SEATTLE: Tech giant Amazon is expanding its ambitious biometric payment system, rolling out palm-print scanners to more stores, hospitals, and venues across the United States. The technology, known as Amazon One, allows customers to make payments, verify identity, and even enter secured locations simply by hovering their hand over a scanner.
Already in place at hundreds of Whole Foods Market locations, Amazon announced it will soon equip all 500+ Whole Foods stores nationwide with the system. The palm-scanning devices are also being installed at Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores, as well as major sports and entertainment venues.
The expansion doesn’t stop at retail. In a first-of-its-kind move, NYU Langone Health confirmed it will use Amazon One for patient check-in at hospitals and outpatient centers. Amazon says the technology could also be adopted in workplaces for secure building entry and time-tracking.
So how does it work? The scanner captures both surface details and unique vein patterns in a user’s palm, creating a secure digital signature. That data is encrypted, stored separately from other Amazon services, and linked to a payment card or Amazon account. Amazon insists the system is faster than swiping a card or phone often under one second and claims the biometric data is harder to fake than traditional credentials.
But critics are raising concerns. Privacy advocates warn that storing biometric identifiers, even in encrypted form, comes with risks. Unlike a credit card, a palm print can’t be replaced if compromised. Others fear the system could deepen Amazon’s reach into personal data, despite assurances it won’t be used for marketing or shared beyond Amazon One.
Despite the skepticism, Amazon is pushing ahead, promoting the system as a more convenient and secure alternative for modern consumers. Early adopters say they enjoy leaving wallets and phones behind, while skeptics remain cautious about handing over their biometrics to one of the world’s largest corporations.
For Amazon, the expansion of Amazon One represents more than just convenience; it’s a push to make biometric payments a mainstream part of everyday life, reshaping the way people shop, travel, and even access healthcare.
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