Barclaycard to embed contactless payment in watches and jewellery
Barclaycard names new bPay partnerships to embed Contactless Payment in Watches and Jewellery
Partnering DCK, with its range of ‘Tutch’ jewellery, and HK-based Tappy Technologies, a payment pioneer who embeds technology into traditional timepieces, instantly transforming them into wearable contactless payment devices
Barclaycard has agreed two new partnerships that will see its bPay payment technology embedded into high street jewellery and watch brands, expanding the range of wearable devices that can be used to make contactless transactions in the UK.
The agreements are designed to complement bPay’s proprietary range, which comprises a wristband, fob, sticker and loop, and existing partnerships that already see the technology, which is powered by Visa, embedded within fashion jewellery and mobile phone cases.
The first partnership is with DCK Group with their range of ‘Tutch’ jewellery. DCK is behind the concession jewellery offered in some of the UK’s leading high street retailers, and the partnership will see bPay contactless payment technology embedded into some of the most exciting and on-trend jewellery styles on the high street.
The second new partner is Tappy Technologies Ltd, a pioneer payment technology brand that embeds payment functionality into watches, instantly transforming traditional timepieces into wearable contactless payment devices. Through agreements with a wide range of respected watch brands, HK-based Tappy brings the ease, speed and convenience of contactless payment to watches available in retailers across the UK.
Tami Hargreaves, Commercial Director, Digital Consumer Payments at Barclaycard, said: “bPay was designed to meet customer demand for a new, easy and convenient way of paying for everyday goods and services. Thanks to the huge growth we are seeing in contactless payments, consumers are looking for even more convenience when it comes to paying and these partnerships show how the worlds of fashion and technology can combine to provide consumers with quick, easy and convenient ways of making secure payments for GBP30 and under.”
Kevin Jenkins, Regional Manager for the UK and Ireland at Visa said: “Today’s announcement is another example of Barclaycard and Visa co-development in an ongoing, multi-year programme of investment in innovation and infrastructure. We are delighted to go into this next phase of wearable expansion as part of our continuing efforts to give consumers safe, secure and easy ways to purchase the items they want with tech that fits their lifestyle.”
Alan Witzenfeld, DCK Chairman, said: “Over the 40 years that I have been in the jewellery business, the industry has seen many changes and as a business we have thrived on being ahead of the trends with both innovation and design. Our partnership with Barclaycard has allowed us to revolutionise the wearable tech market, combining the knowledge and security of a major bank with the design and expertise of the best jewellery designers in the business to launch an affordable, functional and desirable range of fashion led jewellery.”
Mr. Wayne Leung, Founder and CEO of Tappy, said: “It is an honour for Tappy to be recognized as a ‘wearable program partner’ of Visa and Barclaycard under this strategic partnership. Supported by its existing global customer network and influenced by the brand effect of Visa and Barclaycard, Tappy’s solution will open new horizons for the traditional watch & jewellery industry. Tappy’s open source solution is now readily available for all the brands.”
Source: ACNNewswire
