Smart Cards: A Guide To The Different Types Available

As a wide range of businesses increasingly adopt smart card technology, it is important to understand the different types of smart cards available and how they can be used to benefit your organisation. This guide explains the main types of smart cards and their features, so that you can make an informed decision about which type is right for your business.

What are smart cards?

Smart cards are credit card-sized devices that contain integrated circuits and memory. They can store data securely, process information quickly and be used for a wide range of applications. Smart cards are commonly used for access control, authentication and payment purposes, as they offer a much higher level of security than traditional methods of security.

Where are smart cards used?

Smart cards are used in many different industries and sectors, including banking and finance, healthcare, government/public sector, retail, hospitality, corporate and transportation. They can provide a strong layer of security for applications such as access control, authentication, payment and identification.

The different types of smart cards available

Smart cards have revolutionised the way individuals transact, by providing a secure alternative to other forms of authentication - from opening a door, to logging onto a computer network or making a payment and more. Typically made of plastic and featuring an embedded integrated circuit (IC), they come in many different types.

We can broadly classify smart cards in two areas, the first is by interface type (the way in which the cards communicate) and the second is by chip type (the way in which the integrated chip, commonly referred to as IC, operates).

Classifying smart cards by interface

Contactless Smart Cards: These are RFID (radio frequency identification) cards that use wireless technology to communicate with readers. They can be used in a range of applications, such as access control and public transport ticketing systems. One of the most popular contactless technologies on the market is MIFARE®. You can find out more about the different contactless card brands available here.

Contact Chip Cards

Like other smart cards, these contain embedded microchips that store data. However, contact cards have a small gold chip on the front and require physical contact with a card-reading device to send data between the card and the reader. They can be used for a range of applications, including logical access and payment processing.

Dual-Interface Cards

As the name suggests, dual interface cards have both RFID and contact chip technologies. This means they can be used for a range of applications, from
access control to secure logon to computer networks. These cards have a single chip with both contact and contactless interfaces.

Hybrid Smart Cards

Much like dual-interface cards, hybrid cards provide a combination of contact, contactless and/or microprocessor technologies. They are popular for applications such as payment processing and access control, as they allow users to choose which technology best suits their needs. Unlike dual-interface cards, these cards have two completely separate chips on the card – each with their own interfaces. Usually, one of these chips features a contactless interface and the other a contact chip interface, though they can feature two contactless interface chips (with different technologies or chip types). Hybrid smart cards are often used in more secure environments where multiple technologies or layers of security are required.

Classification by chip (Integrated Circuit) type

Microprocessor Cards

A microprocessor card contains an integrated circuit with a processor and memory, which enables it to both store data securely and process information. When compared to other cards, that simply store and transmit information, these cards offer the added ability to manipulate and process data 'on-board' the card. These cards are commonly used in high security applications, where processing of information on the card itself is a necessity.

Memory Cards

Memory-based smart cards are embedded with memory circuits and designed solely to store, read, and write data to a specified location. Although they lack microprocessors and therefore cannot process or manipulate information, they still serve many purposes in the form of an affordable and uncomplicated smart card option. Whilst they cannot process data, these are common place in the access control industry and are utilised for a variety of applications.

Tips on how to choose the right type of smart card for your needs

When it comes to selecting the right type of smart card for your needs, several factors should be considered. First, consider the purpose that you are looking to use the card for. Different smart cards are designed and built with various components and architectures intended for different uses ranging from identification security, to retail and payment processing. Second, take into account both the current and future needs of your business. Once you have identified a potential card type, ensure that it is capable of meeting the requirements of your use case both now and in the future. Finally, evaluate available features such as the communication interface, chip type or onboard memory and select a solution that will give you the most value for your money. Choosing the right card type for your organisation can often be a daunting task, but will ultimately come down to the level of security you require and the cards application. We'd always advise talking to an expert if you're new to smart cards and looking to implement them in your organisation.

By now, you should have a better understanding of what smart cards are and what their uses are. You should also understand the different types of smart cards available, as well as their advantages and disadvantages for various situations. Ultimately, the best way to decide which type of smart card is right for your needs and budget is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option carefully. Additionally, look into whether or not there may be potential security risks when using a certain type of card. By doing thorough research into all your options and taking advantage of the many features offered by today's smart cards, you can make an informed decision that will help ensure that your premises and data remains safe, protected, and secure.

Discover more

The ID Cards Direct team are here to help. To find out more about the different types of smart cards available, or for help selecting the best smart cards for you, contact our team of specialists today.