smart cards

‘Smart cards’ are relative to ‘dumb cards’.
Currently, most credit cards are dumb. They have a magnetic strip that contains a small packet of unchangeable information.
Smart cards have an ability to store and update information. They typically include some form of microprocessor of a single chip which is embedded in the card.
Smart cards are currently being used and tested as: travel cards for public transport; electronic money for use in vending machines, storing personal details for people with medical allergies.