Today I learned that Curve is a UK-based fintech owned by the UK-listed Lloyds Banking Group. I knew what they were offering for a while but never signed up because a card intermediary ruins many of the consumer protections enjoyed by card payments in the UK. But Curve has payment wearables. This would be incredibly convenient.
In February 2026, and for the previous several years, I have used Apple Pay for pretty much everything. With Apple getting 0.15% of the transaction, you’re looking at… maybe £75 for the life of my usage?
In March, I used Apple Pay twice. Both times I forgot my wallet. And although once was four taps, it was for a return journey between Zone 2 and Zone 1 of Transport for Greater Manchester, so only one transaction.
I can’t excise myself from Yankee card payment providers yet (bring on an end to the Mastercard/Visa/Amex dominance, please), but I’ve managed to make more of my money stay in the UK with this change.
I hope to be able to do more of this. And a Curve ring might be the backup for “I forgot my wallet” I otherwise used Apple Pay for this March.