VITAband for proximity payments, emergencies

U.S. Bank, the main bank of U.S. Bancorp, launched VITAband which combines near field contactless (NFC) payment technology with emergency contact and medical information in the form factor of a wristband. The MasterCard Worldwide PayPass technology-enabled device allows for "Tap & Go" payments at the POS and includes universal health record technology for the storage and retrieval of medical information.

The VITAband allows for the online reloading of prepaid accounts and account balance inquiries. The health record feature is an eight-digit numeric identifier that links the wristband wearer to a customizable Emergency Response Profile, where the individual's identity and critical medical information is stored. Medical professionals can access the profile in the event of an emergency. The wristbands, which are being tested by U.S. Bank employees in several states, are for consumers involved in sports, as well as for people who don't want to carry cash and personal identification, said Beth Blaisdell, Senior Vice President at U.S. Bank subsidiary U.S. Bank Payment Services.

VITAband is the result of a partnership between account issuer U.S. Bank, MasterCard, VITAband manufacturer Vita Products Inc., payment and information technology provider Oberthur Technologies and Fidelity National Information Services Inc. (FIS), which is processing the NFC transactions.

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