April 10, 2026, 5:09 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A startup from Switzerland is bringing an unusual idea to the market. Instead of a smartphone or smartwatch, the fingernail is used. This is made possible by a tiny NFC chip, which is attached to the nail with a thin layer of lacquer. At the checkout, a brief contact with the terminal is enough to settle the amount.
Many people already leave their wallets at home today. The smartphone or smartwatch handles the payment process. For those who want to completely forgo additional devices, this solution could offer an alternative. The Swiss startup Smart Chip is working on making the fingernail itself a means of payment. At least it would always be readily available.
Costs and Limitations in Everyday Life
As practical as the idea sounds, it also comes with some drawbacks. The chip must first be applied to the fingernail. In Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, about 100 nail studios handle this according to the manufacturer’s studio finder. The price is around 30 euros.
Since fingernails grow, the chip must be regularly renewed. Over time, this can become expensive. Therefore, the solution is more suitable for special occasions like festivals or vacations and less for daily use.
Another issue is the limited support from banks. In Switzerland, about 15 banks are involved. In Germany and Austria, the situation is different. Here, a proxy credit card from Curve or Vim Pay is needed, which is linked to an existing payment card.
Why Bank Card Chips Look Different
What data is stored on bank cards and credit cards, and where is it stored?
Technology and Security of the NFC Nail
The chip is managed via a smartphone app from the provider Smart Chip. The payment card digitization of the service provider Digiseq is used. Infineon provides the technical foundation with a security component and its own operating system.
The manufacturer emphasizes the convenience. The chip cannot be forgotten, and no device needs to be unlocked. The company also aims to dispel security concerns. The chip’s antenna is too weak to read data unnoticed.
Also interesting: End of “cash only” planned through more card payments
Future Plans Beyond Payment
The payment fingernail currently seems more like a curious gadget than a device for everyday use. Nevertheless, the startup is already thinking ahead. In the future, other data could also be stored on the chip.
Smart Chip is planning digital business cards, social media contact information, and virtual access keys for home and car. Whether the technology will catch on in the long term depends mainly on whether more banks outside Switzerland support the solution.