OP-Pohjola Group, a Finland-based provider of financial and banking services, announced it will introduce payment cards utilizing contactless technology, making it possible for customers to pay for small purchases without entering the PIN.

Payment cards utilizing contactless technology are currently being tested both in Finland and abroad. OP-Pohjola Group hopes to have OP-Visa Debit cards with the contactless payment facility available to its customers in autumn 2012.

Contactless-enabled cards are designed to make payments quicker and easier, particularly in situations where cardholders make small purchases that do not require a PIN. In Finland, the maximum payment amount – without entering the PIN – will be 25 euros (~ USD $33).

OP-Pohjola Group cards utilizing contactless technology will function in Finland and abroad in stores where payment terminals are compatible with contactless payments.