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What About "Smart" Credit Cards?

Posted by Hemos on from the anything-known dept.

Platypii writes "After seeing many ads on TV and around the Internet for the "smart" credit cards (both major companies now have them I believe), I became curious about them. The Visa website was rather vague about it, and only proclaimed dreams of merging all your cards -- of whatever type -- into one. Anyone know the technical details of these cards? The privacy aspects?"

6 of 333 comments (clear)

  1. The Card knows... by BiggestPOS · · Score: 4, Funny
    When you are about to make a stupid purchase, and then renders the numbers invalid. For example, if you try and pick up the Waterworld DVD, now only will the card not work, it will also kick your ass. Really handy if I say so :)

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    What, me worry?
  2. If only the sales reps were as smart as the cards by EvlPenguin · · Score: 3, Funny

    Just last week I recieved a phone call from a young lady quite eager to sign me up for a new Vis a card with a built in smart chip. But first, I had a question:

    Me: "Yes, well, before I sign up, I'd like to know; is that smart chip silicon based or germanium based?"
    Her: "...uhm... excuse me?"
    Me: "Well, if a company doesn't know this kind of basic information about the products they are selling, that's not a company I would do buisness with. Good day."

    Needless to say, they have yet to call back.

    --

    --
    #nohup cat /dev/dsp > /dev/hda & killall -9 getty
  3. They're all over Europe by HaeMaker · · Score: 2, Funny

    A friend of mine told me a story about going to Europe and having to explain to a clerk that his credit card didn't have a smart chip in it, she would have to slide it in the other thingie. He ended up having to slide the card for her.

    For some things, the US is way behind.

  4. What are you talking about by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Waterworld is possibly one of the finest films ever made. It belongs on the top shelf of any cinema buff's cabinet, next to the likes of Citizen Kane and The Godfather. When Waterworld is on, I do not eat popcorn or engage in other distracting activities, and god help you if I hear you talk during this masterpiece.

  5. Let me get this straight... by DAldredge · · Score: 1, Funny

    You canceled an 8,000 credit limit card BEFORE you knew the credit limit of your new card? Are you sure you can handle a credit card?

  6. Smart Card Chip? by mESSDan · · Score: 2, Funny

    Hmm, I wonder if you overclock the chip in a smart card if you get more cash?

    ;)

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    -- Dan