A method for querying information in a visual smart card, comprising: a micro control unit receiving, by means of an input device, a query request inputted by a user (S1); the micro control unit determining information queried by a user request according to a received query request (S2); if first information, the micro control unit reading a first information record which is stored thereby, and parsing the first information record to obtain the first information, the first information being displayed by means of a display device (S3); if second information, the micro control unit sending an application selection instruction to a smart card chip, receiving an application selection response returned by the smart card chip, then sending an information record reading instruction to the smart card chip, receiving a second information record returned by the smart card chip, and parsing the second information record to obtain the second information, the second information being displayed by means of the display device (S4). A visual smart card applicable to said method overcomes the shortcomings in the existing technology wherein the assistance of other devices is required, while carrying out querying by means of operating a smart card directly facilitates a holder of a smart card understanding information in the smart card, improving the ease of use of smart cards.

An electronic card includes: a plate type card plate; a secure element embedded in the plate type card plate and for storing a plurality of application programs linked with a payment means; a control unit for identifying one of the plurality of application programs on the basis of a selection signal received through a selection unit formed on the card plate to generate information for activating the payment means; and a display unit for displaying information for identifying the payment means on the basis of the information for activating the payment means. The control unit manages the identified application program on the basis of the selection signal as a selected application program to generate the information for activating the payment means, by mapping the selection signal on the basis of information about the plurality of application programs provided from the secure element and storing the same, and the secure element receives the information for activating the payment means from the control unit and activates the selected application program when a payment attempt is made from the outside.

Wait times at ATMs may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. ATMs are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for users to have to wait on a line to access an ATM. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the ATM. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to ATM when the smart card is inserted into ATM. The user does not provide the ATM with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the ATM, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM and enhancing user satisfaction.

Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques to perform transaction with transaction cards utilizing characteristics of customer's signature. Techniques may further include determining characteristics of a signature including a reduced set of data points for the signature and storing the characteristics in secure memory of transaction card. The transaction card including the characteristics are used to perform transactions, such as those performed at Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.

Wait times at self-service kiosks may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. Self-service kiosks are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for users to have to wait on a line to access a kiosk. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the kiosk. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to the kiosk when the smart card is inserted into the kiosk. The user does not provide the kiosk with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the kiosk, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the kiosk and enhancing user satisfaction.

A method for performing a card-to-card direct contactless transaction between a first active stored-value smart card (“SVSC”) and a second active SVSC, each comprising an active near-field communication (“NFC”) reader. The method may include activating the first active SVSC by receiving input of a personal identification number (“PIN”) on a keypad located on the first active SVSC, verifying the PIN and further receiving input of a transaction amount on the keypad. The method may further include initiating a wireless NFC communication to perform the transaction by positioning the first active SVSC within a pre-determined distance to the second active SVSC and confirming accuracy of each of the first and second active SVSC using the active NFC reader to retrieve card ID data and confirm accuracy. Following confirming, the method may include directly completing the transaction between the first active SVSC and the second active SVSC.

Wait times at ATMs may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. ATMs are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for user's to have to wait on line to access an ATM. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the ATM. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to ATM when the smart card is inserted into ATM. The user does not provide the ATM with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the ATM, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM and enhancing user satisfaction.

Provided is a first mobile device having a card shape, the first mobile device including a storage unit configured to store one or more pieces of card payment information; a payment information transmission unit configured to transmit at least one of the one or more pieces of card payment information in a contact or contactless manner to a payment terminal; and a controller configured to determine whether the first mobile device is in a detached state with respect to a second mobile device or a cover of the second mobile device, and to determine whether to transmit the at least one of the one or more pieces of card payment information, based on the determination of whether the first mobile device is in the detached state.

A system for enhanced security credit card has rechargeable battery, memory, processor, LCD display, thumbprint pad, magnetic swipe strip, multi-pin connector and USB port. The card is activated by the thumbprint of an authorized user, thereby turning on the blank LCD display to show a card number, expiration date, and CVV value. Additionally, the multi-pin connector is activated and inserted into credit card processing machine connector. This connection uploads the ‘PIN value, photograph and credit limit of the user on the processing machine display, verifying the user's identity and authorizing the credit card purchase. The use of a magnetic strip for credit card purchase also requires a ‘PIN’ value, which is provided by insertion of a thumbprint activated credit card multi-pin connector. The enhanced security is provided by thumbprint activation, blank LCD display of the credit card number, expiration date and CVV value, insertion of the multi-pin connector and visual verification of the card holder with a photograph of the user.

Typically, online payments require entering sensitive transaction information into a third-party web browser or application. This may expose sensitive transaction information to an increased risk of inadvertent disclosure. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card which enables users to securely complete online payments without entering any sensitive transaction information into a third-party system. The smart card may include a touch-sensitive screen configured to display selectable payment options. The smart card may include a microprocessor and wireless interface. The wireless interface may provide wireless communication capabilities and the ability to initiate online payments based on information captured by the touch-sensitive screen.