Do ATMs need biometrics? (2024)

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One question that often emerges in the world of ATMs is: Do we need additional ways to authenticate customers? One common suggestion is the use of biometrics, in the form of fingerprints, facial recognition or other venues

Do ATMs need biometrics? (1)Image via iStock.com

| by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace

One question that often emerges in the world of ATMs is: do we need additional ways to authenticate customers? One common suggestion is biometrics: in the form of fingerprints, facial recognition or other venues.

David Tente, executive director, USA, Canada Americas ATMIA moderated a discussion around this topic as part of a broader discussion on innovative ATM tech at ATMIA in Las Vegas this week, featuring:

  • Stuart Mackinnon, CIO, Cardtronics.
  • Michael Diamond, SVP and general manager, digital banking, Mitek Systems.
  • Nathan Dent, director, ATM product strategy, Fiserv.
  • William Budde, VP, product marketing Hyosung America.

"Most consumers were wary of biometrics, but it's becoming more commonplace with cell phones, Disney wristbands and others. Typically, we don't see biometrics on U.S. ATMs, usually due to misconceptions such as someone stealing your fingerprint," Tente said.

When asked if they saw biometrics becoming a bigger tool, the panelists gave mixed answers. Mackinnon for example pointed out that biometrics simply aren't convenient for customers who are used to cards.

"We have been carrying cards for decades. 95% of transactions are people using cards even though they could use a phone. Until they find it more convenient, we're not going to force people to do it," Mackinnon said.

He also argued that most ATM vendors may not want to go out and add another periphery to their machines.

Budde said that operators are also not doing a good job communicating the benefits of biometrics for customers in the form of fighting fraud, but many customers might not even care, he said.

"We don't do a good job communicating how it fights fraud," Budde said. "And even if we do, they don't care as much as banks."

Diamond said that biometrics need to deliver frictionless experiences. For example, can it tell that it's the customer's voice, face and that they are alive, so that it can fight fraud?

Finally, Dent said that these types of biometrics can benefit the customer. By gathering personalized data on how the customer is using the ATM, the bank can offer more personalized services that they wouldn't normally be able to offer, since ATMs many times cannot detect who is using the device.

Tente also said that customers need to understand that biometrics such as fingerprints will help keep customers more secure, by creating a highly advanced PIN number.

Once customers see the benefit of biometrics, adoption will be easier, but vendors will need to do a better job of both educating customers and overcoming the "convenience" hurdle.

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Do ATMs need biometrics? (2)

Fiserv

Fiserv, Inc. aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. A significant part of our mission is to provide flawless ATM experiences and cash management services.

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ATM Industry Association (ATMIA)

605.692.2263

The ATM Industry Association, founded in 1997, is a global non-profit trade association with over 10,500 members in 65 countries. The membership base covers the full range of this worldwide industry comprising over 2.2 million installed ATMs.

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Do ATMs need biometrics? (4)

Hyosung Innovue

225 E. John Carpenter Freeway, STE 1000 // Irving, TX 75062 // United States // 1-877-HYOSUNG

Hyosung Innovue Americas is a global human experience maker that bridges the physical and virtual worlds to improve life’s day-to-day interactions for everyone. Since entering the North American market in 1998, they have grown to become the largest provider of ATMs in the United States while expanding their offering s to include industry-leading end-to-end cash management and payments platform solutions, making innovative experiences across the financial services and retail industries.

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Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

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Do ATMs need biometrics? (2024)

FAQs

What is biometrics authentication in ATM? ›

Biometrics ATM offer ATM type interface along with at-least one Biometrics capture device like Fingerprint Scanner, Iris camera, Palm/Finger Vein scanner , Face recognition camera. They are often called Multi-Biometrics ATM, Wall mount Biometrics ATM, Biometrics Devices / Machine.

How do ATMs verify cash? ›

Here is how the validation process goes in ATMs: First, the ATM's validator determines the dimensions of the banknote and scans it in different spectrums: visible, magnetic, IR, UV. It allows to verify all major signs of authenticity.

Do ATMs use facial recognition? ›

Most notably, banks all around the world have been quick to implement facial recognition technology in ATMs. You can encounter modern ATMs that take advantage of this technology that require not only slotting in the card but also a biometric scan of your face.

Which banks use biometric authentication? ›

  • Chase, Bank of America, Citi and Wells Fargo have introduced various biometric ID options, including voice, fingerprint, eye or facial recognition.
  • Mastercard and Visa are rolling out payment cards with embedded fingerprint ID.
Feb 18, 2020

Why is biometric ATM important? ›

The fingerprints are unique for each person. There is no insecurity of losing an ATM card and no requirement to carry an ATM card with you every time. On comparison of different technologies for ATM security, the fingerprint technology operates better and safer than others.

Can I withdraw money from ATM without physical card? ›

You might be surprised to learn that you can withdraw cash from an ATM even without your debit card. This feature is known as a cardless ATM, and while not all ATMs have this feature, you can find those that do with many major banks.

How can I take out money from ATM without card? ›

Withdrawing money using a cardless ATM
  1. Open your bank's app and choose the account you want to withdraw from.
  2. Tap your phone to the reader—or scan the QR code on the ATM.
  3. Verify the transaction for the ATM withdrawal.
  4. Take your cash.
Dec 12, 2022

Can I withdraw money from biometric? ›

It allows individuals to use their Aadhaar number and biometric authentication to access various banking services, including cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, fund transfers, and more.

Why would an ATM rejected cash? ›

If a banknote is damaged, wrinkled or dirty, an ATM may reject it and return it to you. In this case, you could try smoothing out the wrinkled banknote and reenter it into the ATM.

How does scamming ATM work? ›

Popular scams that thieves use include using a counterfeit device for access to the door to the ATM and using a false façade on the front of the machine. Some criminals can swipe data from free-standing ATMs using cracking programs.

How does an ATM authenticate its users? ›

Your identity is authenticated by a PIN before any transaction can be made. Many cards come with a chip, which transmits data from the card to the machine. These work in the same way as a bar code that is scanned by a code reader. Banks place ATMs inside and outside of their branches.

Do ATMs have trackers in them? ›

Yes, of course they do. Suspects tried to swipe a South Seattle University Student Facility Automated Teller Machine. According to authorities, they smashed their pick-up with the structure's front doors around 1 a.m. as well as loaded up the ATM machine right into the back.

What do ATM cameras see? ›

The camera records everything that is happening in front of it during ATM transactions. All recorded photos or videos are stored on an ATM, so bank employees must have physical access to ATMs to get this information. In a case of dispute, they have to go to the ATM, copy the files and bring them to the security office.

Can money be traced from ATM? ›

Banks typically don't have a way of knowing if cash came from their branch or ATM, even if you have a receipt, so a claim that it did is handled on a case-by-case basis.

What does authenticate with biometrics mean? ›

Biometric authentication refers to a cybersecurity process that verifies a user's identity using their unique biological traits such as fingerprints, voices, retinas, and facial features. Biometric authentication systems store this information in order to verify a user's identity when that user accesses their account.

What does biometric mean in banking? ›

Biometric payment is a point-of-sale (POS) technology that uses biometric authentication based on physical characteristics to identify the user and authorize the deduction of funds from a bank account. Fingerprint payment, based on finger scanning, is the most common biometric payment method.

What is an example biometrics authentication? ›

For example, fingerprint mapping, facial recognition, and retina scans are all forms of biometric technology, but these are just the most recognized options.

What are three examples of biometric authentication? ›

The well-known techniques include fingerprints, face recognition, iris, palm​, and DNA-based recognition. Multimodal biometrics combines several biometric sources to increase security and accuracy.

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