Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Stored-value card

A stored-value card represents money on deposit with the issuer, and is similar to a debit card. One major difference between stored value cards and debit cards is that debit cards are usually issued in the name of individual account holders, while stored value cards are usually anonymous.

The term stored-value card does not necessarily mean the funds data is physically stored on the card. In many cases the data is maintained on computers affiliated with the card issuer. The value associated with the card can be accessed using a magnetic stripe embedded in the card, on which the card number is encoded; using radio-frequency identification (RFID); or by entering a code number, printed on the card, into a telephone or other numeric keypad.

Typical applications of stored-value cards include transit system fare cards, gift cards, and telephone prepaid calling cards. In addition, employers are beginning to issue payroll cards to pay employees.

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