Riga-based biometric payments scaleup Handwave has entered a strategic agreement with Visa to integrate its privacy-focused palm recognition technology into Visa’s Token Management Service (TMS) via the Visa Acceptance Platform. Handwave’s technology allows users to link their Visa cards directly to their palm biometrics — enabling frictionless, wallet-free checkouts protected by Visa’s tokenization and fraud-prevention infrastructure. Through this partnership, merchants and acquirers can now access biometric authentication without costly system overhauls, offering faster, safer, and more inclusive payment experiences. The collaboration also sets the stage for Handwave’s expansion across Europe, the US, and global markets, supported by its recent $4.2 million seed round led by Practica Capital, FirstPick, Outlast Fund, and Inovo.vc.
Handwave’s palm authentication technology enables anyone with a Visa card – over 7.8 billion cardholders globally – to link payment credentials to their palm biometrics. The integration with Visa’s established fraud protection and compliance standards delivers frictionless, phone-free checkout experiences while reducing complexity for merchants.
Handwave’s business model is built on an open-ecosystem approach. It is designed around two pillars: close collaboration with acquirers and direct enablement for merchants. By integrating Handwave’s technology, acquirers can deliver to their merchants a cutting-edge solution that reduces checkout friction and strengthens customer loyalty. It also unlocks next-generation payment and identity verification experiences – all without requiring costly infrastructure changes.
By leveraging Visa’s global technology, Handwave can easily scale its model into new markets, providing a strong foundation for growth as Handwave expands in Europe, the US, and beyond. Handwave has also met rigorous compliance standards, including world-leading KYC requirements, to ensure the platform’s readiness for widespread adoption.
The Handwave system uses dual imaging – capturing both surface lines and subdermal vein patterns – combined with liveness detection to ensure only a real, living hand can be verified. This creates a unique, encrypted biometric ID that cannot be spoofed by photos or replicas.
“Our agreement with Visa is a foundational milestone for secure, accessible biometric payments,” said Jānis Stirna, Co-Founder of Handwave. “With just your palm, you can pay in seconds – no wallet, no phone, no fuss. Visa’s infrastructure and tokenization give us the scale and security to make this a reality worldwide.”
Visa’s tokenization technology adds an additional layer of security: real card details are never exposed but replaced with secure digital tokens that protect users and merchants from fraud.
“Biometric authentication and tokenization are redefining payment experiences, enhancing convenience and protection for merchants and shoppers,” said Juris Paegle, Country Manager for Visa in the Baltics. “Our technologies play a key role in enabling innovative, secure, and frictionless ways to pay. We’re pleased to support Handwave in this journey and look forward to following their progress as they move toward launch and expand into new markets.”
Handwave’s progress with Visa’s TMS follows its $4.2 million seed round led by Practica Capital, with FirstPick, Outlast Fund, and Inovo.vc participating. The funding supports product development, regulatory certifications, and live pilots in Europe and the US – laying the groundwork for integration with Visa’s global network.
Click here to read more news about partnerships.
Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/handwave-partners-with-visa/
