Hands holding a blue bank card and a smartphone showing a payment confirmation checkmark

Enable payment cards as an authenticator

More security, less friction.

Better multi-factor security, with card-based authentication

Digital banking has transformed how customers interact with financial services. But as digital convenience has increased, so have security threats. Traditional single-factor authentication – relying on usernames and passwords – is no longer sufficient in a world of phishing, credential theft, and sophisticated cyberattacks. 

To truly protect customers, financial institutions need authentication that is both stronger and simpler. A solution that enhances security without adding friction. One that fits naturally into users’ everyday lives while elevating the digital experience. 

The answer may already be in their wallet. 

Payment cards: the natural authentication device

Payment cards are already engineered for secure transactions. They are cryptographically protected, globally standardized, and universally trusted. Most importantly, they are always with the user. This makes them uniquely positioned to act as powerful multi-factor authentication devices in the digital world.

G+D enables issuers to integrate authentication capabilities directly into their payment programs –transforming physical cards into secure digital access credentials for banking apps, transaction approvals, onboarding, and beyond.

A blue bank card being tucked into the front pocket of blue jeans
Always with you

People carry payment cards with them and keep them close, making them ideal as anytime, anywhere authentication devices. The physical nature of payment cards also makes them phishing resistant.

Built to be secure 

Payment cards are crafted to be durable and secure – and those benefits transfer naturally to the role of multi-factor authentication device. 

Customizable and brand-enhancing

G+D’s extensive range of payment cards offer an opportunity for issuers to create stunning cards that double as authentication devices.

The better way to authorize logins and payments

By making your payment cards authentication devices, you can unlock a whole host of capabilities and optimizations – while keeping both your card and your account details secure.

Person holding smartphone and credit card for a secure online login

Secure login

Remove the need for passwords and protect against phishing attacks while easing the customer experience.

Side view of a person confirming a transaction on a mobile phone

Secure payment confirmation

Add an additional layer of authentication via cryptographic transaction signing. Keep transactions secure and allow only authorized use with authentication via presented payment card.

Smartphone showing "Payment authenticated" next to a blue bank card

Frictionless card activation

Enable secure card enrollment that gets cardholders setup quickly and simply. One tap against the user’s phone, with your banking application open, can get users onboarded quickly.

Close-up of a finger making a selection on a smartphone display

Enhanced user security

End-to-end protected and resistant to malicious attacks, with no shared secrets, only public keys on server, and biometric information saved on device only.

Smartphone with banking app next to a blue credit card on a wooden table

Converged access

A single unified credential for physical and logical access, which works with EMV® cards in market.

Blue glowing padlock icon on a digital pixelated screen

Compliant and safe

Including FIDO applets into payment products is secure and certified by major payment schemes.

Person holding a smartphone and a blue credit card for a mobile payment

Many implementation options for authentication

There are a number of methods to provide added security to cardholders, from two-factor authentication to multi-factor authentication using card bodies as authenticators.

FIDO2 Pass Keys

Designed to be frictionless, pass keys improve sign-in success by linking app logins to device authentication (such as through PIN, pattern, or biometrics).

  • Global browser support
  • High phishing resistance
  • Requires new applet 
Hands holding smartphone with login options: PIN or card authentication

Proprietary NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) solution developed by G+D

Secure communication between NFC-capable devices (like mobile phones) with NFC cards for authentication. This solution requires cards to be reissued, but offers an improved customer journey.

  • Custom use-cases for smoother customer experiences
  • Proprietary app/server required
  • Data delivery and other actions activated by card tap to phone 
Hands holding a smartphone and a bank card for contactless pairing

EMV®-native authentication

Turn existing payment cards into authentication devices without the need for a new applet. 

  • Works with EMV® cards in-market
  • Zero re-issuance cost
  • Direct integration with banking systems
  • Fast time to deployment 
A person holding a blue bank card in front of their face for authentication

G+D is a global leader in smart card technology

Over 500 million

Over 500 million payment cards delivered annually

ICMA

Repeat winner of the ICMA awards for innovations in card technology

80%

80% of the world’s top banks use G+D solutions

G+D: proud member of the FIDO Alliance

The FIDO (Fast Identity Online) Alliance offers a global standard for multi-factor authentication. G+D has been a member since 2014, offering a range of FIDO-certified solutions that enable users to authenticate confidently and even use their payment cards as authentication devices.

A leader in FIDO authentication technology

At G+D, we endeavor to bring next-generation payments solutions and process optimization technology to businesses around the world. Explore our range of FIDO-certified applications:

Woman looks at her smartphone and selects an authentication method
Convego® AUTH-U

Transforms two-factor authentication into one effortless action. With passwordless authentication, outpace fraud, meet regulations, and elevate the customer experience.

EXPLORE SOLUTION
Person is holding their smartphone and payment card in their hand and is in the process of activating the payment card
Convego® tap

Our latest innovation allows your cardholders to continue relying on the card that they already have at hand. Strong Customer Authentication use scenarios can be accessed with a single tap on their mobile device.

EXPLORE SOLUTION

G+D: your trusted partner for payment innovation

As a market leader in card issuance and payment solution experts, G+D supports banks, financial intermediaries, and enterprise organizations around the world in their ambitions.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about our end-to-end business solutions or about our SecurityTech company, seek expert advice, or want to give us your feedback, our team is here to support you, anytime.