Huawei and Yowpay Roll Out Wrist-Based SEPA Payments

A new collaboration between Huawei and Luxembourg fintech Yowpay is turning smartwatches into portable payment terminals across Europe. By leveraging open banking and account-to-account (A2A) orchestration, the duo has launched an app that allows merchants to accept instant SEPA payments directly on their wrist.

The system utilizes the Huawei Watch GT and Watch Ultimate series. Instead of relying on traditional card readers or NFC chips, the watch generates a dynamic QR code. Customers simply scan the code with their existing banking app to authorize a transfer. Because the system bypasses traditional card networks, it eliminates typical transaction fees and removes the risk of chargebacks for the seller.

Who it affects

This technology is a significant win for mobile entrepreneurs and digital nomads running "micro-businesses" on the move. It is particularly useful for:

• Pop-up vendors and market stall owners who want to avoid bulky hardware.
• Taxi drivers and tour guides operating in SEPA-compliant regions.
• Expat freelancers who need a low-cost way to accept local payments without a dedicated merchant terminal.

For travelers and customers, it offers a secure way to pay using their own banking app without sharing card details with a third party.

What to do

If you are a merchant looking to streamline your nomad news updates and payment stack, you can download the Yowpay app via the Huawei AppGallery. You will need a Yowpay merchant account and a SEPA-compatible IBAN to receive funds.

The service operates 24/7 and provides instant settlement where SEPA Instant is supported by the banks involved. There are no specific hardware costs beyond owning a compatible Huawei wearable, making it one of the most accessible entry points for digital payment acceptance in the EU and EEA.

Check our country guides for destination-specific details on banking and local financial regulations.