Card-free ATMs now used in Japan

A regional bank in Gifu Prefecture now allows customers to withdraw cash, make deposits and check account balances through simple palm scans.

The cardless service offered by Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank requires customers to input their birthday, put their palm on the scanner and input their PIN code. Preregistration is required.

Customers will still be allowed to access their accounts if they lose their ATM cards or passbooks, it said.

The service debuted at the bank's Hashima branch and a "mobile branch" designed for use during disasters. It will expand Thursday to 18 branches in Gifu, Aichi, Mie and Shiga prefectures and an ATM in Nagoya Station.

For more.