Systems and methods for authenticating users

A computer-implemented method for authenticating a user in connection with a network transaction by the user, the computer-implemented method comprising:

• capturing, by a processor of a payment card associated with a payment account, at a fingerprint sensor of the payment card, a fingerprint of a user in response to a network transaction to the payment account;
• comparing, by the processor, the captured fingerprint to a reference fingerprint stored in memory of the payment card;
• compiling, by the processor, an authentication result for the user based on the comparison of the captured fingerprint and the reference fingerprint;
• and
• transmitting, by the processor, via a modem of the payment card, the authentication result to an entity associated with the payment account for use to approve or decline the network transaction.

A system for authenticating a user in connection with a network transaction by the user, the system comprising an issuer computing device coupled to a payment network, the issuer computing device configured to:

• receive a request from a payment network computing device in connection with a network transaction at a merchant, the network transaction directed to a payment account of a user;
• determine, in response to the request, that a payment card associated with the payment account is enabled for biometric authentication;
• in response to a determination that the payment card is enabled for biometric authentication, transmit an instruction to a communication device associated with the user directing the user to provide a fingerprint to a fingerprint sensor of the payment card in order to continue with the network transaction;
• and
• receive, from the payment card, via a modem of the payment card, an authentication result for the user based on a comparison of the fingerprint provided to the fingerprint sensor of the payment card and a reference fingerprint stored in memory of the payment card.