PayPal launches Galaxy S5 fingerprint-based payments in 25 countries

Just in time for the world release of the Galaxy S5, PayPal announced the availability of its fingerprint-based authentication system in 25 countries.

First announced at MWC 2014, the system allows PayPal users to log in the app and authorize payments and other operations with a simple swipe over the Galaxy S5’s home button. After logging in, users have access to mobile and online payments at millions of retailers that support PayPal. Using biometric authentication is more secure and more convenient that the traditional credential system because users don’t have to memorize a complex password and don’t have to worry about people nearby seeing their credentials.

Samsung Galaxy S5 is the first phone to integrate the FIDO authentication standard, which is developed by an alliance of tech companies including Google, Microsoft, MasterCard, and Lenovo. PayPal is very keen to reassure users about the security of the payment system of the Galaxy S5:

[quote qtext=”Customers can use their finger to pay with PayPal from their new Samsung Galaxy S5 because the FIDO Ready software on the device securely communicates between the fingerprint sensor on their device and PayPal’s service in the cloud. The only information the device shares with PayPal is a unique encrypted key that allows PayPal to verify the identity of the customer without having to store any biometric information on PayPal’s servers” ” qperson=”John Lunn” qsource=”PayPal Developer Network” qposition=”center”]

PayPal also introduced a special app for the Galaxy Gear 2, Gear Neo, and the Gear Fit that lets users check their PayPal balance, receive payment notifications, and even make payments right from their wrists.

If you’re buying a Galaxy S5, PayPal is giving away $50 in a promotional campaign, that you can check by visiting this address  on your smartphone. For some reason, PayPal has not published the list of countries where its new service will be available with the Galaxy S5, but we’ve contacted them and we’ll update this post as soon as we receive an answer.

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