Bank payment cards familiar to consumers are gradually being pushed aside by modern payment methods. You can pay for services and goods using a mobile phone or an accessory made in the form of jewelry. One of the jewelry, the ring, will be discussed below. Equipped with a special chip, the Sberbank Visa ring is a reliable and secure payment instrument that can be used to pay the seller in a matter of seconds.
What is NFC smart ring
The NFC (Near Field Communication) ring is a “smart” jewelry equipped with a contactless chip. This technology allows you to use it instead of a bank card to pay for purchases or services in places where there is a PayPass terminal.
The first rings with NFS came out back in 2013. Since then, the device has captivated many and has become widespread among banking and mobile organizations. Such devices are found in:
- Tinkoff Bank;
- Sberbank;
- Alfa-Bank;
- VTB;
- Moscow Credit Bank;
- Apple et al.
Features of the technology
The rings are made of waterproof and durable alloy. The design is simple and versatile. There are white, black or gray models. For a lot of money, you can make a special product that will not only serve as a wallet, but also serve as decoration.
Some products are capable of:
- manage household appliances;
- understand gestures;
- notify about an SMS received on your phone or a missed call;
- monitor your heartbeat;
- count calories or steps taken;
- wake up your smartphone from sleep mode;
- open doors;
- store passwords, etc.
Keep in mind! It will be impossible to find a ring with a complete set of all functions. You will have to decide what is more important to you and make a choice.
How the NFC ring works
This device runs on an NXP MCU processor. It makes it possible to use the product to pay or open a lock. The NFS module can operate for up to 10 years.
You can set up or see information on linked cards using your smartphone. For example, to view card data, you just need to bring the ring to the phone.
The ring operates at a distance of 5-10 cm from the reader. To implement your plan, just press the button located on the product.
How does a contactless card work?
What is a Sberbank accessory for paying for goods and services?
Sber cannot stand aside while other banks are introducing advanced technologies. It is important to keep up with competitors, as users love the new and cutting-edge. The neat ring, used instead of a card, interested the Russians. People are willing to pay money to start using such an original and comfortable solution to pay for purchases.
Appearance and other characteristics
The smart ring looks attractive and fashionable. The inside of the gadget is made of presentable polished titanium. The brand logo is engraved on it. There are 3 marks on the accessory:
Opposite the “ID” designation is “FIR” - a “magic” pebble. Opposite the “NFC” designation there is an insert made of volcanic magnet, opposite “M1” there is an insert made of germanium.
The width of the walls of the accessory is 9.1 mm (the figure varies depending on the size of the “smart” ring). Wall thickness – 2.9 mm. The weight of the decoration does not exceed 7 g. The inner part can have a different diameter: from 17.2 mm to 22.3 mm. The outer diameter varies similarly: from 22.8 mm to 27.9 mm.
Comparison table of the best smart rings
To have a general idea of rings with NFS, we present several popular products, with their functionality and price.
| Name | Characteristic | Cost in rubles |
| Smart Ring | NFS, does not require charging, waterproof. | 200-300 |
| Pay Ring | NFS, information transfer, electronic key. Can be made from noble metals. | 4500 |
| Motiv Ring | NFS, Bluetooth, all the functions of a smart bracelet, recognition of the owner step by step. | 15000 |
| Jakcom R3 | NFS. Can be made from different materials. | 1500 |
From the table we see that there are plenty of rings. There are many manufacturers and each creates their own unique product. The price segment varies, which means that everyone can choose something for themselves, according to their budget.
How it works: review of models and technology
To get better acquainted with the models of rings with NFC, let's look at their detailed description.
Inexpensive NFC Smart Ring
The most affordable product without unnecessary functionality. It only has an RFID tag. Classic design. You can program the NFS module yourself. The owner is given the opportunity to configure Smart Ring for:
- opening doors;
- unlocking the phone;
- logging into applications;
- transfer a contact to another device.
The ring works without recharging and is waterproof.
NFC ring Visa Payment Ring
The ring was issued by the Visa payment system. You can link it to both an account and a card. The design is standard - black or white gloss, with a logo on the inside. You can only purchase the product from a bank, not from third-party resources.
You can use the ring to pay at retail outlets that accept contactless payments.
Premium Motiv Ring Product
The Americans have released a ring that functions as a fitness tracker. The device is capable of:
- count the steps taken;
- calculate calories burned;
- take your pulse;
- help you quickly log in to the site;
- make a payment in a second.
It will not function on the finger of another person, since the “smart” ring recognizes its owner by his gait. It runs on a battery, which will need to be recharged periodically. The payment ring can be combined with iPhone or Android phones. Made from high-strength titanium alloy
Apple Ring
This ring can be paired with iPhone and iWatch. There are several options for products - for wearing on the hand (right or left), in the nose and a wedding band (made of precious metal).
Regular rings are made of sapphire glass. Another feature is the presence of a touch display, the size of which is 0.125 inches.
How to pay by phone instead of a Sberbank card
Ring for payments from Visa Sberbank
A ring from Sberbank with NFC was recently introduced. Made of ceramic, shock-resistant and moisture-resistant. The presence of a chip in the device allows the owner to quickly pay for purchases.
It is possible to block the device via a smartphone.
Application features
The useful and smart functions of the gadget are attracting the attention of an increasing number of buyers. Such functionality may include:
- Function of recording notes on the gadget;
- high-speed message transfer to third-party gadgets;
- blocking and unlocking the smartphone display (you can make it so that when you pick up the phone, it unlocks automatically, on its own, but only if the ring is put on your finger);
- blocking, unblocking applications;
- there is a smart alarm clock;
- the ability to create a personal business card and send it to other users;
- Possibility of setting up a “short call”.
How to choose the right size smart ring
“Smart” rings, like jewelry ones, are selected according to size. Different manufacturers may have slightly different sizes. You can view the list directly from the seller. Usually these are 2 columns, which indicate the size of the product and its internal radius.
| Size | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Radius | 54mm | 57.1mm | 60mm | 62.8mm | 66mm | 70mm |
Attention! To avoid mistakes, try on the ring first.
How to connect and configure after purchase
The payment ring will be useless if you do not activate and configure it. A smartphone will help you do this. First, you need to download and install the NFC Ring Control application on it.
The next course of action is as follows:
- Find Settings on your phone.
- Go to "More".
- Open the "NFC Android Beam" option and activate it.
- Log in to the Ring Control app.
- Set a security password. This will make it possible to unlock the smartphone with a ring.
- Set tasks.
Here you can program the ring to turn on or off the alarm clock, Bluetooth, music, etc. Here it’s easy to link cards that will later be used for payment.
Payments using NFC rings
For the Smart Ring to work properly, you need to use it correctly. Not advisable:
- overheat or keep the product at a very low temperature;
- cover the location of the chip during data transfer;
- expose the product to physical impact (falls, impacts).
To pay for an item, you just need to hold your finger with the ring to the terminal and wait. There is no need to unlock it (as is the case with a smartphone).
unusual payment accessories
Body sticker
WISP body sticker. Photo: trendhunterstatic.com
This type of payment accessory is designed for those who do not like to carry too many devices. The solution called WISP in the form of an NFC sticker was presented by the technology company MC10 together with the company PCH.
Manicure you can pay for
Smart manicure. Photo: secretldn.com
Such an unconventional solution was presented by Lucy Davis, a student at the British College of Art Central Saint Martins. You can only pay in this way for travel on public transport in London. Lucy embedded an RFID chip in her false nail, linked to the London Oyster transport card.
Keychains, cases, stickers
Smart accessories. Photo: home.barclaycard
The British financial holding Barclays, in partnership with the Topshop brand, has launched a line of smart accessories that can be used to pay for purchases. The collection included keychains, smartphone cases, stickers, and bracelets. All devices are equipped with a contactless bPay chip developed by Barclays.
Smart clothes
Scottish clothing brand Lyle & Scott partnered with Barclaycard to test jackets with an NFC chip embedded in the right sleeve. The owner of the jacket could pay for goods worth up to £30.
Lyle & Scott smart jacket with payment function. Photo: wareable.com
The Korean technology giant Samsung also became interested in smart clothing with a payment function. In particular, the company presented an NFC suit created in collaboration with the Korean clothing brand Rogatis.
Smart suit from Samsung. Photo: darionet.com
Where to buy
You can buy a smart ring at a bank, online, or in a store that sells mobile devices.
It will be cheaper to order online. Aliexpress is especially popular. There are numerous Chinese models with different functionality. You can receive it at the post office or in person by ordering courier delivery.
NFC and MIR card (contactless payment): how to link
The NFC ring, as mentioned above, is offered by banks. You can purchase such devices from a specific financial structure. Cloning of such products occurs systematically, as people actively order smart rings. Products are sometimes provided free of charge. Usually these are promotional programs. If desired, you can buy a ring for an additional fee if you pre-order.
It is convenient to purchase such products in banks, because the employees immediately help with the settings. After leaving the branch, the client can immediately go to the store and pay with the device.
If you have time to visit mobile stores, then purchasing there is not excluded. Prices will be slightly higher than on the Internet, but consultants will show and tell you how to work with the device.
Attention! When placing an order for a Smart ring, be careful - indicate everything you need (color, size, functionality). Also pay attention to the warranty card. This must be the case.
Advantages and disadvantages
Before you buy and start using a ring with NFS, you should study all its positive and negative sides.
Pros of the smart ring:
- does not take up much space;
- convenient to use;
- always in sight;
- saves time (no need to waste time counting cash or entering the card PIN code);
- has a universal design (can be purchased for both men and women, suitable for any clothing);
- some models have an affordable price;
- can replace a fitness bracelet;
- has a high level of security during payments;
- Many models do not need to be recharged.
Disadvantages of this device:
- it is impossible to buy a ring with advanced functionality for a small amount;
- if the product is lost or stolen, there is a risk of money being withdrawn from the account;
- to protect funds in the event of loss, you will have to block the linked payment instrument;
- A phone is required for setup and use.
Everyone decides for themselves whether they need such a device.
Reviews
Since the ring has not yet gone on mass sale, most reviews about it are an expression of the desire to have a “smart” and beautiful accessory. People wonder how safe it is and express distrust in the contactless payment system that is just beginning to develop.
You can also find reviews online from those who were among the limited number of lucky ones who received a test version of the gadget. They are all enthusiastic. The new technology is considered promising and promising.
