SHOPPERS in Shanghai now have a safer way to pay money as thousands of retailers have launched an electronic payment terminal that can match consumers' fingerprints with their bank accounts, Jiefang Daily reported today.

The retailers include department stores, supermarkets, restaurants and entertainment venues such as Parkson Department Store and Kedi convenience store, the report said.

When customers place a finger on the payment terminal, the system will recognize the fingerprint and take money from their bank account.

People who have an account with the Agricultural Bank of China can register their fingerprints at the bank's Changning branch, the report said.

Consumers can also open an "electronic wallet" and register their fingerprints at China Unicom outlets, and convenience store such as Lawson and Kedi, the report said.

Live By Touch Holdings Ltd, operator of the system, said paying by fingerprint is safer than credit cards because no one can imitate the fingerprint.