The United Kingdom has seen its first trial of a facial recognition checkout system, allowing customers to pay for coffee using only their face, without the need for a wallet or smartphone. The technology, developed by online bank Revolut and branded as “Pay With Smile,” was tested at three Kiss The Hippo coffee shops in London, with the trial concluding recently.
To use the system, customers must be Revolut account holders who have opted in and uploaded a selfie as part of their account registration. The payment process involves the checkout terminal scanning a customer’s face and matching it against the bank’s encrypted database. This ensures that the coffee shops do not have access to customers’ facial data directly. Once a match is confirmed, the payment is automatically deducted from the user’s account.
The trial reportedly received a positive response, with one location recording approximately 120 participants on its first day. Revolut representatives highlighted the convenience of the payment method, describing it as similar to other facial recognition uses such as unlocking smartphones or airport security checks. The system enables a swift transaction experience, allowing customers to complete payments hands-free.
The introduction of facial recognition payment technology comes amid increasing use of contactless payment methods across the UK. However, some customers expressed mixed feelings about the approach. Ellie Maddox, a 28-year-old coffee shop customer, said the technology made her uncomfortable, although she acknowledged that it may become more widespread over time. In contrast, fashion buyer Ella Wilkinson, 24, described the experience as “quite cool” and indicated she would use the technology again for small purchases such as coffee, though not for higher-value items.
The use of facial recognition technology is not new in retail settings. Several supermarkets have implemented “Facewatch” systems designed to monitor entrances and identify individuals on shoplifting watch lists. These systems scan customers as they enter stores and notify staff if there is a match. However, these measures have also faced criticism; for instance, Sainsbury’s issued an apology last month after its facial recognition technology mistakenly flagged a customer as a suspected shoplifter, attributing the error to “human error.”
As facial recognition continues to expand in retail and payment contexts, consumer attitudes remain varied, with ongoing debates about privacy and security. The Revolut trial represents one of the first practical applications of biometric payment technology in the UK high street environment, potentially signaling a broader shift toward biometric authentication in everyday transactions.