Trident ID for BIMpay payments ‘eventually’

Barbadians will eventually be able to use their Trident ID card to make BiMPay transactions, Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge has announced.

In an update on the month-old instant payment platform on Monday, he told reporters that, in its second phase, the BIMPay e-wallet will be linked to the Trident ID card, which uses chip-and-PIN technology.

He said: “Once we get over the first phase, which is linking all of the financial institutions and three credit unions, then we are in a phase where we will continue to work with the government to onboard government agencies fully, continue to be in a space where we can onboard individual financial institutions, fintech to bring other services to Barbados and the financial system and part of that will be that at an appropriate time then we will be integrating with the ID which will give more services.”

According to the governor, the current focus is on getting the system right and allowing for its full growth “not only for financial inclusion and bringing in those who were not part of the system but financial depth in terms of products”. 

“So you have a wide range of products that exist in other metro areas that will be available, and so that’s from the development point of view,” he added.

The Trident ID card was rolled out in 2023, offering enhanced security through several features aimed at reducing the risk of counterfeiting and offering Barbadians access to a range of government services wherever they are globally.

(JB)