Imagine walking into a grocery store like Whole Foods, filling your cart with fresh items, and when it’s time to pay, simply swiping your palm and walking out. By the end of the year, this experience will be available at over 500 Whole Foods Market locations.
Amazon One, launched in 2020, is a contactless payment system that allows customers to register their palm to a credit card.
Once registered, you can quickly pay for goods by swiping your hand over a terminal. It’s similar to facial or fingerprint recognition, but uses your palm. Initially introduced at Amazon and Panera Bread locations, this technology is now expanding to other retailers.
Currently, the pay-with-palm option is available at select stores across the United States. However, Amazon announced this week that Whole Foods will fully adopt the technology.
By the end of the year, all 500+ Whole Foods Market locations in the U.S. will offer this payment method.
Amazon claims that palm scans pose fewer security concerns compared to facial recognition.
Each “palm signature” is unique, taking into account factors such as the palm’s shape, size, texture, and vein structure, ensuring no two palms are alike.
“We are always looking for new ways to delight our customers and improve the shopping experience.
Since introducing Amazon One at select Whole Foods Market stores over the past two years, we’ve seen that customers love the convenience it provides, and we’re excited to bring Amazon One to all of our customers across the U.S.,” said Leandro Balbinot, chief technology officer at Whole Foods Market.
To make the process even easier, Amazon provides a quick registration process. At any participating Whole Foods Market, you can insert a credit or debit card, register your palm print, add a phone number, and you’re all set.
Then, on your next visit, you can leave your wallet behind and simply scan your hand to check out. There’s also an option to pre-enroll if you prefer.
In addition to Whole Foods Market, Amazon One technology is available at select locations, including Panera Bread, Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies MLB team), and various airports like Hudson, CREWS, OHM, and more. So, the next time you visit Whole Foods, consider paying with your palm.
