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Friday, 28th September 2012
In General Japan News,
Japanese to withdraw cash at the touch of a hand
Japanese consumers will be able to make payments even more efficiently with the launch of a new cash withdrawal system introduced in the Gifu prefecture.
The region's population of 2.8 million will soon be able to take out cash from their nearest automated-teller machine (ATM) simply at the touch of a hand.
This is not the only service they will benefit from, however, as the technology also allows users to make deposits and check their account balances through palm scans, Kyodo reported.
Still, not any old Joe can take a swipe at the machines because they first have to register with the new service from Ogaki Kyoritsu bank.
If that doesn't sound safe enough, users are required to input their date of birth before putting their hand on the scanner, which then moves on to request the PIN issued when they signed up.
The bank also debuted a "mobile branch" that has been created for use in the event of natural disasters, such as the twin tragedy witnessed in March 2011.
Displaced people would still have access to cash if their wallets got lost in an emergency or washed away by flooding.
Some 18 ATMs adapted to the technology are to be erected across Gifu, Aichi, Mie and Shiga prefectures, as well as another cash point at Nagoya Station.
While this cardless system is set to take over in Japan, the UK has welcomed similar procedures to cut down the hassle of carrying plastic throughout the day.
Although users still need to have some kind of card on hand, they are no longer burdened by PIN numbers as consumers can use tap-and-go services for purchases of up to £20.
Unlike the Japanese system which improves users' access to cash, contactless payment aims to make shopping easier by removing the need for loose change and notes altogether.
Posted by Graham McPherson
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