The new credit cards will be issued to 150 of the bank’s customers.

Natwest has trialled biometric debit cards in the past, but this will be the first time that biometric credit cards have been used.

The new credit cards will offer contactless payments using fingerprint authorisation for purchases up to £100, a substantial increase on the current £30 limit.

The card is powered through the card terminal and when the card is presented, a green light on the card reveals that the fingerprint has been matched successfully.

The new cards will retain full contactless functionality and can be used as normal in ATMs and for online shopping.

There are also no hardware changes needed to accept biometric cards, so cardholders can use them at existing contactless and Chip and PIN terminals.

NatWest is working in partnership with Mastercard and digital security company Gemalto to bring the service to UK customers.

Georgina Bulkeley, director of innovation, NatWest, said: “After the successful pilot of our biometric debit card we are looking to test the technology further with credit cards. This is the biggest development in card technology in recent years and not having to enter a PIN not only increases security but makes it easier for our customers when paying for goods or services.”

Bob Reany, executive vice president, Identity Solutions, Mastercard, added: “Feeling confident that your information is protected is paramount. We, along with our partners, are building biometric cards that recognise an individual rather than a password or PIN. Biometrics are more secure, more trusted and better suited to a world that requires more frequent authentication.”