Diebold Inc., North Canton, Ohio, is offering a biometric automated teller machine (ATM) for self-service banking of retail banking consumers in South America. The biometric technology uses the unique geometry of the index finger, and can be substituted for either the conventional personal identification number (PIN) or the magnetic stripe card.

“Integrating biometric devices into the ATM system for verification purposes can virtually eliminate card-based fraud while accelerating transactions,” said Danny O’Brien, vice president of global product development and engineering at Diebold.

Diebold piloted its biometric ATM technology in Chile, Spain, Colombia and Dubai, and has contracted with customers to deploy the terminals in Chile. In Saudi Arabia, Diebold biometric ATMs will dispense monthly pension payments to some 100,000 retirees.