In a significant move to enhance payment security, AMP Bank in Australia has introduced numberless debit cards for its small business and personal banking customers, and a number of Australian banks are set to follow this move in 2025. This initiative aims to combat fraud and scams by removing visible card numbers, making it more challenging for malicious actors to obtain sensitive information.
While this innovation is currently being rolled out in Australia, given the close links between the Australian and New Zealand banking systems it is just a matter of time before the adoption of similar technologies in New Zealand. Discussions among Kiwi consumers indicate a demand for such features, but some banks in New Zealand are yet to even offer virtual credit cards. Some New Zealanders have turned to alternative financial service providers like Wise and Revolut, which offer virtual cards, albeit primarily as prepaid options.
How it was developed
The numberless cards, developed in partnership with Mastercard, feature a minimalist design without the traditional 16-digit number on the front. Instead, customers can access their card details securely through AMP’s mobile app, which employs advanced biometric authentication methods such as face and fingerprint ID. This approach not only enhances security but also streamlines the user experience in an increasingly digital banking environment.
How Numberless Credit Cards Work
Unlike traditional credit cards, numberless cards do not display sensitive information on the physical card itself. Instead, cardholders can access their card details securely through their bank’s mobile app. This means that even if a card is lost or stolen, the risk of unauthorised use is significantly reduced.
For online purchases, users can generate temporary virtual card numbers through the app, adding an extra layer of security. The physical card itself is only needed for in-person transactions, where it functions like a standard contactless or chip-enabled card.
A Response to Rising Fraud
The introduction of numberless credit cards comes as New Zealand grapples with a surge in credit card fraud. According to recent data from the New Zealand Banking Association, reported cases of card fraud increased by 27% from 2023 to 2024, with losses totaling millions of dollars.
“Fraudsters are becoming more advanced, and we need to stay ahead of the curve,” said a commentator from one of the banks rolling out the new technology. “Numberless credit cards are a game-changer for protecting our customers’ financial information.”
Consumer Reactions
Early adopters of the technology have praised the added security. “I feel much safer knowing that my card details aren’t just sitting there for anyone to see,” said James Carter, who recently signed up to a numberless card.
The Future of Payments
The rollout of numberless credit cards is part of a broader global trend toward more secure payment methods. Biometric authentication, tokenisation, and blockchain-based systems are also being explored as ways to further safeguard financial transactions.
“This is just the beginning,” said cybersecurity analyst Mark Harris. “We’re moving toward a world where physical cards may eventually become obsolete, replaced by entirely digital solutions. For now, numberless credit cards offer a promising step forward in the fight against fraud, giving Kiwis one less thing to worry about in an increasingly digital world.”
However, some consumers have expressed concerns about their privacy when it comes to using biometric data which is where most believe the technology is heading. In China, for example, consumers can make purchases with just their palm or face.
Banks Leading the Charge
Several major banks in New Zealand are already offering virtual credit cards to their customers, which is seen as precursor to numberless credit cards. The introduction of numberless cards by AMP Bank in Austalia may serve as a catalyst for New Zealand banks to explore and adopt similar security-enhancing technologies. As digital banking continues to evolve, the emphasis on protecting customers from fraud and scams becomes increasingly paramount. New Zealand consumers are hopeful that local banks will soon follow suit, providing more secure and innovative payment solutions in the near future. In just a few years you can expect to be walking around with plain-faced credit card or no credit card at all if New Zealanders embrace biometric authentication.
For more information and tips to help you choose the best credit card in NZ, visit our website Credit Cards Compare.
