Rapid developments in technology have brought about new methods of retail payment-such as remote banking, electronic cash, and debit, stored-value, and smart cards-that were unavailable a decade ago. Some observers believe that these alternative payment methods will differ from traditional...

Why have general-purpose stored-value cards been unsuccessful in penetrating the U.S. market? Three necessary conditions for a payment instrument to be successful are discussed: consumers and merchants need to be convinced of its advantages over existing payment alternatives for at least some...

This report presents the evaluation of the first transit smart card demonstration in California. The study assesses the cost and benefit implications of the smart card system to transit agencies. Two types of smart cards were used: radio frequency (RF) proximity and contact. The assessment of...

The Internet has taken its place beside the telephone and television as an important part of people’s lives. Consumers use the Internet to shop, bank and invest online. Most consumers use credit or debit cards to pay for online purchases, but other payment methods, like “e-wallets,” are...

In September 2001, Malaysia has officially launched the world's first smart identity card, known as MyKad. The MyKad utilises the security enhanced 64K microprocessor chip and biometric technology, ensuring a high level of accuracy, enabling more than 27.73 million Malaysians to transact...

Explains that the smart card is increasingly being held and used by consumers in the UK, particularly in its electronic purse or loyalty card capacity. The smart card is a plastic card that carries an embedded computer chip with memory and interactive capabilities. Describes the current major...