Unlock the Future of Payment

Discover How Face Recognition is Revolutionizing Mobile Transactions on Your Phone

With the emergence of facial biometrics for retail use, carrying physical payment cards or cash is no longer necessary. Experts who predict that your face will eventually become your password are no longer just making predictions as facial recognition payment technology enters mainstream. The use of facial recognition in payments not only offers a convenient and fast method, but it also provides a relatively secure way of making payments. This is because the payment is tied to a unique biometric identifier, making it difficult for fraudsters to impersonate a legitimate customer and steal their payment information. As a result, it has the potential to become more widely adopted in the future.

What is face payment?

Face payment is a type of biometric payment method that enables customers to make payments using their face as a form of identification and authentication. This technology relies on facial recognition technology to identify and authenticate customers by matching their face to their biometric data.

In this payment method, customers can complete transactions by simply looking into a camera or device, which captures an image of their face and compares it with the biometric data stored in the payment system. If the facial recognition software successfully verifies the customer’s identity, the payment is then processed, and the transaction is complete.

The use of facial recognition in payments not only eliminates the need for customers to carry physical payment cards or cash, but it also offers a more secure and convenient way of making payments. As a result, it has the potential to become more widely adopted in the future.

 

What phone models allow face payment?

To use face payment, users need a phone model that is compatible with facial recognition technology, which may depend on the operating system (OS) it runs on. Here are some popular phone models that support face payment:

• iPhone X and later models (running iOS 11 or later)
• Samsung Galaxy S10 and later models (running One UI or later)
• Google Pixel 4 and later models (running Android 10 or later)
• Xiaomi Mi 9 and later models (running MIUI 11 or later)
• Huawei P30 Pro and later models (running EMUI 9.1 or later)
• Oppo Find X2 and later models (running ColorOS 7 or later)
• Vivo X27 and later models (running FunTouch OS 9 or later)

Although these phone models have the required hardware for face recognition, the specific features and capabilities may vary depending on the operating system, carrier, and region. Some models may offer other biometric authentication options such as fingerprint or iris scanning. As only a few merchants currently support face payment, it is always a good idea to check before using this feature.

 

How does face payment work?

• Here’s the usual process for using face payment:
• You, the customer, initially set up face recognition on your mobile device or a linked device that is connected to your payment account.
• When you’re ready to make a purchase, you either hold up your device or look at a camera located at the point of sale (POS).
• The system identifies you by analysing your facial features and compares them to the image stored in its database.
• If the system successfully matches your face to your biometric data, your payment information is automatically retrieved, and the transaction is processed.
• Finally, you receive a notification confirming the completion of the transaction on your device.

Where is face payment used in the UAE?

Several financial institutions and payment service providers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have adopted face payment technology. Here are some examples:

• Network International, a payment service provider based in Dubai, offers face payments through its mobile app “Nique.”
• Emirates NBD, one of the largest banks in the UAE, offers face payment through its mobile banking app “ENBD.”
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) also offers face payments through its mobile banking app.
• United Arab Bank (UAB) has introduced face payment as a feature in its mobile banking app.
• Carrefour stores in Deira and Amsaf have also launched face verification for retail transactions. This retailer has partnered with PopID and Network International to become one of the first to introduce face payment across the UAE.

What are the challenges?

Like any other emerging technology, face payment has its own set of limitations that must be addressed before it becomes widely adopted. These limitations include:

• Security and privacy: Some users may have privacy concerns or be worried about the security risks associated with biometric data.
• Technical challenges: There may be technical challenges such as network speed, system support, and cultural factors that could hinder the implementation of face payment systems.

Can you use Face ID with Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung and Huawei?

Certainly! If you own an Apple device with Face ID, you can use it to confirm payments made through Apple Pay, as well as transactions in the App Store, iTunes Store, and Apple Books. Similarly, Google Pay on Android devices has also incorporated facial recognition as an authentication method. It’s worth noting that other phone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Huawei, offer their own payment platforms that support face payment technology.

Face payment is a relatively new technology that allows users to make payments using facial recognition. Popular phone models from companies like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Google have incorporated this feature. Several financial institutions and payment service providers in the United Arab Emirates have adopted face payment technology, offering it through their mobile apps. However, the technology still faces limitations such as privacy concerns and technical challenges. Despite these limitations, the use of face payment is expected to increase in the future, especially as more retailers and service providers adopt the technology.