Revolut introduces facial-recognition checkout for in-store payments

Revolut unveiled Revolut Pay with Smile, a facial-recognition checkout that allows users to pay by simply looking at a store-side scanner, eliminating the need for a phone. The system relies on the selfie captured when customers verified their identity, comparing it to the live image at a Revolut Register installed by merchants. The hardware offers 0% processing fees and is being piloted at Kiss the Hippo coffee outlets in London until the end of the week, with broader availability expected before year-end.

Alex Codina, Revolut Business's merchant payments GM, said the solution addresses checkout delays caused by internet outages. Alex Damgaci, managing director of Kiss the Hippo, highlighted the importance of frictionless payments for hospitality venues. A spokesperson noted that there is no universal spending cap, as limits are determined on a risk basis.