Hello! Your voice to operate your ICICI account now

MUMBAI: Private sector lender ICICI Bank has launched a voice recognition service that authenticates customers based on their speech patterns and allows them to execute banking transactions through the bank’s call centre.

The service by is available to over 33 million customers of its savings account and credit card. With the voice recognition technology in place, customers are no longer required to enter their card numbers, PIN and answer security questions to authenticate themselves. Their voice will now act as the password for banking transactions through the call centre.

Chanda Kochhar, MD and CEO, ICICI Bank said, "We have noticed that the customers, especially those who use smart phones, find it difficult to enter the 16 digit card number and the 4 digit PIN with accuracy and at a reasonable speed. We wanted to offer them a secure and hands-free alternative to the traditional on-screen commands on smart phones. The voice recognition service has the potential to increase security and convenience."

The voice recognition technology works on voice prints and comprises more than 100 characteristics including voice modulation, speed, accent, pronunciation which are impossible to imitate, thereby enhancing security.

The bank stores the customer's unique voice print against his account and matches it whenever he calls from his registered mobile number.

This launch comes close on the heels of a slew of technology-led innovative services introduced by the bank.