More palm-scanning ATMs to be installed in Japan

The Japanese bank that pioneered card-free ATM transactions in Japan is expanding the service into neighboring prefectures.

Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank, a regional bank based in Gifu prefecture in central Japan, introduced card-free ATMs last September. These special ATMs allow a customer to withdraw cash, make deposits and check account balance by showing his hand to a scanner and entering his birthdate and a PIN code.

Ogaki Kyoritsu debuted the service at its Hashima branch and will expand it to 18 of its branches in Gifu, Aichi, Mie and Shiga prefectures. It will also provide an ATM in Nagoya Station, one of the world’s largest rail stations.

The card-free service requires that customers register for it. The technology, developed by Fujitsu, effectively allows clients to access their banking services without the need for ATM cards or passbooks.

Ogaki Kyoritsu Bank is also developing a mobile branch solution in the event of emergencies, such as earthquakes or tsunamis.