Chip and PIN cards could be on the way out as new ‘smart’ debit cards launch

Remembering the PIN for all your credit and debit cards could soon be a thing of the past – as new fingerprint-scanning debit cards launch.

The biometric cards, made by Dutch chip company Gemalto, let users scan their fingerprints as they pay, similar to how Apple’s Touch ID works.

The cards, which are being trialled with the Bank of Cyprus, are actually more secure than PIN-based cards, their makers claim.

The cards are as slim as ‘normal’ bank cards, but have a small sensor on the right hand side.

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It works with existing payment terminals, Gemalto claims, and doesn’t need a battery – it draws power from payment terminals.

Gemalto executive vice president of banking and payment, Bertrand Knopf said: ‘Using biometrics for contactless payments is a natural move as it fits in naturally with the gesture used to pay.

‘It allows a better user experience, enabling higher transaction amounts without entering a PIN while benefiting from the convenience of contactless.’