Global Biometric Card Market Size, Share, Statistics Analysis Report By Type (Contact Biometric Cards, Contactless Biometric Cards), By Application (Payments, Access Control, Government Identification Document (ID), Financial Inclusion, Other Applications), By End-User (Banking, Financial Services, And Insurance (BFSI), Retail & E-commerce, Government, Healthcare, Commercial Entities, Other End-Users), Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Scope

The Global Biometric Card Market is expected to be worth around USD 4419.7 Million by 2034, up from USD 858.9 Million in 2024. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.80% from 2025 to 2034.

In 2024, North America held a dominant market position, capturing over a 38% share and earning USD 326.3 Million in revenue. Further, the United States dominates the market by USD 306.1 Million, steadily holding a strong position with a CAGR of 15.2%.

The biometric card market is rapidly growing, driven by the increasing demand for secure and convenient identification solutions across various sectors. Biometric cards integrate unique physiological traits—such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns—into the authentication process, offering a higher level of security compared to traditional methods.

These cards are being adopted in multiple industries, including financial services, government identification, access control, and healthcare. As the need for secure and reliable identification solutions grows, biometric cards are becoming an essential part of the global security infrastructure.

Several factors are fueling the expansion of the biometric card market. Enhanced security requirements are at the forefront, as rising concerns about identity theft and fraud push the demand for more robust authentication mechanisms. Biometric cards, with their use of unique personal characteristics, provide a much-needed solution to mitigate these security risks.

Additionally, government initiatives are playing a significant role, with many countries implementing digital identity programs that feature biometric-enabled cards to streamline public services and improve security. Technological advancements are also key drivers, as innovations in biometric sensing technologies and data processing continue to improve the accuracy and reliability of these systems, making them more appealing for broader adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: The market is expected to grow from USD 858.9 million in 2024 to USD 4,419.7 million by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 17.80%.
• By Type: Contactless Biometric Cards are predicted to account for 60% of the market share due to rising demand for secure transactions.
• By Application: Payments will constitute 45% of the market as consumers increasingly prefer secure, contactless, and biometric-enabled payment solutions.
• By End-User: The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector will lead the market, representing 53% of total market share.
• Geographical Distribution: North America holds 38% of the market, with the U.S. contributing USD 306.1 million to the market’s growth.
• CAGR in the U.S.: The U.S. market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2%, driven by digital payment solutions and security needs.

Analysts’ Viewpoint

The demand for biometric cards is being bolstered by the rapid growth of digital payments. As more people shift towards digital and contactless transactions, the need for secure payment methods becomes increasingly vital. Biometric payment cards provide a seamless and secure way to make payments, aligning with consumer preferences for contactless solutions.

Rising consumer awareness about security vulnerabilities associated with traditional methods of identification is another factor contributing to the demand for biometric cards. Furthermore, enterprises are increasingly adopting biometric cards for employee identification and access control to safeguard sensitive information and ensure secure facilities, further driving market demand.

The biometric card market presents several significant growth opportunities. One such opportunity lies in the integration of biometric cards with mobile platforms, offering enhanced convenience and security for users. This could lead to increased adoption, particularly in the growing mobile payment market.

The healthcare sector also presents considerable potential, with biometric cards being used for patient identification to improve data accuracy, reduce misidentification risks, and enhance overall security. Additionally, the adoption of biometric cards for access control in commercial and government sectors is expected to create more opportunities for market growth, particularly as businesses and governments seek to bolster their security measures.

Technological advancements continue to reshape the biometric card market, driving further innovation and improvements in these systems. Multi-modal authentication, which combines different biometric methods such as fingerprint and facial recognition, is becoming increasingly common, offering higher levels of security and greater user convenience. The development of contactless biometric systems also enhances user experience, allowing for seamless authentication without physical contact—a feature that has gained particular importance in the post-pandemic era.

Key Statistics

User Statistics

• Adoption: By 2025, an estimated 1.4 billion people will be using facial biometrics for payments, up from 671 million in 2020.
• Preference: 81% of consumers consider biometrics more secure than traditional methods. 72% prefer facial biometrics over passwords.
• Usage Rate: Approximately 60% of users report using biometric authentication daily.

Usage Statistics

• Payment Methods: Biometric cards are increasingly used for contactless payments, allowing users to authenticate transactions without entering PINs.
• Transaction Volume: The use of biometric cards is expected to increase transaction volumes by 30% annually. An average user makes around 20 transactions per month using biometric cards.

Quantity

• Production: The production of biometric cards is increasing rapidly, with an estimated 50 million units produced annually.
• Distribution: Biometric cards are distributed across various sectors, including:
  • BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance): 60% of the total distribution.
  • Retail: 20%.
  • Government: 10%.
  • Other sectors: 10%.

Other Numerical Data

• Authentication Methods: Biometric cards use multiple authentication methods, including:
  • Fingerprint recognition: 70% of biometric cards.
  • Facial recognition: 20%.
  • Iris scanning: 5%.
  • Voice recognition: 5%.
• Security Features: These cards often include additional security features like optical stripes, holographic images, and embedded chips to prevent duplication and theft.
• User Experience: Biometric cards enhance user experience by providing seamless and intuitive payment solutions, eliminating the need for PINs or signatures. Approximately 90% of users report satisfaction with biometric card usage.

Regional Analysis

United States Market Size

In North America, the United States dominates the market size by USD 306.1 million, holding a strong position steadily with a strong CAGR of 15.2%. The rapid growth in biometric card adoption can be attributed to an increasing demand for secure and seamless payment systems, particularly in sectors such as banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI). As digitalization continues to expand, the U.S. leads in the integration of biometric authentication technologies, driving a shift toward more secure and efficient payment solutions.

Contactless biometric cards have emerged as a key focus within the market, providing convenience, security, and fraud prevention. The banking and financial sectors are increasingly implementing these technologies to enhance customer experience and reduce the risks of identity theft and fraud. Furthermore, the expanding use of digital payments and the adoption of contactless payment methods have also contributed significantly to the growth in demand for biometric cards.

As consumer awareness about security issues grows, there is a noticeable shift towards technologies that offer better protection, such as biometric cards. The U.S. market is expected to continue its strong growth, driven by technological innovations, increased adoption across industries, and a growing need for secure identification and payment methods.

North America Market Size

In 2024, North America held a dominant market position in the biometric card market, capturing more than 38% of the global market share, with USD 306.1 million in revenue. The region’s strong growth is attributed to the high demand for secure and convenient authentication methods, especially in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors. North America is a leader in the adoption of digital payment solutions, and the U.S. market continues to drive innovation in contactless biometric technologies. The region’s focus on cybersecurity and fraud prevention has further contributed to the widespread acceptance of biometric cards. With consumer awareness about data security growing, the need for advanced authentication methods like biometric cards continues to rise.

Europe follows North America with substantial market growth, primarily driven by the growing need for secure payment systems and digital identity verification. The European Union’s push toward secure digital identities and the increasing use of biometric authentication across various sectors, including government services and financial institutions, is a major factor. The market is expected to grow as countries like Germany, France, and the UK lead in technology adoption, with more emphasis on reducing fraud and enhancing privacy protection through biometric systems.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is also witnessing rapid growth in the biometric card market, with countries like China, India, and Japan becoming key players. APAC is seeing a surge in digital payments and a rising focus on enhancing security in financial transactions. India’s ambitious push for biometric identification through government initiatives like Aadhaar has significantly impacted the market. The demand for biometric payment solutions in countries with large populations and evolving digital infrastructures is fueling market expansion in this region. As APAC continues to modernize its financial sector, the biometric card market is expected to grow substantially.

Latin America, while smaller in comparison, is also showing promising growth potential. The increasing need for secure payment systems, especially in countries like Brazil and Mexico, is propelling market demand. The rise of digital payment systems, coupled with the adoption of biometric technologies in banking and government services, is contributing to the region’s market expansion. The growing middle class and increasing smartphone penetration also make Latin America an emerging market for biometric card solutions.

In the Middle East and Africa (MEA), the biometric card market is experiencing gradual growth, with the Middle East leading the way due to high security requirements in financial and governmental sectors. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly adopting biometric authentication for banking and identification purposes. While the market in Africa remains relatively underdeveloped, there is growing interest in biometric technologies as governments look to implement more secure identification methods and modernize their financial systems. As the region’s digital infrastructure improves, the demand for biometric solutions is expected to rise steadily.

By Type

In 2024, the Contactless Biometric Cards segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than 60% of the market share. The rapid adoption of contactless payment solutions is the primary factor driving the success of this segment.

Contactless biometric cards offer enhanced convenience by allowing users to authenticate transactions with a simple tap, making them highly appealing in today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment. This ease of use, combined with the high security provided by biometric authentication, has made contactless biometric cards the preferred choice for financial institutions and consumers alike.

The growing demand for frictionless, secure payment methods has led to a surge in contactless biometric card adoption, particularly in the banking and financial services sectors. With the rise in global digital payment trends and the push for hygiene-conscious, touch-free solutions in the post-pandemic world, contactless technology has become increasingly essential. As consumers and businesses prioritize speed and security, the Contactless Biometric Cards segment is expected to maintain its dominant position, offering both convenience and robust fraud prevention.

By Application

In 2024, the Payments segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than 45% of the biometric card market share. The increasing demand for secure, seamless, and contactless payment solutions is the key factor behind the segment’s leadership.

As the world moves towards digital transactions, biometric payment cards are becoming a preferred choice due to their ability to combine convenience and security. The use of biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, significantly reduces the risks associated with fraud and identity theft, providing consumers with a higher level of protection.

The growing adoption of contactless payment methods, driven by the need for faster and safer transactions, has further propelled the Payments segment. Biometric payment cards offer a frictionless user experience, allowing for quick and secure authentication, which has become essential in today’s fast-paced, cashless society. Additionally, as more financial institutions and retailers integrate biometric authentication into their payment systems, the Payments segment is expected to continue to grow rapidly, maintaining its dominant position in the market.

By End-User

In 2024, the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) segment held a dominant market position, capturing more than 53% of the biometric card market share. This segment’s leadership is primarily driven by the increasing need for secure, reliable, and efficient methods of identity verification and transaction authentication.

Financial institutions and insurance companies are under constant pressure to mitigate fraud risks and enhance customer experience, making biometric solutions a critical component of their digital transformation strategies.

Biometric cards provide enhanced security compared to traditional methods, such as PINs and passwords, by utilizing unique biological traits like fingerprints or facial recognition. This level of security is essential in the BFSI sector, where financial fraud and identity theft remain persistent threats.

Additionally, with the rise of digital banking and online transactions, the demand for biometric authentication systems to ensure secure and frictionless payments has surged. As more banks and financial service providers implement biometric solutions for customer identification, the BFSI segment is expected to maintain its dominant position, driving further growth in the biometric card market.

Key Market Segments

By Type

• Contact Biometric Cards
• Contactless Biometric Cards

By Application

• Payments
• Access Control
• Government Identification Document (ID)
• Financial Inclusion
• Other Applications

By End-User

• Banking, Financial Services, And Insurance (BFSI)
• Retail & E-commerce
• Government
• Healthcare
• Commercial Entities
• Other End-Users

Driving Factor

Growing Need for Secure Authentication

The increasing prevalence of cyberattacks and identity theft has heightened the demand for secure authentication methods across various sectors, notably banking, healthcare, and government. Biometric cards, which utilize unique physiological traits such as fingerprints, facial features, or iris patterns, offer a robust solution to these security challenges.

Unlike traditional passwords or PINs, biometric data is inherently difficult to replicate or steal, providing a higher level of security for sensitive transactions and personal information. This heightened security not only protects against unauthorized access but also enhances user trust and confidence in digital systems. As organizations and consumers alike seek more reliable methods to safeguard data, the adoption of biometric cards is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driving market growth. ​

Restraining Factor

Privacy and Data Protection Concerns

Despite their advantages, biometric cards face significant challenges related to privacy and data protection. The collection, storage, and use of biometric data raise concerns about potential misuse and unauthorized access. Stringent data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, impose strict guidelines on how biometric data should be handled, stored, and processed.

Compliance with these regulations requires substantial investments in secure data storage and processing infrastructure. Additionally, any data breaches or misuse of biometric information can lead to loss of consumer trust and legal repercussions for organizations. Addressing these concerns necessitates robust security measures and transparent data handling practices, which can be resource-intensive and may impede the widespread adoption of biometric cards.

Growth Opportunity

Integration with Mobile and Cloud Technologies

The convergence of biometric cards with mobile wallets and cloud services presents a significant growth opportunity. As mobile payment solutions gain popularity, integrating biometric authentication into mobile platforms can enhance user convenience and security. This integration allows users to authenticate transactions seamlessly using biometric data stored on their devices or in the cloud, reducing the need for physical cards and streamlining the payment process.

Moreover, cloud-based biometric systems enable scalable and flexible authentication solutions, making it easier for organizations to deploy and manage biometric services. This synergy between biometric cards, mobile technology, and cloud computing is poised to drive market expansion and adoption, offering a compelling value proposition to both consumers and businesses.

Challenging Factor

High Deployment Costs and Technological Complexity

Implementing biometric card systems involves significant challenges, particularly concerning deployment costs and technological complexity. Integrating biometric sensors into cards requires advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities, leading to higher production costs compared to traditional cards.

Additionally, establishing the necessary infrastructure to support biometric authentication—such as secure data storage, processing systems, and compliance with regulatory standards—can be financially burdensome for organizations.

The complexity of deploying biometric systems also includes addressing interoperability issues, ensuring user acceptance, and managing potential technical glitches. These factors can hinder the widespread adoption of biometric cards, especially among smaller organizations with limited resources. Overcoming these challenges necessitates careful planning, investment in technology, and collaboration among stakeholders to develop cost-effective and user-friendly biometric solutions.

Growth Factors

Surge in Contactless Payment Adoption

The biometric card market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the widespread adoption of contactless payment technologies. This surge is largely attributed to the increasing consumer preference for secure and convenient payment methods.

For instance, the European Central Bank reported a 24.3% rise in contactless card payments in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, highlighting the growing trend toward touch-free transactions. Financial institutions are actively integrating biometric authentication into payment cards to enhance security and user experience, further fueling market expansion.

Emerging Trends

Integration of Advanced Biometric Technologies

A notable trend in the biometric card industry is the integration of advanced biometric technologies, such as palm vein recognition and facial recognition, into payment systems. In China, Tencent introduced a “tap and pay” system that analyzes unique palm prints and vein patterns, offering a more accurate alternative to facial recognition.

Similarly, Amazon’s biometric system allows users to make purchases by scanning their palms, linking the biometric data to their payment methods. These innovations not only enhance security but also improve transaction speed, contributing to a more seamless consumer experience.

Business Benefits

Enhanced Security and Operational Efficiency

Implementing biometric card systems offers businesses substantial benefits, including enhanced security and improved operational efficiency. Biometric authentication significantly reduces the risk of fraud by ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information or authorize transactions. This heightened security fosters consumer trust and encourages the adoption of digital payment methods.

Moreover, biometric systems streamline operations by reducing the reliance on passwords and PINs, minimizing the time spent on authentication processes. For example, the integration of fingerprint recognition in payment cards allows for swift and secure transactions, enhancing the overall customer experience. These advantages position businesses to better meet the evolving demands of the digital economy.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of MEA

Key Player Analysis

Zwipe AS, a Norwegian biometric fintech company, has recently faced significant challenges impacting its market position. In January 2025, the Oslo Chamber of Commerce ruled that Zwipe owed IDEX Biometrics ASA $702,000 due to a warranty dispute. However, Zwipe’s financial difficulties led to its decision to file for bankruptcy, as it was unable to meet the arbitration award payment. ​

Thales Group, a global technology leader, has been proactive in enhancing its biometric card offerings. In collaboration with IDEMIA and IDEX Biometrics, Thales has contributed to the development of next-generation biometric payment card platforms. This collaboration aims to reduce production costs and accelerate the adoption of biometric cards worldwide. ​

IDEX Biometrics ASA, specializing in fingerprint identification technologies, has engaged in strategic collaborations to strengthen its market presence. In April 2020, IDEX partnered with Zwipe to integrate its fingerprint sensors into Zwipe’s Pay ONE platform, aiming to offer a comprehensive biometric payment card solution. However, following recent arbitration proceedings, IDEX is now seeking payment from Zwipe, which has filed for bankruptcy. ​

Top Key Players in the Market

• Zwipe AS
• Thales Group
• IDEX Biometrics ASA
• ST Microelectronics NV
• Visa Inc.
• Seshaasai Business Forms (P) Ltd
• IDEMIA Group
• Mastercard Incorporated
• Fingerprint Cards AB
• Samsung’s System LSI Business
• Next Biometrics
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Thales Group partnered with IDEMIA and IDEX Biometrics to launch next-generation biometric payment card platforms, reducing production costs.
• In 2024, Zwipe AS filed for bankruptcy after facing a financial dispute with IDEX Biometrics, impacting its biometric card operations.

Report Scope