Setting Up a CNICK Payment Ring with FIDESMO Pay and CURVE

CNICK Ring

Recently, I explored the exciting world of wearable payment technology by setting up a CNICK payment ring. I chose this path for several compelling reasons:

Why I Chose a Payment Ring:

1. Enhanced Security of Transactions:
   One of my primary motivations was to enhance transaction security by minimising exposure of my actual credit card numbers. When connecting a payment card to a wearable device via FIDESMO Pay, the actual card number is not used. Instead, a secure reference, known as a token, is generated. It is this token that facilitates transactions, effectively protecting my real card details from potential fraud or theft.

2. Personal Item Security:
   Modern smartphones are increasingly costly and a frequent target for theft, which not only represents a loss of valuable hardware but poses risks to personal data security. By using a payment ring, I significantly reduce the need to publicly display or handle my phone, thus decreasing the likelihood of theft and unauthorised access to sensitive banking information. Unlocked phones are a theft target which may expose critical information.

3. Rapid Cancellation:
   Another significant advantage is that a payment ring can be swiftly deactivated if lost or stolen, preventing fraudulent use instantly. This provides peace of mind not afforded by conventional payment methods.

4. Convenience:
   Lastly, the convenience factor cannot be overstated. The payment ring eliminates the hassle of searching for wallets, cards, or phones. A simple tap at a contactless terminal is all that is needed.

5. No Charging:
   I didn’t want the hassle of charging a ring, as is required with some of the “smart” rings. I wanted to be able to use it without being concerned about whether it was charged and without having my phone with me.

Selecting a Payment Ring

After some research, I opted for a CNICK ring. CNICK rings have received positive reviews and are particularly recommended for compatibility with FIDESMO Pay. Furthermore, CNICK offers an appealing variety of wearables, catering to different styles and preferences.

Once I had placed my order I was a bit disappointed when I received the shipping notification to learn that the ring was having to be shipped from Tbilisi in Georgia, I had wrongly assumed that the ring would be shipped from the UK. The concern I have with this is around how long it might take to resolve issues, should I encounter any.

Very early in this process I dismissed the idea of “preloaded” card options, preferring instead a system that allowed me to dynamically switch between multiple cards. The solution was straightforward: CURVE.

Preloaded cards have their place and may be the best choice in certain situations but I definitely wanted the flexibility of being able to use the ring to pay for items from several cards and I didn’t want the hassle of having to check a card balance and to keep having to reload a card.

Integrating CURVE for Versatile Card Management

I chose a CURVE account because it allows me to link several debit and credit cards under one single debit card number. I’m currently using the free version of CURVE, which allows me to select which of my cards is charged by default at any given moment. This selection is easily adjustable through the CURVE application.

It’s important to note that transactions made using CURVE are not protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This limitation isn’t an issue for me, as I primarily use my ring for daily expenditures like food, groceries, and coffee, saving larger purchases requiring consumer protection for other direct payment methods.

Understanding App Requirements

Initially, I was uncertain about the necessity of downloading the CNICK app, as the information seemed somewhat confusing. Upon contacting CNICK, they informed me that their app was currently undergoing updates and recommended using FIDESMO Pay instead to ensure seamless setup and connectivity.

Further assistance came from Johan Ekelund at FIDESMO who was extremely helpful. He clarified that the FIDESMO app alone was sufficient, simplifying the overall setup process significantly. I have not downloaded the CNICK application and I do not intend to do so.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide:

Here is a simplified step-by-step summary of the exact process I followed:

1. Sign up for a free CURVE account.

2. Add your preferred cards to the CURVE account. (Initially, I added the two cards I regularly use.)

3. Purchase your wearable (ring or alternative device) from CNICK, or elsewhere.

4. Download the FIDESMO application.

5. Connect the CNICK ring to the FIDESMO app following the app’s instructions.

6. Select your CURVE digital card within the FIDESMO app.

7. Set your preferred primary card within the CURVE app (this can easily be changed anytime).

8. Your CNICK ring is now ready for contactless payments, automatically charging whichever card is set as primary in the CURVE app.

Although the initial impression might suggest complexity, the entire process is straightforward and user-friendly once you know precisely what you need and how the different services integrate.

My CNICK ring finally arrived and I added it to the FIDESMO application which links it to the CURVE digital card. Adding the ring in the FIDESMO application was simple, just following the prompts within the application, it took just a couple of minutes.

With the CNICK ring added to the FIDESMO application and the CURVE card also added to the FIDESMO application I couldn’t wait to go to the shops and try it!

I was delighted with the performance of the CNICK ring in Sainsbury’s, my local supermarket. It was just like magic holding it up to the payment terminal, listening for the beep and away I went. No fishing for cards or mobile phone and no expensive technology (phone, watch, etc.) on view to be snatched.

Payment terminals are a target for snatch thefts because frequently a phone can be stolen unlocked.

I think this payment approach is going to just make things even more convenient and also of course more secure. Definitely a positive development which I am going to extend further.

One negative that I feel that I must mention was the very extended delivery time of the CNICK ring from Tbilisi in Georgia. Had I known about this beforehand I would have ordered from elsewhere, probably a TAPSTER (Swedish based) wearable, the setup process would have been identical.

I hope this guide makes your transition to a convenient, secure, wearable, payments system smooth and enjoyable!

Update: 30th April 2025:

I have now been using the CNICK Ring - FIDESMO - CURVE combination for pretty much all of my payments for a month or so. There has not been a single failed payment and the entire system has been convenient, quick and secure. There is no doubt that I will be continuing to use this setup into the future and the days of paying with my phone, with all the security implications of so doing, are behind me - the phone now sits securely in my bag or in an internal zipped pocket. The only downside is that my wife now wants me to set one up for her ;-)