Members of the $4.5 billion, West Jordan, Utah-based Mountain America Credit Union can now log into the credit union's mobile app using biometrics – identification via a finger swipe or unique eye patterns seen through a smartphone's camera – instead of a password.
The credit union claims it is the first to combine fingerprint and eye-imaging technology to make biometrics available to all members using mobile banking. The biometrics system is an optional way to make the log-in process faster and more convenient for members, the credit union said.
"Mountain America is excited to bring this innovation to our members, as biometric features are the future of enhanced online security," Shelby Peterson, manager of product strategy for Mountain America, said. "Biometrics not only ensures our mobile products are more secure, but also easier for members to use."
Biometric login is available to Mountain America members using Apple devices and newer Android devices. The beta release allows for product refinement and supports the creation of an optimal member experience moving forward.
Mountain America developed the technology with Berkeley, Calif.-based Access Softek for the mobile banking platform portion and Kansas City, Mo.-based EyeVerify for the Eyeprint ID technology element.
During fingerprint authentication, an image sensor on a device scans the fingerprint, analyzes the ridges and converts it into a mathematical code. That code is stored in the mobile device and used to compare against future scans. Users can add up to five fingers and the device can read fingerprints from any angle.
EyeVerify works by using an individual's unique eye print. The eye print is the map of blood vessels in the whites of the eyes, which is unique to each person. Each person has two eye prints in each eye. The initial enrollment process takes less than a minute, and works by capturing an eye print on a smartphone or tablet camera. After that, logging in using eye print ID is as easy as taking a selfie.
The use of biometrics in financial and banking services could top $8 billion by the year 2020, according to Investopedia.
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Roy Urrico
Roy W. Urrico specializes in articles about financial technology and services for Credit Union Times, as well as ghostwriting, copywriting, and case studies. Also: writer/editor of a semi-annual newsletter for Association for Financial Technology since 1997 and history projects funded by the U.S Interior Department, National Park Service and Warren County (N.Y.).
