Mastercard, in collaboration with Eastern Bank PLC and IDEX Biometrics, has launched the world’s first biometric metal credit card in Bangladesh, and advanced the nation’s digital payments sector.
The new card, part of the ultra-premium World Elite Mastercard range, integrates state-of-the-art fingerprint authentication technology with a durable and sleek metal design. Developed in partnership with technology providers Kona I and Infineon Technologies, the card is designed to offer enhanced security, ease of use, and a luxury experience for discerning consumers.
With biometric authentication embedded directly into the card, users can authorise transactions simply by placing their finger on the card, removing the need for a PIN or signature. The fingerprint data is stored securely on the card itself, ensuring that only the registered user can complete purchases, both improving security and reducing the risk of fraud.
Cardholders will receive a home enrolment kit that enables them to register their fingerprint without visiting a bank branch to streamline the onboarding process. The card will also feature Mastercard’s Identity Theft Protection service, which actively monitors online activity for signs of identity fraud and alerts users in real time.
“This initiative confirms Eastern Bank PLC’s commitment to driving innovation in Bangladesh’s banking sector,” said Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director and CEO of Eastern Bank PLC. “We are proud to be the first to introduce this next-generation biometric metal card, setting a new standard for secure, contactless payments.”
Syed Mohammad Kamal, Mastercard’s Country Manager for Bangladesh, said the launch represents a pivotal moment for the region’s payment ecosystem. “This breakthrough demonstrates Mastercard’s ongoing investment in both security and customer experience. The new biometric card caters to the evolving expectations of high-value clients, offering them convenience, safety, and premium benefits.”
Anders Storbraten, CEO of IDEX Biometrics, added, “This milestone highlights the power of biometric technology in delivering secure, seamless payment experiences. The biometric metal card from EBL combines innovation, design, and practicality.”
