The new technology, provided by Pay By Touch, is free to shoppers and will allow them to pay for their groceries with a finger scan that is linked to their financial accounts. Eliminating the need to carry a wallet or cheque book in the store, the new system provides customers with greater convenience, security and speed at checkout. The biometric payment technology will be available in all Cub West Region stores by November 30.

"Our goal is to serve our customers better than any grocer could," said Brian Huff, president of Cub Foods West Region. "Providing proven innovations and technologies—that give customers greater convenience and added security—is part of our commitment. To that end, we're thrilled to be the first grocer in Minnesota to offer customers the Pay By Touch system."

Today's announcement marks the end of a four-month pilot programme of the biometric payment technology that began at Cub Foods stores in Blaine, Eagan, Lakeville and Rosemount. The decision to expand the service was based on enthusiastic customer response.

"Consumers across the country are embracing Pay By Touch, because it makes the shopping experience convenient and secure," said John Rogers, founder, chairman and CEO of Pay By Touch. "Cub Foods has paved the way for biometric payments in Minnesota and Iowa."

How It Works
Shoppers can use Pay By Touch after a quick one-time sign-up at a special kiosk located in Cub stores. Signing up is simple and consists of providing identification, a voided cheque or EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card and a finger scan. The Pay By Touch technology does not use actual fingerprints. It creates a set of 40 data points that cannot be reverse engineered into a fingerprint. The data points are encrypted and converted into a mathematical equation that allows for a secure identity match at the point of sale. The system is highly secure and customer information is never sold.

Shoppers enrolled in the Pay By Touch service can use their finger to purchase products at any Cub Foods store. To pay for goods, shoppers simply place their finger on a scanner at the cash register. The system then displays the individual's electronic wallet, which contains the payment options available to them. Current options include eCheck (a direct debit from an existing cheque account) and EBT. Additional options, such as credit cards, may be added at a later date.