Payment implant
So as I’ve been seeing quite a few threads regarding these new types of tokenized payment wearables. After almost a year of buying various ones and getting burnt by incompatibility for various reasons, I finally found Astari.
The Astari tokenized payment has:
- No expiry date
- Uses PIN for CSA rather than physical chip
- Easy to disassemble
- Decent app for changing CC token
- Also has NFC functionality for business card when scanned with phone (Read-only though)
- Great performance, as shown in video
Sadly, I forgot to take pictures/video of me disassembling. But I ordered the Astari keychain, and disassembled by simply opening the stitching all around.
The chip itself is quite sturdy, but should still be handled with care, as not to damage antenna and components.
Here is a picture of the chip before sending it in for conversion.
In order to test out various implant locations, I attached the chip to the inside of a bandaid, to simulate installation. My installation professional had previously installed Walletmor in L5, and said his boss said he could feel it “grinding” at the wrist. So I tried out L1, but ended up deciding on my preferred position, which is L5, knifes edge.
After sending in the chip for conversion, the waiting begun.
My total wait was almost exactly a month. The process was fine, but I was a little anxious sending it across the ocean and waiting for confirmation it was received, since it goes to a middleman before final confirmation. So even if your courier sets the package as delivered, be patient.
My only wish was that there were a little more communication about when the conversion would take place, but I understand this would add extra work to the DT team, further delaying all other orders.
Chip well received, looks amazing. Note the slightly increased size due to the biopolymer. It also becomes quite stiff.
Dummy x-series placed next to it for size.
Functionality tested OK after conversion. I had even wrapped it in an extra bag, for protection.
Range and performance was amazing, even able to scan through my fingers.
I scheduled an appointment with my installation professional on Friday the 19th. The installation took about 45 minutes total, and was done by scalpel.
Immediately after installation, I was able to use it. I paid both for the operation and my groceries the same day. Functionality unimpeded even through gauze and swelling.
Some mild bruising on the top of my hand here 1½ week after installation, but all in all, recovery is proceeding well.
In the end, I can highly recommend the service, and using the Astari chip.
Of course, make sure your bank is supported, but for EU residents, Curve is an option and works without a hitch. Other banks may have the issue with requiring physical SCA when the card has been used a few times, which defeats the point of the implant.
10/10 would highly recommend