The idea to use fingerprints as an authentication method for payments has been around a while. Now PaybyTouch has secured USD 10 mio. in a first round funding. Transactions can take place on cell phones, hand held devices or in retail store terminals.

"You enroll in the Pay By Touch service with just three simple steps.

• 1. Present valid identification.

• 2. Place your index finger on the reader and select a non-unique seven digit search code (usually your phone number).
• 3. Swipe the credit, debit, check and loyalty cards you wish to enroll."

If new pieces of technology would always be that easy. PaybyTouch will fight hard to increase subscriber numbers and acceptance in stores on the other hand. They won't be the only one doing this in the next months...