CaixaBank is to distribute contactless wristbands from all of its branches after issuing its first batch of the wearable payments technology to select customers over the summer months.
The Gemalto-based Optelio Contactless MiniTag on each wristband supports contactless EMV transactions, which can be performed at more than 300,000 payment terminals across Spain. The bands allows payments of up to EUR20 with just a tap, and higher value transactions require entering the user's PIN code.
From October onwards, the wearable payment device will be available with a new design at all office branches, says the bank. Customers will be able to choose between different colours, and to contract them through the traditional channels.
CaixaBank has set up a specific application on its CaixaMóvil App Store, that alerts users via SMS immediately of any transactions made using the device.
In the UK, Barclaycard is moving to a full-scale roll out of its own bpay contactless wristbands early next year. While the Barclays' bands are available to customers of any UK bank or credit card company, except Amex, CaixaBank's application is directly linked to the customers existing contactless card.