In Japan, cardless ATMs will scan users’ palms

Japan's Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank will soon roll out a line of ATMs that scan users' palms and require no external form of identification.

We’ve already seen how biometric technologies can help bring banking to illiterate users with NCR’s Pillar ATMs, and now we’re seeing how that same technology can be put to use in a different scenario. Specifically, in times of disaster, cardless banking ensures consumers can still access their accounts. Inspired by just that need, Japan’s Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank will soon roll out a line of ATMs that scan users’ palms and require no external form of identification. Whereas most existing biometric ATMs still require authentication using a bank card, Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank’s devices will not. Rather, users of the bank’s new ATMs will register ahead of time at a local branch with their palm print and other key information. Then, to use one of the devices they’ll need only enter their birth date and a four-digit PIN along with having their palm scanned, according to a Nikkei report. The new technology will reportedly be installed at ten banks and a drive-through ATM in September. We’ve also seen cardless banking via mobile phone, of course, but Ogaki Kyoritsu’s initiative goes a step further by completely removing the need for any additional cards or devices. Banking entrepreneurs around the globe: what about you? Spotted by: Cecilia Biemann