What is fingerprint and facial recognition?
You might have seen or heard us use the term 'biometric authentication' before but not be sure what it is. Biometric authentication is where you can use your fingerprint or facial recognition instead of your Digital M&S PASS PIN to confirm you are who you say you are when signing into the M&S Bank app. Apple call facial recognition 'Face ID' and fingerprint recognition 'Touch ID' while Android use the term 'Android Biometrics' for both fingerprint and facial recognition.
Where do we use fingerprint and facial recognition?
In the M&S Bank app, you can use biometric authentication instead of your Digital PASS PIN to:
- Sign in to the app
- Generate a security code to sign into Online Banking
- Verify online transactions
As an added layer of security, we will ask you to use fingerprint or facial recognition to reconfirm your identity before you complete some actions such as viewing your PIN in the app, changing your contact details or completing a balance transfer. Being able to use fingerprint and facial recognition to confirm your identity can be more convenient when completing these actions rather than having to remember and type in your Digital PASS PIN again.
You may still be asked for your Digital PASS PIN occasionally so it's important that you remember what it is in case we need to verify your identity without using biometric authentication.
Is fingerprint and facial recognition safe?
By using your physical characteristics like your fingerprint or face, we can check that it is actually you who is trying to access your account. Your face and fingerprint are always with you and unique to you. While they can be similar, no two are exactly the same. If someone obtains your passcode, it could be remembered and used by another person, but your fingerprint and face are incredibly difficult for someone else to reproduce and use.
Your fingerprint or facial data is never stored by M&S Bank or in the M&S Bank app. We recommend that you do not use fingerprint and facial recognition if you have the app set up on a shared device where other people have registered their fingerprint or face to the device. You must keep your device updated with the latest operating system that your device can support and keep your M&S Bank app updated to the most recent version.
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Helpful information
Apple, iPhone, iPad, Face ID, and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries and regions.
Android, is a trademark of Google LLC and this webpage is not endorsed by or affiliated with Google in any way.