Technology is no longer confined to pockets or desktops—it’s woven into what we wear. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to rings and jackets, wearable devices are rapidly becoming the next frontier in contactless payment technology.
Why? Because consumers today want speed, security, and seamlessness. And wearables deliver all three—right from the wrist, hand, or even sleeve.
The Shift to Wearable Payments
Driven by mobile-first lifestyles and the rise of friction-free checkout, wearable payments are evolving fast.
Some recent forecasts:
- 200+ million wearables are expected to ship globally this year, and 30–40% will support payments (up from just 2% a few years ago).
- By 2025, over half of consumers in mature markets will use smartphones or wearables to pay.
- Wearable payments are estimated to drive billions in transactions as adoption grows across fashion, fitness, and lifestyle sectors.
Leading brands like Apple, Samsung, MasterCard, and even Disney are already deep in the wearable payments game.
Popular Wearable Payment Devices
Rings
- Kerv: A contactless payment ring that also unlocks smart locks and validates public transit riders. It’s waterproof, unisex, and doesn’t need to be charged.
Smartwatches
- Apple Watch: Combines health tracking, notifications, and Apple Pay—just double-click and flick your wrist to pay.
- Samsung Gear: Supports Samsung Pay, so users can pay with a tap on any NFC or MST-compatible terminal.
Fitness Bands
- Jawbone UP4: Pairs with American Express to enable payments with a wrist flick, in addition to tracking movement and sleep.
- Nymi Band: Uses your heartbeat as authentication. Once verified, users can tap to pay securely—no PIN, no password.
Experience Bands
- Disney’s MagicBand: A seamless omnichannel device that lets guests enter parks, pay for food, unlock hotel doors, and access rides with just a tap.
Clothing
- Lyle & Scott Jacket (with Barclays): Tap-to-pay functionality hidden in the sleeve—fashion meets function.
- Adam Selman x MasterCard: Designer-crafted wearables that let users pay without ever reaching for a wallet or phone.
Why Businesses Should Care
Wearable payments are more than a tech trend—they’re a shift in consumer expectation.
Today’s shoppers want:
- Omnichannel consistency (same experience in-store, online, or in-app)
- No checkout friction
- Secure but invisible transactions
As these devices become part of everyday life, your customers will expect to pay with them.
Are Wearable Payments Secure?
Yes. Most wearable payments are built on:
- Tokenized transactions
- Biometric authentication (like heartbeat or fingerprint)
- NFC technology, which transmits one-time use tokens—not card numbers
Payment data stays secure on your phone or within your connected app—not stored on the wearable itself.
The Bottom Line
Wearables are quickly evolving from fitness trackers to full-blown payment tools, helping businesses deliver faster checkouts and personalized experiences.
If you’re not set up to accept these payment types, you risk falling behind.
At KORT, we support modern, contactless payments—including NFC and mobile wallet integrations—so your business can be ready for what’s next in payment tech.
Ready to accept payments from rings, watches, and beyond?
Let’s chat: partners@kortpayments.com | 1-800-747-6883