smart card

American  

noun

1. a small plastic card embedded with a memory chip and often a microprocessor, used for financial transactions, identification, as a key, etc.

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smart card British  

noun

1. Also called: laser card.   intelligent card.  a plastic card with integrated circuits used for storing and processing computer data

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Etymology

Origin of smart card

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Families now rely on electronic “smart cards” to secure subsidized and rationed goods that include fuel, gas canisters, tea, sugar, rice and bread.

From Washington Times

Authorities used tracking bracelets linked to a smartphone app, while giving pilgrims a “smart card” loaded with their personal information and a bar code to regulate movement.

From Los Angeles Times

The government had previously introduced a system of smart cards for distributing and rationing subsidized staple goods, including fuel.

From Washington Post

The smart card distribution and limit on subsidized fuel were introduced last year amid an increasing fuel shortage.

From Washington Times

This task is easier for, say, the Estonian e-government, which issues ID smart cards with advanced authentication capabilities to every citizen — but researchers say even that nation’s vaunted I-voting system is all too vulnerable.

From Washington Post