Coin- A Universal Credit Card

Coin the only card you’ll need in your wallet.

Coin is the size of a standard credit card, and has an interface that lets you cycle through your stored cards. A small screen displays your name, expiration dates, card security codes and anything else a merchant needs to verify the transaction with the exception of a signature.

The device connects to your iOS or Android smartphone through Bluetooth, but a connection to the phone or to the internet isn’t required to use Coin. Its app is used as a means to load new cards (through an accompanying mag-stripe dongle) and manage the cards already stored in Coin. The device uses 128-bit encryption to secure all data stored and transferred, but it also uses Bluetooth as an additional layer of security. If your Coin loses radio contact with your phone, it will lock up and send you an alert. You can unlock the Coin with a code in case your phone battery dies, Bluetooth conks out or you leave it in the car.



The device has an internal non-replaceable battery that Coin claims will last two years. It’s also designed to take a lot more abuse than your regular credit cards. It’s shock and water resistant, and its strip won’t demagnetize in the presence of magnets, other credit cards or electronics.

Coin is due to hit the market some time in 2014, priced at $100. If you’re keen to get your hands on one as soon as possible, and like the idea of saving some money, there are a limited number of Coins available for just $50. You might usually feel that it’s good to have a heavy moneybag, but Coin lightens your wallet in a very good way.