American Express Tests Biometric Authorization for Online Payments

American Express has integrated a biometric feature within its SafeKey 3-D Secure authentication product. This addition is aimed at enhancing the security for clients during online payments and transactions. The SafeKey 3-D Secure protocol was developed to reduce fraud and enhance customer safety during online transactions.

The protocol provides an extra layer of verification during online payments, ensuring that the individual carrying out the transaction is indeed the cardholder. With the use of biometric technologies, supported by web authentication services from the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide Web Consortium, the focus is on minimising fraud while maintaining a simple and efficient checkout process.

Pilot Program Launch

A pilot program will start with a select group of US customers who will become eligible after completing a security validation procedure during the SafeKey checkout process. These users will require a device and browser that support facial and fingerprint recognition features. The complete rollout for all US clients and cardholders is expected to begin in early 2024.

Recent Development Strategies

In recent months, American Express has announced several partnerships and product launches across various geographies. In August 2023, the company partnered with US-based fintech firm Skipify to streamline the checkout experience of customers and improve merchant approval rates.

Skipify’s technology was integrated with American Express, identifying select Amex customers via their email addresses. This process enabled automatic linkages of eligible Amex Cards with participating businesses and traders, eliminating the need for clients to manually enter their payment and billing details.

In June 2023, Nigeria-based Access Bank introduced two new consumer credit cards, including the Access Bank American Express Gold card and the Metal Platinum card. The American Express card offers dual-currency functionality (NGN/USD), international acceptance, airport lounge access, membership rewards, insurance, protections, loyalty points, and card rental perks. The Platinum Card provides expanded airport lounge benefits, with additional access to over 1,400 lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection.