Worldwide Card Use to Jump 43% by 2029, Nilson Predicts  

The Nilson Report predicts that global card activity (credit, debit, and prepaid) will grow 43% to nearly 1.11 trillion transactions by 2029, compared to 2024. This includes transactions on UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Discover and Diners Club cards. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see the largest increase (46.8%), while the U.S. will have the smallest rise (27%). These trends mirror the past decade, where U.S. card transactions more than doubled but still showed the smallest growth relative to other regions.  

77% of Baby Boomers and Seniors Use Credit Cards More  

Baby boomers and seniors have distinct credit preferences, favoring traditional credit products like credit and store cards. Despite being major users of these, they show little interest in newer payment methods like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL). A report found that 77% of boomers and seniors have active credit cards, but only 4.5% use BNPL, far lower than the 16-18% adoption seen in younger generations. This group is more comfortable with established credit options, with store cards also seeing higher adoption among older consumers, who prefer familiar methods over flexible payment options like BNPL. 

Brazil Establishes Federal Body for Biometric Checks, ID Card Issuance  

Brazil has established a Federal Biometric Service to manage the issuance of the country’s biometric national identity card, the Carteira de Identidade Nacional (CIN). The service will implement systems for biometric checks and ensure that fingerprint and face biometric data meet international standards, including NIST and ICAO specifications. The law mandates strict accuracy requirements for biometric matching, including low false identification rates for fingerprints and face biometrics. It also requires liveness detection for face biometrics, with different levels of testing for low- and high-risk transactions. The government has already issued 20 million CINs since 2022, and the CIN database, along with Brazil’s Gov.br digital identity system, will form the foundation of the country’s digital public infrastructure.  

How ID Card Printing is Evolving  

The ID card printing industry is evolving with new technologies reshaping how businesses create and manage identification systems. Key trends in 2025 include the rise of retransfer printing, which improves card quality and durability while reducing replacement costs. ID cards are also being used as branding tools, with businesses leveraging customized designs to enhance corporate identity. Cloud integration is streamlining workflows, offering remote management and automation. Upgrading from outdated legacy systems is crucial for improving speed, security, and efficiency. Security features like holograms and UV printing are being added to combat fraud. Additionally, sustainability efforts, such as energy-efficient printers and recyclable materials, are gaining importance. Embracing these innovations helps businesses enhance operations, security and environmental responsibility.  

GenAI Fueling Employee Impersonation with Biometric Spoofs and Counterfeit ID Fraud  

A new report reveals that half of businesses in North America have experienced an increase in deepfake and AI-generated identity fraud. The 2025 State of Identity Fraud Report, by AuthenticID, highlights the rising threats of AI-powered fraud, including biometric spoofing and counterfeit IDs. Founder Blair Cohen noted that generative AI has drastically transformed fraud tactics, making them more sophisticated. The report also showed that businesses may be unaware of the scale of fraud slipping through their systems, with a 42% rise in fake IDs and suspicious biometric transactions in 2024. Additionally, 68% of businesses have faced workforce-related fraud, with employee impersonation being the most common form.  

Seattle and Philadelphia to Get Open Loop Contactless Fare Payments  

Public transportation users in the Philadelphia and Seattle regions will soon be able to pay fares using contactless bank cards or NFC devices. SEPTA in Philadelphia has awarded a $211 million contract to Cubic Transportation Systems to create a new digital ticketing system for five counties. The SEPTA Key 2.0 system will offer improved features, including virtual cards for equity-focused fare policies, increased reliability and enhanced customer usability through upgrades to the website, mobile app and call center.  

Card Fraud Losses Will Increase Over Next Decade  

Fraud losses in card payments are expected to increase over the next decade, with global losses projected to reach $403.88 billion by 2035, according to the Nilson Report. The U.S. is predicted to be especially affected, particularly in card-not-present transactions like e-commerce payments, which are the most vulnerable worldwide. Nilson’s report suggests that criminals from outside the U.S. exploit the situation due to American merchants and card issuers being slow to adopt the strictest fraud prevention technologies.  

Nigeria Launching Multiuse Biometric ID Card  

Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) is set to launch a General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) aimed at promoting greater economic and financial inclusion. The biometric, three-in-one card was discussed by NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote, who highlighted its potential benefits for Nigerians. While a specific launch date has not been provided, the card is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to provide all Nigerians with a reliable identification system to access essential public services.  

New Driver License, ID Cards Have Security Features  

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has started issuing new driver’s licenses and identification cards with enhanced security features to prevent fraud. These cards include intricate, hard-to-replicate designs woven throughout, transparent windows on the right and bottom edges, and a “flipping effect” that reveals a secondary photo when the card is angled. These features aim to make the cards more secure and difficult to counterfeit.  

Somalia Launches Printing Process of New National ID Card  

The government of Somalia has officially started printing its new generation national ID cards, with the Minister of Interior, Hon. Ali Yusuf, and his Deputy, Hon. Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir, becoming the first officials to receive their cards. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) announced that this marks the implementation of Somalia’s first national ID card issuance system in over 30 years, following months of preparation. The project is supported by Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) as part of a broader civil registration initiative.  

Biometric Payments to Generate $11.3B in Revenue for Suppliers by 2030  

Biometrics are increasingly being used to secure payments, with the market expected to grow significantly. According to Goode Intelligence’s report, “Biometrics for Payments; Market and Technology Analysis, Adoption Strategies and Forecasts 2025-2030 – 4th Edition,” by 2030, 3.5 billion people will participate in this trend, generating over $11.3 billion in revenue for biometric suppliers. Biometrics are being adopted in both digital and physical transactions to combat payment fraud, which is growing due to AI-driven methods. The technology is crucial for preventing fraud throughout the payment process, from onboarding to transactions. The rise of bot fraud and demand for secure, convenient payment experiences are key factors driving this adoption. Biometric solutions help reduce friction, which is a major cause of online cart abandonment.