BBVA Tests Biometrics Facial Recognition Payments System

Spain-based Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) has launches its invisible payments strategy.

The bank is developing payment methods based on biometric technologies to make checkout at stores invisible.

The testing has started on a biometric facial recognition system based on technology from the startup Veridas in cafeterias and restaurants at Ciudad BBVA. Veridas is a JV of BBVA and Das-Nano established in 2017.

Over 1,000 employees are already using an app to automate payments, helping them to order a coffee, pick it up without waiting in line and pay for it without twallets.

BBVA has taken the support of its restaurant partner Sodexo Iberia to design the app, as part of its efforts to develop invisible or frictionless payments.

The app can also be used to make reservations from a smartphone, in addition to automating payments.

The new payment system helps users to select the specific products for consuming and schedule favorite orders.

Users required to register in the app and enter their credit card details to automate payments. It also allows users to share the payment with other users by sending a message directly from the app.

BBVA started working on developing a facial recognition system, which will allow users to pick up their food and sit down directly.

Via cameras installed with artificial intelligence, the system recognizes the user’s face and directly charges the card associated with their profile.

BBVA global payments head Ignacio Bañón said: “With this project, we’re eliminating the friction points for customers when they make a purchase in a store. They avoid lines, and have a more digital experience with better information.

“The system benefits both the customer, who doesn’t require as much service, and the restaurant, which no longer has to manually charge the customer.”

“Our aspiration is to create new payment experiences that help people and stores to improve their lives and businesses, something that forms part of our strategy to turn digital banking into an aide for customers.”

Image: The app allows to reserve table, eat and leave without asking for the bill. Photo: courtesy of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.