The approval is significant as it makes KONA I the first manufacturer to receive Mastercard certification for both PVC and metal biometric cards, following their previous approval for metal cards in late 2024. With an annual production capacity of over 60 million smart cards, KONA I is ready to meet increasing market demand for biometric payment solutions.
This milestone supports Mastercard’s broader initiative to advance biometric authentication, as the company works toward eliminating passwords by 2030. The certification enables large-scale production and faster deployment of biometric payment cards, changing how consumers verify their identities during transactions.
Catharina Eklof, Chief Executive Officer at IDEX Biometrics, noted the importance of this approval. “KONA I has proven its leadership as the first manufacturing partner fully approved by Mastercard for both PVC and Metal cards,” she said. “These certifications allow for industrialized production and accelerated commercialization. The combined technology leadership from KONA I and IDEX Biometrics is paving the way for more secure payments, access and identity control to consumers around the world.”
The certification coincides with expanding global adoption of biometric payment solutions, demonstrated by recent developments including Japan’s first biometric payment card launch and IDEX’s expansion into the Indian market. These cards incorporate fingerprint authentication technology to improve security and convenience in payment transactions.
KONA I’s certification marks continued progress in making biometric payment technology mainstream, as the industry develops more secure alternatives to traditional PIN-based authentication methods.
February 19, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team
