Earlier this week I attended the Wearable Technology Show at the ExCel convention centre here, in London. There was plenty of new technology on show, with some unbelievable healthcare wearables on display, but I was on the lookout for devices that can enhance the travelling experiences.
As luck would have it, I discovered one that had it’s global launch that very morning!
KERV – The Contactless Payment Ring
Although, this may not be considered a “smart” device based on today’s technology, it is still a brilliant, very desirable and must have, piece of tech for travellers!
In short the Kerv ring is a prepaid Mastercard, broken away from the normal 3×2 inch plastic card, and crafted into a mix of an zirconia ceramic outer and a hard inert resin on the inside; resulting in a highly polished great looking wearable.
How the Kerv works is mostly “behind the scenes”. The ring comes with a loadable pre paid Mastercard that you must register and activate with your ring. Once you have done this you can move funds from your Bank account to the pre paid Mastercard, thus putting your Kerv ring in credit.
Your Ring will now work for transactions of £30 or less at over 38 million places around the world that accept contactless payment.
To make a payment with your ring just make a gentle knocking motion against the contacless reader, the tolerance is the device needs to be within 4cm. When a payment is successfully made a small green led flashes just below the Kerv insignia. Just look for this logo, if in doubt.
Kerv comes in 12 different ring sizes. You can have your measurements taken by a professional jeweler, or order the £2 measuring device direct from Kerv. If you take this option, the £2 will be deducted from your future purchase of the ring (nice touch Kerv!).
Ring Sizes:
- UK Size M
- N
- P
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- X
- Y
- Z1
- Z3
I know style and appearance is a very personal choice, but having seen the Kerv up close, even I would be happy to wear one, and I am really not a jewellery type person.
Having a Kerv with you on your travels, is a great insurance policy. They are durable and waterproof and are widely accepted.
So, if you lose your money or wallet, you are covered. Don’t want to leave your purse or wallet on the beach? Not a problem, leave it at home and just take your Kerv. Going for a walk about a new town or city you might not be to sure off? Don’t carry cash and take a Kerv. Do you have grown-up kids heading off on a Gap Year? If they have a Kerv you control, you have peace of mind that they will always have a little emergency fund should they need it!
The Kerv Ring is now available online for £99 in 14 different colour combinations. It is worth noting the Ring does expire after 4 years, just like a normal money transaction card would.
For more information on Kerv you can visit Kerv on Facebook or subscribe to their YouTube channel.
This is so cool! It reminds me of the magic bands at Disney World. My only concern would be security. I wonder if they can be cloned or the number can be skimmed like a regular credit card… Do you know if they are available in the US? Thanks for sharing this innovative and informative post!
We have a new travel blog and I would love to try one of these out!
Happy travels, – Cheryl
Just like the Disney bands! They are as secure as any card in your purse or wallet, therefore would have the same vulnerabilities! At present, they are only available in the UK, but are due to shortly roll out into Europe and then the rest of the world.
I will run updates when this happens.
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