Wearable payments

Android Wear introduced a new version of its technology earlier this year.

Fitbit's expertise in monitoring exercise and health seems pretty far removed from the world of payments, but the company is running full-speed into the world of fintech.

Garmin International’s newest smartwatch now supports contactless payments through a partnership with Fit Pay Inc.

Because wearable payments technology is still considered experimental, it is important to address security before the market for such products gets much bigger.

Some credit unions are beginning to offer payment services via wearable technologies, but many say it will take further declines in the pricing of those items before they are widely accepted by consumers or financial institutions.

In service now for a decade in Africa, India and parts of Europe, M-Pesa is expanding its telco-driven mobile money service to include tap-and-go payments through wristbands, stickers or cards.

The bank is also working with Fit Pay Inc. to allow its customers to make contactless payments with their credit or debit cards through connected devices.

A new initiative from CO-OP Financial Services aims to help two CUs support MasterCard’s payments services for Garmin and Fitbit wearable devices

In a market seemingly dominated by "Pays" from smartphone makers, a few companies are taking a much different approach to mobile payments. Here are some of the more extreme examples.

Arguably the most recognized name in wearable fitness trackers, Fitbit launched the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch with support from Mastercard, Visa and Amex. But you'd be forgiven if you didn't know about the card brands' involvement.