh yesterday and involves 200 customers, who will use the biometric technology to verify payments of more than £30, rather than entering a PIN.

The bank cards can also be used to make contactless payments, and will work as normal at ATMs.

Georgina Bulkeley, director of strategy and innovation at RBS/NatWest, said: “We’re looking to understand from our customers if it’s useful for them, if they like using it. It should be an effortless payment experience.”

David Crawford, head of payments at NatWest, said: “We’re using the very latest technology across our business to make banking easier for our customers and biometric fingerprint cards are one of the many technologies we are exploring further.

“This is the biggest development in card technology in recent years and it’s great to finally see the cards in the hands of our customers.”

The bank is working closely with digital security company Gemalto, along with Visa and Mastercard, to bring the service to customers in the UK.

Howard Berg, senior VP, UK, Ireland and Switzerland, Gemalto, said: “We’re confident that consumers will love the convenience, enhanced security and great user experience that this new card provides.

“Biometric authentication and identification is set to transform financial services and we’re proud to be leading the way in this field alongside our partners.”

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