Contactless smart card

A contactless smart card is a contactless credential whose dimensions are size. Its embedded integrated circuits can store (and sometimes process) data and communicate with a terminal via NFC. Commonplace uses include transit tickets, bank cards and passports.

There are two broad categories of contactless smart cards. Memory cards contain non-volatile memory storage components, and perhaps some specific security logic. Contactless smart cards contain read-only RFID called CSN (Card Serial Number) or UID, and a re-writeable smart card microchip that can be transcribed via radio waves.

Registration and transaction data from transit smart-card systems can support transit planning, including analysis of travel behaviour and fare policy; when transaction records are linked to registered personal information, they can also be used to analyse rider demographics.