MasterCard and Zwipe, a Norwegian provider of biometric authentication solutions, have partnered to launch the world's first contactless payment card with an integrated fingerprint sensor.

A news release from the companies said that the launch follows a successful live pilot with Norway's Sparebanken DIN, aligned to the Eika Group.

The Zwipe MasterCard payment card includes an integrated biometric sensor, as well as Zwipe technology for storing the cardholder's biometric data. The card also contains an EMV certified secure element and MasterCard's contactless application.

Cardholder fingerprint data is stored directly on the card, not in an external database. The card is activated with a quick fingerprint scan. Biometric authentication replaces PIN entry, enabling cardholders to make payments of any amount, unlike other contactless payment cards.

Zwipe is now working on the next generation of its card slated for release in 2015. The future design will feature the same format as a standard card and will harvest energy from the payment terminals without the need for a battery.

"Feedback from our pilot with Sparebanken DIN has been very positive," said Kim Humborstad, founder and CEO of Zwipe. "Cardholders love how easy the card is to use with the added security feature. We have also had exceptionally good feedback from retailers participating in the pilot. This pilot enabled the partners to gather valuable customer feedback, experience and best practice for the enrolment and deployment phase."

Sparebanken business development director Morten Danielsen said in the release that the FI will offer biometric authentication and contactless communication for all of its cards since the technology combines convenience and security for both cardholders and merchants.