The card does not physically have to be put onto or into the actual reader. This application is most commonly used for applications that require more security, like government IDs, e-commerce transactions, campus IDs, network security, vending, meal plans, loyalty, electronic cash, and health care cards, to name just a few.Ĭontactless smart card readers operate with a radio frequency that communicates when the card comes close to the reader. Smart card readers are available in either contact, contactless, or a combination of contact and contactless models.Ĭontact smart card readers require that the card is manually inserted into the reader by the user.

What are the most common uses for smart card readers?

These easy-to-install devices read the data that is stored on contact or contactless 13.56 MHz smart cards. Smart card readers obtain or “read” this type of data. Plug and play with Windows and Mac compatibility, it requires no external power supply or cables - just a simple USB connection.Smart card readers are used with smart cards which are a type of plastic technology card with a built-in chip used for electronic processes including personal identification, access control, authentication, and financial transactions. Ideal for desktop and notebook computers without built-in readers, the Manhattan Smart Card Reader is easily installed using any USB port. They replace less secure and less reliable barcode ID and magnetic stripe cards to provide flexible and standard transactions and strong, tamper-resistant authentication with minimal human intervention. Smart cards are utilized extensively in Europe and Asia, and the use of smart cards is growing in North and South America. Contact smart cards have a contact, or “chip,' area with several contact pads that, when inserted into a Manhattan Smart Card Reader, can authenticate the user and safely transfer information between the card and the host computer.

Smart card technology finds popular applications in security and access control, financial transactions, medical records, loyalty programs, toll and vending collection, enterprise or single-user network sign-on and more that require secure information exchanges. Improve secured data and access protection

Macbook smart card reader