Banks have experimented with card readers and even fingerprint scanners but in the near future you could access your accounts using your heartbeat . Halifax has recently completed a successful trial of 'cardiac authentication ' for its online accounts using the Nymi band . Nymi reads the wearer 's heart rhythms , which is said to be as unique as a person 's fingerprint , to authenticate who they are . Halifax ( branch pictured ) recently completed a successful trial of 'cardiac authentication ' for its online accounts using the Nymi band . Nymi reads the wearer 's heart rhythms , which is said to be as unique as a person 's fingerprint , to authenticate who they are . A built-in proximity sensor can then detect where they are , and when the wearer is close to a paired device , will automatically confirm their identity and unlock the account . In particular , the bracelet contains a HeartID sensor that measures the amount of electrical power generated by a human heart , called a cardiac rhythm tracked on an electrocardiogram , or ECG . This ECG differs from person to person and depends on the location and size of the their heart . Nymi only works with a registered person 's cardiac rhythm , meaning if the bracelet is stolen it ca n't be hacked . The technology was developed by Toronto-based Bionym . A built-in proximity sensor can then detect where the wearer is are , and when they are close to a paired device , will automatically confirm their identity and unlock the account . The bracelet contains a HeartID sensor that measures electrical power generated by a human heart tracked on an electrocardiogram , or ECG . When the wearer clasps the Nymi around their wrist , the bracelet powers on . By placing a finger on the topside sensor while the wrist is in contact with the bottom sensor , it completes an electrical circuit . When the wearer clasps the Nymi around their wrist , the bracelet powers on . By placing a finger on the topside sensor while the wrist is in contact with the bottom sensor , it completes an electrical circuit . Nymi will then vibrate and built-in LEDs light up to tell the wearer the device has successfully authenticated them . Users will stay authenticated until they remove their Nymi and the electrical circuit is broke . The Nymi functions on a three-factor security system - the bracelet , a unique heartbeat and an Authorized Authentication Device ( AAD ) , which is a device registered with the app . Nymi vibrates and built-in LEDs light up to tell the wearer the device has successfully authenticated them . Users stay authenticated until they remove their Nymi and the electrical circuit is broke . The Nymi functions on a three-factor security system - the bracelet , a unique heartbeat and an Authorized Authentication Device ( AAD ) , which is a smartphone or device registered with the app . When the Nymi authenticates a user it looks at the shape of their ECG wave , not their heart rate . It can therefore adjust to typical variations in heart rate , even if the wearer has an irregular ECG as a result of a medical condition . The product 's site said : 'Nymi offers security without compromising convenience , putting you , and only you , in control of your identity . 'As you head out the door , you ’ ll be able to interact with the world around you through the power of simple gestures . 'With accurate and convenient authentication technology there is no end to the possibilities . 'The Nymi can replace everything from the PIN on your credit card to the account information on your gaming console without sacrificing security , privacy or convenience . ' In the first-of-its-kind trials by a UK bank , Halifax asked customers to use the wristband to login to their online accounts . When connected to an account , the band could also be used to pay for goods using contactless readers too . Marc Lien , Halifax 's director of innovation and digital development , said : 'Exploring innovative technology is a real focus for us at the bank . In the first-of-its-kind trials by a UK bank , Halifax asked staff and customers to use the wristband to login to their online accounts . When connected to an account , the band could , in theory , be used to pay for goods using contactless readers too ( example shown ) An ECG differs from person to person and depends on the location and size of the their heart . Nymi only works with a registered person 's cardiac rhythm , meaning if the bracelet is stolen it ca n't be hacked . The technology ( pictured ) was developed by Toronto-based Bionym . The bank said the band ( illustrated ) only works when worn by the account owner and it must be paired with the device being used . 'We are in the very early stages of exploring potential uses for the Nymi Band and wearable technology more widely . ' The bank - owned by Lloyds Banking Group - said the technology only works when worn by the account owner and the band has to be paired with the device being used to access the account . Lloyds recently updated its online banking app with a similar feature that pairs and recognises the phone or tablet it is being used on . This removes the need to enter the username , password and memorable information every time . Instead the app just asks for the latter . The Nymi bracelet can be pre-ordered for $ 79 ( £50 ) . Devices were due to ship in December but the site has not updated when it will go on general sale .
Halifax has completed a successful trial of the tech using the Nymi band . It reads the wearer 's cardiac rhythm , which is said to be as unique as a person 's fingerprint , to authenticate who they are . Nymi measures the amount of electrical power generated by a human heart . This is called a cardiac rhythm and is tracked on electrocardiogram ( ECG ) ECG differs from person to person and depends on size of their heart . And because it only works with a registered person 's cardiac rhythm it ca n't be hacked if the bracelet is stolen . Makers Bionym said it is more secure than iris and fingerprint scanners .