Mastercard and Tap Payments launch world's first Click to Pay with Payment Passkey

Tap Payments has partnered with Mastercard to launch Click to Pay with Payment Passkey, a global first that aims to transform online shopping experiences across the GCC and beyond.

The UAE becomes the first market worldwide to deploy the combined service, which merges Click to Pay's secure tokenisation with biometric verification. Shoppers no longer need to enter card numbers manually or wait for one-time passcodes during online checkout.

How the service works

The checkout process is streamlined into three steps: select a securely stored Mastercard, authenticate using facial recognition or fingerprint, and complete the transaction. The system automatically recognises returning customers through their device or email address.

The innovation combines advanced tokenisation, biometric authentication, and intelligent customer recognition while preventing third-party access to payment details or biometric data. The solution integrates EMVCo, World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and FIDO Alliance security standards.

Market opportunity

Mastercard research indicates that 90% of consumers worldwide believe biometrics are more secure and convenient than passwords, underlining demand for stronger yet simpler authentication at the point of sale.

Benefits for shoppers and merchants

For shoppers, the service offers expedited checkouts, password-free transactions, fraud protection, and payment privacy. Merchants gain improved conversion rates, reduced cart abandonment, enhanced fraud prevention, and straightforward system integration.

Expansion plans

Starting in the UAE, the technology will expand across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, reinforcing the region's position as an emerging fintech hub and a testbed for payment innovation.