When withdrawing from an ATM, most users are familiar with using a simple 6-digit pin. But nowadays, there are many ways one can withdraw from an ATM.
In particular, BDO has long brought QR support along with both biometric facial and fingerprint recognition for those who’d like cardless withdrawals.
However, in recent times, netizens have noted that both the fingerprint and facial recognition technology on BDO ATMs are rather unstable and don’t really work all that well.
A post made by Martti Joeyson on Facebook shared his experience of consistently not being able to utilize the facial and fingerprint recognition found on BDO ATMs.
This has sparked others to share their own experiences in the post’s comments and as well on the subreddit r/Phlippines.
The post itself brought to light that the undependable technology has failed to recognize both a user’s fingerprint and face when withdrawing with Martti Joeyson stating “It has never worked. Not even when you started implementing it.”.
What’s even more troubling is that there simply was no option to input his PIN number to withdraw, making it quite a sticky and bothersome experience.
Moreover, he reported that his card ended up being stuck for 10 minutes which then led to a teller having to assist him and him signing an affidavit and other documents. This eventually then led him to miss an important appointment due to a problem that shouldn’t have been there in the first place.
Other posts have also been made, most especially on Reddit where users have stated that it’s more confusing and tedious to withdraw using biometrics than a normal pin, similar experiences of not having a PIN number as an option for withdrawing, and others wishing for BDO to reevaluate and mend its biometrics recognition.
But it’s not all negative as some have reported that it has in fact worked well for them and others citing their own tips when inputting one’s fingerprint.
But for the majority, it’s been a less-than-ideal experience with most users deciding to either use the QR code feature or simply bring their debit card and input their PIN number instead.
What has been your experience with biometrics on ATMs? Let us know in the comments.
UPDATE (April 17): BDO has reached out to us and assured customers that its Biometric ATMs aim to
While biometric ATMs are deployed in select BDO branches and
Agree that there should be a direct option to use the traditional PIN rather than this time consuming fingerprint scan and facial recognition. It does not make the process easier but just made the ATM lines longer. BDO should review this service improvements.