Appointeeship | Becoming a DWP Benefits Appointee
Opening a bank account as an appointee and your role and responsibilities
Payment Ring and Wearables
Money Carer’s payment rings are a simple, secure, and dignified way to help people manage day-to-day spending — without the need for cash, cards, or PINs.
Designed with vulnerable people and their carers in mind, they offer independence for the person being supported and peace of mind for families and professionals.
What Is a Payment Ring?
A payment ring is a small, wearable device that works just like a contactless bank card. By gently tapping your hand near a card reader, you can pay instantly — no phone, wallet, or PIN required.
It’s an ideal solution for people who may find handling money or cards difficult, or who simply want a safer and easier way to pay for everyday items like groceries, transport, or a cup of coffee.
How Do Payment Rings Work?
1. Contactless Technology
Inside every ring is a tiny NFC (Near Field Communication) chip — the same technology used in modern contactless cards. When you hold the ring near a payment terminal, it securely transfers payment information and completes the transaction in seconds.
Because it’s battery-free, the ring never needs charging — it’s powered by the card machine itself when you make a payment.
2. Secure and Private
Your real card details are never stored in the ring. Instead, it uses a secure digital “token,” which replaces your card number with an encrypted code. This protects sensitive information and ensures that, even if the ring is lost, your financial data remains safe.
3. Easy Setup and Management
Payment rings can be linked to a prepaid or managed account, making them ideal for use within Money Carer’s managed carer banking system. Carers or family members can add funds, monitor spending, and support the person they care for — while still promoting independence and autonomy.
4. Always Ready to Use
Each ring is waterproof, durable, and always on, meaning there’s no need to charge or replace batteries. It can be worn all day — at home, outdoors, or even when washing hands.
Why Payment Rings Matter
For people living with disabilities, dementia, or other vulnerabilities, handling money can sometimes be stressful or unsafe. Payment rings offer a practical and empowering alternative — helping individuals maintain confidence, dignity, and independence.
For carers and families, they provide peace of mind. Spending can be easily monitored, limits can be set, and there’s no risk of losing cash or sharing bank cards.
A Step Toward Greater Independence
At Money Carer, the mission is to make financial independence and inclusion accessible to everyone. Payment rings combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate design — helping people stay safe, confident, and in control of their money.
0
0
Modern technology is transforming how we manage money — and one of the most exciting innovations is NFC technology. This small but powerful tool sits at the heart of contactless wearables like payment rings, wristbands, and key fobs.
For older and vulnerable people, NFC wearables can make spending easier, safer, and more dignified — supporting Money Carer’s mission to promote independence and financial inclusion for everyone.
What Is NFC Technology?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a secure wireless technology that allows two devices to exchange information when they are very close together — usually within a few centimetres.
You already use NFC every time you tap a contactless card or smartphone at a checkout. In a payment ring or wearable device, the same technology is built right in — making it possible to pay for everyday items with just a simple tap of your hand.
How Contactless Wearables Work
Inside every wearable is a tiny NFC chip connected to your payment account. When you tap your device against a card reader:
The terminal sends a short-range signal that powers the chip (no battery or charging required).
The chip securely transmits a digital token, not your real card number.
The payment is verified and completed in seconds.
This means the device works anywhere that accepts contactless payments — from supermarkets and buses to cafés and pharmacies.
Why NFC Wearables Help Vulnerable and Older People
For many people supported by Money Carer, traditional banking can be challenging — handling cash, remembering PINs, or using mobile phones may not always be practical. NFC wearables make managing money simpler and safer in several ways:
1. Ease of Use
Just a quick tap completes a payment — no buttons, PINs, or smartphones needed. This makes wearables perfect for people with mobility issues, dexterity challenges, or memory loss.
2. Enhanced Safety
Because NFC wearables use secure digital tokens instead of real card details, there’s far less risk of fraud. If the device is lost, it can be quickly deactivated without exposing any personal information.
3. Independence and Dignity
With a wearable, a person can pay for their own shopping or travel confidently, without relying on someone else to handle their money. It helps maintain a sense of independence and privacy in daily life.
4. Support for Carers and Families
When used alongside a managed account, carers or family members can monitor spending, set limits, and top up funds easily. This balance of freedom and control perfectly supports Money Carer’s values of empowerment and safeguarding.
A Step Toward Inclusive Financial Independence
NFC wearables are more than are payment rings just convenient gadgets — they represent a step forward in inclusive banking. For vulnerable and older people, they offer safety, simplicity, and dignity.
At Money Carer, we believe that everyone deserves the tools to manage their money confidently. By combining NFC technology with thoughtful financial care, we’re helping people live more independently while staying protected and supported.
1
0
As digital payments continue to replace cash, most people now use contactless cards or mobile phones to make purchases. But for many older people and those with learning or physical disabilities, using a smartphone can be confusing or physically difficult.
That’s where payment rings and other wearable devices can make a real difference — providing a simpler, safer, and more inclusive way to pay.
At Money Carer, we believe wearable payment technology can play a vital role in promoting financial independence and inclusion — and that major payment networks like Mastercard and Visa should do more to support these solutions.
Payment Rings vs Mobile Phones
| Feature | Payment Ring | Mobile Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Just tap your hand — no screen, PIN, or app needed. | Requires unlocking, app navigation, and PIN or fingerprint. |
| Accessibility | Great for people with dexterity, memory, or learning challenges. | Can be difficult for those unfamiliar with smartphones. |
| Security | Uses secure tokenization; no personal data stored. | Strong security, but relies on device settings and internet. |
| Maintenance | No charging or software updates. | Requires daily charging and regular updates. |
| Independence | Promotes autonomy and confidence. | Often requires technical help or support. |
Why Payment Rings Are More Accessible
1. Simple for Everyday Use
For people who struggle with touchscreens or apps, simplicity is everything. A payment ring doesn’t need a phone, password, or internet connection — just a quick tap at the checkout to complete a secure payment.
2. Helps People with Dexterity Problems
Many older people or those with conditions such as arthritis, tremors, or limited hand mobility find it difficult to hold or insert a card into a reader. A payment ring eliminates that challenge.
Because the ring is worn on the finger, there’s no need to fumble with wallets, purses, or small buttons. Simply bringing the hand close to a payment terminal is enough. This makes wearables particularly helpful for people who might drop cards or struggle with small, fiddly objects.
3. Always Ready to Go
Payment rings are battery-free and waterproof, so they’re always ready to use — unlike phones that need charging or software updates. That reliability is crucial for users who may not be comfortable managing devices.
4. Safe and Secure
Every transaction uses encrypted NFC technology and tokenization, which protects card information. Even if the ring is lost, it can be deactivated instantly without exposing personal details.
The Role of Payment Networks in Inclusion
At Money Carer, we believe global payment processors like Mastercard and Visa must take a broader view of accessibility.
While mobile payments are convenient for many, they exclude people who cannot use or afford smartphones — particularly older adults and those with learning disabilities.
By supporting and investing in wearable payment options, payment networks can help build a financial system that includes everyone. This means recognising wearable payments not as a novelty, but as an essential assistive financial tool that gives people independence, confidence, and dignity.
Moving Toward a More Inclusive Future
Technology should empower everyone — not just the tech-savvy. Wearable payments like rings, bracelets, and key fobs show how innovation can make life easier for those often left behind by digital banking.
For carers and families, these tools provide reassurance and control. For the people using them, they bring freedom, dignity, and a sense of ownership over their daily spending.
At Money Carer, our mission is simple: to make financial independence and inclusion accessible to everyone — regardless of age, ability, or experience with technology.
0
0
s everyday banking becomes more digital, many people still face barriers when managing their money — especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those with learning difficulties.
Simple actions like remembering a PIN, using a mobile banking app, or handling small cards can be challenging or even impossible for some. That’s why new payment technologies like NFC payment rings and biometric payment cards are becoming so important.
They’re not just convenient — they’re tools for financial independence and inclusion.
What Are Payment Rings and Biometric Payment Cards?
Payment Rings
A payment ring is a small, wearable device that allows you to make contactless payments just by tapping your hand near a card reader. It works using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology — the same used in contactless debit cards.
Because the ring is worn on your finger and doesn’t need charging, it’s easy to use and always ready. It can be linked to a managed bank account so that carers, deputies, or appointees can safely monitor and control spending.
Biometric Payment Cards
A biometric card looks like a normal debit card but has a small fingerprint sensor built into it. Instead of entering a PIN, the user simply touches the sensor when paying.
These cards use tokenisation technology, which replaces the real card number with a secure digital “token.” This means no sensitive data is stored on the card, and even if it’s lost, it can’t be used by anyone else.
How These Tools Help Vulnerable People
1. Ease of Use and Accessibility
Payment rings and biometric cards remove many of the physical and cognitive barriers that can make banking difficult.
No need to remember a PIN
No small buttons or mobile apps
Simple “tap and pay” design for quick, stress-free transactions
This is especially valuable for people with memory loss, arthritis, tremors, or limited hand mobility, who may struggle to handle traditional cards or cash.
2. Improved Safety and Security
Both technologies use tokenisation, which replaces card details with a unique code for each transaction. That means sensitive information is never shared with merchants or stored on the device.
Biometric cards add another layer of protection — only the registered fingerprint can authorise payments, so even if the card is stolen, it’s useless to anyone else.
3. Empowering Independence
For people supported by appointees or Court of Protection deputies, wearable or biometric payment tools can allow a person to handle small everyday purchases safely — things like buying a drink, paying for transport, or picking up essentials.
Meanwhile, carers or deputies can manage spending limits, top-ups, and transaction monitoring through Money Carer’s managed banking platform, ensuring accountability and protection.
4. Reducing Digital Exclusion
Not everyone owns or can use a smartphone for mobile payments. Payment rings and biometric cards bridge this gap — offering all the benefits of modern digital banking without the complexity of mobile apps or online logins.
By making digital payments accessible to those who can’t or don’t use phones, these tools help to close the financial inclusion gap.
Why Payment Networks Must Support Inclusive Technology
At Money Carer, we believe that global payment processors like Mastercard and Visa must do more to recognise and support assistive payment technologies for vulnerable groups.
These devices aren’t luxury gadgets — they are essential tools for inclusive finance. Supporting tokenised wearables and biometric cards could help thousands of people across the UK maintain independence while staying safe and supported.
A Step Toward a Fairer Financial Future
Technology has the power to break down barriers, not create them.
By embracing wearable payments and biometric authentication, we can make everyday money management simpler, safer, and more inclusive.
At Money Carer, we’re committed to promoting these innovations as part of our mission to help vulnerable people live independently with dignity and financial confidence.
0
0
Payment Ring and Wearables
Money Carer’s payment rings are a simple, secure, and dignified way to help people manage day-to-day spending — without the need for cash, cards, or PINs.
Designed with vulnerable people and their carers in mind, they offer independence for the person being supported and peace of mind for families and professionals.
What Is a Payment Ring?
A payment ring is a small, wearable device that works just like a contactless bank card. By gently tapping your hand near a card reader, you can pay instantly — no phone, wallet, or PIN required.
It’s an ideal solution for people who may find handling money or cards difficult, or who simply want a safer and easier way to pay for everyday items like groceries, transport, or a cup of coffee.
How Do Payment Rings Work?
1. Contactless Technology
Inside every ring is a tiny NFC (Near Field Communication) chip — the same technology used in modern contactless cards. When you hold the ring near a payment terminal, it securely transfers payment information and completes the transaction in seconds.
Because it’s battery-free, the ring never needs charging — it’s powered by the card machine itself when you make a payment.
2. Secure and Private
Your real card details are never stored in the ring. Instead, it uses a secure digital “token,” which replaces your card number with an encrypted code. This protects sensitive information and ensures that, even if the ring is lost, your financial data remains safe.
3. Easy Setup and Management
Payment rings can be linked to a prepaid or managed account, making them ideal for use within Money Carer’s managed carer banking system. Carers or family members can add funds, monitor spending, and support the person they care for — while still promoting independence and autonomy.
4. Always Ready to Use
Each ring is waterproof, durable, and always on, meaning there’s no need to charge or replace batteries. It can be worn all day — at home, outdoors, or even when washing hands.
Why Payment Rings Matter
For people living with disabilities, dementia, or other vulnerabilities, handling money can sometimes be stressful or unsafe. Payment rings offer a practical and empowering alternative — helping individuals maintain confidence, dignity, and independence.
For carers and families, they provide peace of mind. Spending can be easily monitored, limits can be set, and there’s no risk of losing cash or sharing bank cards.
A Step Toward Greater Independence
At Money Carer, the mission is to make financial independence and inclusion accessible to everyone. Payment rings combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate design — helping people stay safe, confident, and in control of their money.
0
0
Modern technology is transforming how we manage money — and one of the most exciting innovations is NFC technology. This small but powerful tool sits at the heart of contactless wearables like payment rings, wristbands, and key fobs.
For older and vulnerable people, NFC wearables can make spending easier, safer, and more dignified — supporting Money Carer’s mission to promote independence and financial inclusion for everyone.
What Is NFC Technology?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a secure wireless technology that allows two devices to exchange information when they are very close together — usually within a few centimetres.
You already use NFC every time you tap a contactless card or smartphone at a checkout. In a payment ring or wearable device, the same technology is built right in — making it possible to pay for everyday items with just a simple tap of your hand.
How Contactless Wearables Work
Inside every wearable is a tiny NFC chip connected to your payment account. When you tap your device against a card reader:
The terminal sends a short-range signal that powers the chip (no battery or charging required).
The chip securely transmits a digital token, not your real card number.
The payment is verified and completed in seconds.
This means the device works anywhere that accepts contactless payments — from supermarkets and buses to cafés and pharmacies.
Why NFC Wearables Help Vulnerable and Older People
For many people supported by Money Carer, traditional banking can be challenging — handling cash, remembering PINs, or using mobile phones may not always be practical. NFC wearables make managing money simpler and safer in several ways:
1. Ease of Use
Just a quick tap completes a payment — no buttons, PINs, or smartphones needed. This makes wearables perfect for people with mobility issues, dexterity challenges, or memory loss.
2. Enhanced Safety
Because NFC wearables use secure digital tokens instead of real card details, there’s far less risk of fraud. If the device is lost, it can be quickly deactivated without exposing any personal information.
3. Independence and Dignity
With a wearable, a person can pay for their own shopping or travel confidently, without relying on someone else to handle their money. It helps maintain a sense of independence and privacy in daily life.
4. Support for Carers and Families
When used alongside a managed account, carers or family members can monitor spending, set limits, and top up funds easily. This balance of freedom and control perfectly supports Money Carer’s values of empowerment and safeguarding.
A Step Toward Inclusive Financial Independence
NFC wearables are more than are payment rings just convenient gadgets — they represent a step forward in inclusive banking. For vulnerable and older people, they offer safety, simplicity, and dignity.
At Money Carer, we believe that everyone deserves the tools to manage their money confidently. By combining NFC technology with thoughtful financial care, we’re helping people live more independently while staying protected and supported.
1
0
As digital payments continue to replace cash, most people now use contactless cards or mobile phones to make purchases. But for many older people and those with learning or physical disabilities, using a smartphone can be confusing or physically difficult.
That’s where payment rings and other wearable devices can make a real difference — providing a simpler, safer, and more inclusive way to pay.
At Money Carer, we believe wearable payment technology can play a vital role in promoting financial independence and inclusion — and that major payment networks like Mastercard and Visa should do more to support these solutions.
Payment Rings vs Mobile Phones
| Feature | Payment Ring | Mobile Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Just tap your hand — no screen, PIN, or app needed. | Requires unlocking, app navigation, and PIN or fingerprint. |
| Accessibility | Great for people with dexterity, memory, or learning challenges. | Can be difficult for those unfamiliar with smartphones. |
| Security | Uses secure tokenization; no personal data stored. | Strong security, but relies on device settings and internet. |
| Maintenance | No charging or software updates. | Requires daily charging and regular updates. |
| Independence | Promotes autonomy and confidence. | Often requires technical help or support. |
Why Payment Rings Are More Accessible
1. Simple for Everyday Use
For people who struggle with touchscreens or apps, simplicity is everything. A payment ring doesn’t need a phone, password, or internet connection — just a quick tap at the checkout to complete a secure payment.
2. Helps People with Dexterity Problems
Many older people or those with conditions such as arthritis, tremors, or limited hand mobility find it difficult to hold or insert a card into a reader. A payment ring eliminates that challenge.
Because the ring is worn on the finger, there’s no need to fumble with wallets, purses, or small buttons. Simply bringing the hand close to a payment terminal is enough. This makes wearables particularly helpful for people who might drop cards or struggle with small, fiddly objects.
3. Always Ready to Go
Payment rings are battery-free and waterproof, so they’re always ready to use — unlike phones that need charging or software updates. That reliability is crucial for users who may not be comfortable managing devices.
4. Safe and Secure
Every transaction uses encrypted NFC technology and tokenization, which protects card information. Even if the ring is lost, it can be deactivated instantly without exposing personal details.
The Role of Payment Networks in Inclusion
At Money Carer, we believe global payment processors like Mastercard and Visa must take a broader view of accessibility.
While mobile payments are convenient for many, they exclude people who cannot use or afford smartphones — particularly older adults and those with learning disabilities.
By supporting and investing in wearable payment options, payment networks can help build a financial system that includes everyone. This means recognising wearable payments not as a novelty, but as an essential assistive financial tool that gives people independence, confidence, and dignity.
Moving Toward a More Inclusive Future
Technology should empower everyone — not just the tech-savvy. Wearable payments like rings, bracelets, and key fobs show how innovation can make life easier for those often left behind by digital banking.
For carers and families, these tools provide reassurance and control. For the people using them, they bring freedom, dignity, and a sense of ownership over their daily spending.
At Money Carer, our mission is simple: to make financial independence and inclusion accessible to everyone — regardless of age, ability, or experience with technology.
0
0
s everyday banking becomes more digital, many people still face barriers when managing their money — especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those with learning difficulties.
Simple actions like remembering a PIN, using a mobile banking app, or handling small cards can be challenging or even impossible for some. That’s why new payment technologies like NFC payment rings and biometric payment cards are becoming so important.
They’re not just convenient — they’re tools for financial independence and inclusion.
What Are Payment Rings and Biometric Payment Cards?
Payment Rings
A payment ring is a small, wearable device that allows you to make contactless payments just by tapping your hand near a card reader. It works using NFC (Near Field Communication) technology — the same used in contactless debit cards.
Because the ring is worn on your finger and doesn’t need charging, it’s easy to use and always ready. It can be linked to a managed bank account so that carers, deputies, or appointees can safely monitor and control spending.
Biometric Payment Cards
A biometric card looks like a normal debit card but has a small fingerprint sensor built into it. Instead of entering a PIN, the user simply touches the sensor when paying.
These cards use tokenisation technology, which replaces the real card number with a secure digital “token.” This means no sensitive data is stored on the card, and even if it’s lost, it can’t be used by anyone else.
How These Tools Help Vulnerable People
1. Ease of Use and Accessibility
Payment rings and biometric cards remove many of the physical and cognitive barriers that can make banking difficult.
No need to remember a PIN
No small buttons or mobile apps
Simple “tap and pay” design for quick, stress-free transactions
This is especially valuable for people with memory loss, arthritis, tremors, or limited hand mobility, who may struggle to handle traditional cards or cash.
2. Improved Safety and Security
Both technologies use tokenisation, which replaces card details with a unique code for each transaction. That means sensitive information is never shared with merchants or stored on the device.
Biometric cards add another layer of protection — only the registered fingerprint can authorise payments, so even if the card is stolen, it’s useless to anyone else.
3. Empowering Independence
For people supported by appointees or Court of Protection deputies, wearable or biometric payment tools can allow a person to handle small everyday purchases safely — things like buying a drink, paying for transport, or picking up essentials.
Meanwhile, carers or deputies can manage spending limits, top-ups, and transaction monitoring through Money Carer’s managed banking platform, ensuring accountability and protection.
4. Reducing Digital Exclusion
Not everyone owns or can use a smartphone for mobile payments. Payment rings and biometric cards bridge this gap — offering all the benefits of modern digital banking without the complexity of mobile apps or online logins.
By making digital payments accessible to those who can’t or don’t use phones, these tools help to close the financial inclusion gap.
Why Payment Networks Must Support Inclusive Technology
At Money Carer, we believe that global payment processors like Mastercard and Visa must do more to recognise and support assistive payment technologies for vulnerable groups.
These devices aren’t luxury gadgets — they are essential tools for inclusive finance. Supporting tokenised wearables and biometric cards could help thousands of people across the UK maintain independence while staying safe and supported.
A Step Toward a Fairer Financial Future
Technology has the power to break down barriers, not create them.
By embracing wearable payments and biometric authentication, we can make everyday money management simpler, safer, and more inclusive.
At Money Carer, we’re committed to promoting these innovations as part of our mission to help vulnerable people live independently with dignity and financial confidence.
0
0
