Smart credit cards are a resemblance to credit cards in appearance, but the card has a microprocessor fixed on it. It replaced the usual magnetic stripe with the microprocessor, which is embedded on one side of the card below the gold contact pad. This card also provides sturdy safety authentication for individuals sign on. Initially smart cards were popular only in European countries but later on it got closer to the customers pocket in United States. Almost every European citizen has a smart card. The usage of magnetic strip technology is less secured, as the data can be easily modified.
Smart cards have microprocessor and it is best for securing the information, as the host and the reader of the card actually interacts with the computer. This card consists of a 16 bit processor with 8KB of RAM and 346KB of ROM. The card reader provides the power to the smart card through serial interface. The smart cards applications include credit cards, wireless communication, electronic cash, banking and many more. Online purchases are possible using smart card but the system should be fortified with the card reader. Cell phones and transaction machines also have inbuilt smart card reader. Smart card is very much flexible, as nowadays many colleges issue this card to students for easy access for canteens, vending, photocopying and for other purchases.
Smart cards are also referred as chip cards and pin cards; nowadays banks provide smart cards for securing the banking transactions. 24X7 service is provided for smart card users as it requires no paper work and all the transactions are handled electronically. This card is best suited for health care services as it benefits in precise identity of patients for improved treatment and also reduces the record maintenance charges. If the smart card is lost or stolen there is easy flexibility for getting the new one.