July 31, 2018 – Biometric payments are poised for significant growth, but substantial consumer security concerns could put its future at risk according to a new report from Transaction Network Services (TNS).

Vital Insights into Biometric Payments Adoption, which is being published by TNS today, shares the results of an independent US, UK and Australian survey* commissioned by TNS which explores consumer attitudes toward and experiences with making biometric payments. The report reveals that 15% of adults have made a biometric payment in the last year, including a quarter of 18 to 24 year olds.

Mark Collins, Managing Director of TNS’ FinTech Solutions business in the EMEA region, said: “We are delighted to see that biometric payments are being tested by consumers, however, a staggering 61% felt that providing companies with their fingerprint and iris information put their personal identity information at risk. The industry needs to take measures to both ensure the security of this sensitive information and to convey to consumers what protections are in place.

“It’s exciting to hear that more than half are willing to use the widening range of biometric identifiers available, which now includes iris and vein scanning, as well as facial recognition and fingerprints. Reassurance will be the key to ensuring that biometric payments achieve the successful future that our survey data suggests.”

TNS’ report, which is free to download, also highlights:

  • Fingerprints were chosen as the most popular identifier overall; however, the second choice varied by region
  • 68% believe biometric payments will become more commonplace in the next 2-5 years
  • Trust in biometric payments among US adults has increased slightly since TNS’ last survey two years ago
  • Usage in the last year has been greatest among UK adults
  • In the US and UK more men reported security concerns, but in Australia women were most concerned

The report is available to download by emailing [email protected].

Founded in 1990, TNS is a trusted partner to the payments industry and offers a broad portfolio of solutions, including secure and resilient transaction delivery services that are used by many of the top banks, transaction processors and ATM deployers around the world.

The organization has secured a strong payments heritage, providing services across Europe, the Americas and the Asia Pacific regions. TNS is a Level 1 PCI DSS certified service provider and a global board member of the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA). TNS’ secure network is supported 24x7x365 by multiple Network Operating Centers around the world. For more information about TNS, please visit www.tnsi.com.