Block’s Cash App launches NFC ‘Wand’ for contactless payments

Block’s digital wallet service, Cash App, has introduced the Cash App Wand, an NFC-enabled accessory designed to facilitate contactless payments without the need for a smartphone or physical card. Priced at $25, the iridescent, star-topped device pairs with the Cash App Card and operates on Visa’s tap-to-pay platform. The product targets users aged 13 and older in the United States, aligning with Block’s strategy to make payments "visible and social" and its ongoing efforts to engage younger demographics, including teen accounts launched in 2021.

The gadget is designed to appeal to a generation where 1 in 5 teenagers in the US are already using the Cash App Card. It features a keychain attachment, allowing users to carry it on a belt or bag, and includes security features such as app-based locking, real-time transaction alerts, and 24/7 fraud monitoring support. The company describes this as the first in a series of planned 'Cash App Tags', with new designs expected in the coming weeks.

The product design is inspired by a popular social media trend where users 3D print or construct creative cases for contactless payment cards. Magic wands have become a prominent design due to their reach for drive-thru payments, though previous DIY versions were limited by the need to fit an actual payment card inside. Cash App’s alternative is more compact and uses a built-in NFC tag, removing the need for a physical card entirely.

Block’s Hardware Lead, Thomas Templeton, stated the strategic goal is to make payments "visible and social," contrasting with invisible digital wallets or buried physical cards. The gadget is designed to facilitate payments in scenarios where retrieving a phone is cumbersome, such as at concerts or sporting events. While the Wand is available now, the company plans to make other Tag designs generally available later this summer.

The launch marks a shift in how Block approaches hardware integration within its financial ecosystem. By moving away from traditional card-based interactions, the company aims to create a more whimsical and accessible payment experience for its growing user base. The device is available for eligible customers aged 13 and up starting today for $25 through Cash App while supplies last.