• The Journal News, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 12:30 PM

Wristwatches, cell phones and key chains are among the gadgets that MasterCard Inc. is evaluating as potential tools for consumers to load credit or debit card information to buy a cup of coffee, a hamburger, concert tickets or countless other items.

The limited rollout of the new technologies is centered on a system called PayPass, which allows consumers to tap their card or device on a special merchant terminal. That eliminates the need for retail clerks to swipe a card through a card reader. Customers aren't required to sign if the transaction is less than $25.

MasterCard's recent tests of the new technologies include giving a PayPass wristband pre-loaded with $25 to spend to the first 5,000 fans entering Giants Stadium for its season-opener in September. And in a six-month test in Dallas, participating consumers are using special Nokia cell phones to make purchases at merchants.

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