Huawei smartwatch users in Europe can now use Curve Pay for contactless payments, offering a more flexible alternative to Quicko with support for multiple cards and ATM withdrawals.
Huawei smartwatch owners in Europe have long faced limitations when it came to contactless payments. The Quicko system, which was the only option available, required users to pre-load credit onto their accounts and wasn't accepted at many retail locations. This made the payment experience feel more like using a prepaid transit card than a modern digital wallet.
That's changing dramatically with the introduction of Curve Pay support for Huawei smartwatches. The new payment system brings functionality that's much closer to what Apple Pay and Google Pay users have enjoyed for years.
Curve Pay allows users to manage multiple debit and credit cards through a single interface on their Huawei Watch GT 6, Watch 5, Watch Ultimate 2, and several other compatible models. Instead of being locked into a single prepaid account, users can now select from their actual bank cards when making purchases. The system uses the smartwatch's built-in NFC chip to communicate with payment terminals, just like traditional contactless cards.
One of the most significant advantages of Curve Pay is its broader acceptance. While Quicko was limited to specific retailers and services, Curve Pay works wherever standard contactless payments are accepted. This includes major retail chains, restaurants, and even public transportation systems that support NFC payments.
Another standout feature is the ability to withdraw cash from ATMs using the smartwatch. This functionality extends the utility of the device beyond just making purchases, essentially turning your wrist into a portable ATM card. According to Curve Pay, the service works with any bank account, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
The setup process is straightforward. Users need to download the Curve Pay app from either the Huawei AppGallery, Apple App Store, or Google Play, depending on their device. After installation and linking the app to their smartwatch, users can manage their payment methods through an integrated smart wallet directly on the watch face. This eliminates the need to constantly pull out a smartphone to switch between cards.
Curve Pay is free to use for basic functionality, which includes making contactless payments and ATM withdrawals. However, the service offers premium subscription tiers for users who want additional features. These paid plans include benefits like increased cashback rewards, higher limits for free international payments, and other perks that frequent travelers or heavy users might find valuable.
The rollout covers several Huawei smartwatch models:
- Huawei Watch GT Runner 2
- Huawei Watch Ultimate 2
- Huawei Watch GT 6
- Huawei Watch GT 5
- Huawei Watch 5
- Huawei Watch Fit 4
This update represents a significant improvement in the payment capabilities of Huawei's wearable ecosystem. For users who have been frustrated by the limitations of Quicko, Curve Pay offers a much more flexible and practical solution that brings Huawei smartwatches closer to parity with competing platforms from Apple and Google.
The timing is particularly relevant as contactless payments continue to grow in popularity across Europe. With more consumers relying on their devices for everyday transactions, having a robust and flexible payment system on your wrist has become increasingly important.
For current Huawei smartwatch owners, this update effectively breathes new life into their devices by adding functionality that was previously missing. It's a reminder that software updates can sometimes be just as valuable as hardware improvements, especially when they unlock new use cases for existing devices.
Source: Huawei
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