Shinhan Bank Adds Airport Facial Recognition to Mobile Banking App

Shinhan Bank has integrated Incheon International Airport’s Smart Pass facial recognition system into its SOL Bank mobile app, streamlining the departure process for travelers. The integration allows passengers to complete airport security checks using only their face, eliminating the need for physical documents and separate apps.Rear view of a businesswoman using her smartphone while standing in an airport terminal lobby, depicting modern travel and connectivity through mobile technology.

The new feature builds on Shinhan’s previous innovations in facial recognition technology, which began with the launch of their Face Pay system in 2020. Through the SOL Bank app, travelers can now pre-register their face, passport, and boarding pass information to access automated security gates at Incheon International Airport.

The news comes at a time when biometric digital identity solutions in the travel industry are projected to reach $72 billion in revenue by 2028, according to a recent Prism Report. The integration is particularly noteworthy as it extends access to travelers as young as seven years old, making it more convenient for families traveling together.

“We hope that travelers using Incheon International Airport’s departure gates can access the Smart pass more easily and efficiently through our app,” said a Shinhan Bank official. “We will continue to introduce travel-focused products and services, such as the SOL travel card, to enhance the customer experience.”

The integration stems from a business agreement signed last year between Shinhan Bank and Incheon International Airport, aimed at expanding service accessibility. Incheon International Airport has been implementing various biometric solutions since 2018, when it first introduced biometric-enabled kiosks to improve passenger processing.

Source: The Korea Times

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March 14, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith