Amazon Discontinues Amazon One Palm Payment System

Amazon announced the end of its biometric palm payment system, Amazon One, in commercial establishments.The decision, which takes effect on June 3, 2026, reflects low adoption by customers and follows the company's strategy to move away from physical retail.

End of an Age in Physical Retail

Amazon has confirmed it will shut down its Amazon One palm-recognition payment and access control system at merchants. Starting June 3, 2026, users will no longer be able to use the technology for payments or access.

Motives and Data

In a statement, Amazon said the discontinuation was due to the “low adoption by” customers, the company assured that all data collected from Amazon One users will be securely deleted after the discontinuation of the“ service.

Continuity in Specific Sectors

Despite the retail shutdown, Amazon One will continue to operate in healthcare facilities for patient check-in, as announced by the company.

Strategic Context

The end of Amazon One for retail comes in parallel with Amazon's decision to close all of its 72 Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores in the United States.The company intends to focus its efforts on Whole Foods Market stores and grocery delivery, indicating a reorientation in its physical retail strategy.

History and Controversies

Launched in 2020, Amazon One was aimed at offering contactless payments and access control. Initially implemented at some Amazon Go stores in Seattle, the system faced skepticism from American lawmakers and privacy concerns throughout its existence.In 2023, Amazon was the subject of a lawsuit, along with Starbucks, for alleged misuse of biometric identifiers of customers, although the case was later shelved.

Expansion and Innovations

Even with the controversies, Amazon One expanded to more than 500 Whole Foods locations in 2023 and partnered with other retailers, sporting event venues and airports.Amazon also explored features such as age verification and enterprise markets with One Enterprise.In 2024, the company launched a mobile app to make it easier to sign up for the service.

Global GWI Study, Jun 2024

• Amazon bids farewell to palm biometrics, discontinues Amazon One for retail, Biometric Update.
• Amazon Axes Palm - Scanning Tech As It Fails to Catch on, Business Insider.
• Amazon is ending its palm ID system for retail, Amazon One, as it closes physical stores & GeekWire, GeekWire.
• Amazon to halt palm payments, Payments Dive.