BankWest Halo payment ring alternatives?

SupeNintendoChalmers on 05/04/2024 - 17:54

Just received shattering news from BW. They are phasing out their Halo ring that allows you to tap and go using just a plastic ring.

It's such a bloody good idea, for example going for a swim and not needing to take your phone or card so you're not stressing about someone stealing your stuff, or perhaps having your hands full and reaching out with a finger to finslise a transaction.

As I said, shattered.

Do any other banks offer ring services? Can you make a payment ring yourself?

And no, using your mobile to tap and pay is not an equivalent alternative.

Financial

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Comments

  • askbargain on 05/04/2024 - 17:57

    How often do you go for a swim and pay for something but not bring anything else with you?

    • SupeNintendoChalmers on 05/04/2024 - 17:59
      +5

      Once a week, and if I go for a run, I just take myself and in an emergency have a ring to pay for things.

  • Dollar General on 05/04/2024 - 18:09

    Watch

  • 7ekn00 on 05/04/2024 - 18:56

    Microchip: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61008730

  • pjetson on 05/04/2024 - 20:19

    Make your own ring.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YinW94Av_tQ

  • [Deactivated] on 05/04/2024 - 22:01

    It'll expire in 3 years.

    I think you've got time to look for an alternative.

  • AAC on 05/04/2024 - 22:27

    Samsung smart ring is coming this year, it might have nfc payments

  • Nillionaire on 05/04/2024 - 22:45

    Wtf, I had no idea this was a thing. I want one now. But it's no longer obtainable? Can I buy someone else's and link it to my card?

  • bdl on 06/04/2024 - 10:16

    Hide a spare card in the budgie smugglers? :)

    Tap and pay would raise questions though :(

  • firestormx on 06/04/2024 - 12:05

    Maybe something like this? https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004557153960.html

  • bdl on 06/04/2024 - 12:59

    Shame the NAB Visa Mini isn't offered anymore :(

    https://blog.ozbargain.com.au/2005/nabs-visa-mini-card/

    (Then again, probably didn't have NFC chip installed as antenna may have been wrong length in mini form factor)

  • unison on 07/05/2025 - 18:59

    Pagopace has a payment ring and Swatch also has some models with Swatch Pay enabled, without the need to ever charge it.

  • orangecarpet-22 on 27/05/2025 - 13:11
    -2

    This was a popular boomer device in the early part of the 2020s.

    Banks will prefer biometrical secured wearable payments such as those on the Smart Watch - i.e unlock the watch on first wear with FaceID/TouchID on the phone, which unlocks the watch. It remains in a ready state and requires a quick press of a button to activate payment. The watch detects when it is removed from the wrist, where it then locks and can't be used. So it's a more secure method, and probably favoured by the banks as it's digital. The boomer ring was attached to a card and required a new one if you had the card reissued, and also need to be manufactured on order to the finger size. Eats into profits. Biometric security & digital form factor is preferred by the banks.

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