Introduction: the role of payment bank cards
The origin story of payment bank cards
The history of payment bank cards began in the USA in the mid-20th century. In 1950, Diners Club issued the first card for payments in restaurants and hotels. It was not plastic: it was a small piece of cardboard with the owner’s name printed on it. Still, this card is considered the start of a new era of cashless payments.
In 1958, Bank of America launched the BankAmericard, which later became the well-known Visa brand. Around the same time, the company Master Charge appeared, now MasterCard. These projects were the first mass initiatives thanks to which payment bank cards began to be used by millions of customers. Interestingly, at first cards were mailed free to thousands of clients to encourage use of the new system.
At first, cards worked only in certain cities or states, but soon international networks emerged. In the 1960s–70s, technology grew rapidly: cards became plastic, and a magnetic stripe was added to store data. In the 1980s, the first payment bank cards with a chip appeared, which sharply raised the level of protection.
Stages of development
The development of payment bank cards can be roughly divided into several stages:
- Cardboard and paper cards – used only for specific payments, with basic protection.
- Plastic cards with a magnetic stripe – allowed storing customer data and made operations faster.
- Chip cards – a shift to EMV standards that ensured high security.
- Contact and contactless cards – the ability to pay with one tap without a PIN for small amounts.
- Digital and virtual cards – cards that exist only in an app, with no physical carrier.
Spread across countries
After success in the USA, payment bank cards spread across Europe, Japan, and other countries. As early as the 1970s, they were a familiar tool for travelers and business people. Gradually, cards covered the world. Today, more than half of the world’s population has at least one card, and in some countries the number of cards far exceeds the number of residents.
Armenia is also actively developing the sphere of payment bank cards. Modern technologies are introduced, and cards with unique designs and extended features are issued. In recent years, Armenia has seen growing interest in eco-friendly solutions such as wooden cards and innovative glow cards.
Social impact of cards
Payment bank cards have played a huge role in global trade. They made payments faster, more convenient, and safer. Cards simplified international travel and enabled the growth of e-commerce and digital services. Cards became a bridge between traditional finance and digital technology.
Today, payment bank cards are not only a means of payment. They are a symbol of trust in the financial system. They became part of culture: from classic plastic to premium metal cards that emphasize the owner’s status. Each card generation reflects changes in society and technology.
Types of payment bank cards
Modern payment bank cards are very diverse. They differ by function, status, target audience, and even by materials. For customers, this means a wide choice: everyone can pick a card for their needs — from a simple payment tool to a premium product with exclusive privileges.
Basic cards
Basic payment bank cards are designed for everyday use. Most often these are debit cards linked to a bank account. They make it easy to pay, withdraw cash at ATMs, and receive salaries. Basic cards are available to most customers, and the service fee is low or free.
For example, in payroll projects, employees receive such cards. Despite their simplicity, they support modern features: contactless payments, mobile wallets, and chip protection.
Gold and premium cards
A higher level — payment bank cards of the Gold, Platinum, or Premium category. These cards emphasize the owner’s status and offer more options: higher limits, airport lounge access, extended cashback, and travel insurance.
Many banks issue metal premium cards, which are not only functional but also an image element. Premium cards differ in design: expensive materials, unusual textures, and even personal engravings.
Business cards
Payment bank cards for business are made for companies, entrepreneurs, and employees. They help separate personal and corporate expenses, simplify accounting, and improve transparency. For example, a company can issue business cards for travel spending while keeping full control over all transactions.
Business cards make it easy to set limits, monitor spending, and get reports. In combination with logistics and modern IT projects, this makes them an essential tool for organizations in Armenia and beyond.
Credit cards
A separate category is credit payment bank cards. They allow purchases even when there is no money in the account, by using the bank’s credit limit. The client can buy now and pay later. A useful feature is the grace period during which no interest accrues.
These cards are especially popular for e-commerce and large purchases. They give more financial freedom, but require discipline: if the balance is not paid on time, interest is charged.
Digital and virtual cards
With technology growth, digital and virtual payment bank cards appeared. These cards have no physical body. They exist only in mobile apps and are used for online purchases or for Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other services.
Virtual cards are very convenient for online payments. They can be issued and blocked fast, which boosts security. Many users create separate virtual cards for subscriptions to control spending.
In the future, such solutions will grow even faster. For example, 3D e-wallet cards are already appearing and can replace familiar plastic products.
Prepaid cards
Another type is prepaid payment bank cards. You can load a certain amount and use it for purchases. These cards are often used as gift cards: the client gets a card with a balance that can be spent in stores or online.
Prepaid cards are convenient for parents who want to control children’s spending, or for people who want to limit their own expenses.
Social and special cards
Some payment bank cards are issued for special user groups. For example, social cards for benefits, student cards with educational perks, or special cards for retirees. Such products help banks reach different audiences with personalized solutions.
Function-based classification
All payment bank cards can be split by function:
- Debit – use only the client’s own funds.
- Credit – allow the use of borrowed funds.
- Combined – combine debit and credit functions.
- Virtual – exist only in digital format.
- Biometric – use a fingerprint or other biometrics for protection.
Exclusive cards
Exclusive payment bank cards stand apart. For example, cards with unique design, LED lighting, or innovative features. The ASMO Glow Card is a bright example of how a card becomes not only a means of payment but also a style element.
Why it matters
The variety of payment bank cards shows that the industry is client-centric. Every product solves a specific task: from simple payments to building a prestigious image. When choosing a card, a person gets not only a financial tool but also a set of services, technologies, and benefits.
In the next section, we will see how materials and design make payment bank cards even more interesting and functional.
Technologies and chips of payment bank cards
Modern payment bank cards cannot exist without the technologies that keep them safe and convenient. Since the first plastic cards, different ways to store and protect data have been used. Today, chips, EMV standards, and innovative authentication methods play the main role.
From magnetic stripe to chip
The first payment bank cards used a magnetic stripe. It stored encoded information about the owner and the account. This was convenient, but not safe: data could be copied. As fraud grew, banks moved to microprocessor chip cards.
Chips brought a new era of security. They enable complex encryption right inside the card, and transaction data becomes unique for each operation. This made simple copying impossible and dramatically reduced fraud.
EMV standards
A key stage was the adoption of EMV (Europay, MasterCard, Visa). Today, all payment bank cards operate under these rules. EMV cards provide:
- dynamic data generation for every transaction;
- protection against counterfeiting and copying;
- compatibility with terminals worldwide;
- support for both contact and contactless payments.
Thanks to EMV, cards became a global tool: a client from Armenia can use a card in any country without issues.
Chip manufacturers
There are several major chip makers for payment bank cards, including:
- Samsung – known for reliable and modern solutions for banking.
- Infineon – a leader in secure microcontrollers.
- NXP – a key supplier of chips for cards and transport systems.
- STMicroelectronics – produces chips for bank and SIM cards.
They differ in protection levels, speed, and extra features. For example, Infineon focuses on resistance to physical attacks, while Samsung advances energy efficiency and new standards.
Modern protection technologies
To keep payment bank cards reliable, manufacturers use various technologies:
- SPS (Secure Platform Solution) – a platform for data protection and card reliability.
- Wire Soldering – a method to connect the microchip and antenna, increasing card life and stability.
- Secora – an Infineon solution for faster personalization and higher security.
These methods help cards withstand heavy use and ensure client data protection.
Biometric cards
A new step is biometric cards. They let the owner confirm identity with a fingerprint. The sensor is built into the card, so no PIN is needed at checkout. This simplifies the process and makes it safer.
Biometric payment bank cards solve two tasks at once: convenience and high protection. Even if a card is stolen, it cannot be used without the owner.
Contactless technologies
Most cards today support contactless payments. An NFC chip lets you pay by tapping the terminal. It is fast, convenient, and secure because data is transmitted in encrypted form. Contactless payment bank cards became especially popular during the pandemic, when people tried to minimize surface contact.
Paired with mobile apps, cards become a full digital wallet. This is how technology makes daily life easier.
Tokenization and digital cards
Another key trend is tokenization. Real card data is replaced by a special token. Even if a token is intercepted, it cannot be reused. All payment bank cards in digital wallets work with tokenization.
Thus, owners can pay safely via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other services without exposing the card data.
The future of chips
In the future, chips for payment bank cards will be even smarter. They will support multi-layer encryption, work faster, and integrate with biometric systems. Chips already appear that store not only banking data but also e-documents, digital keys, and even medical info.
This shows that the card becomes a universal digital ID. It unites payments, security, and personalization in one device.
Why technology matters
Technologies and chips define how reliable and convenient payment bank cards will be. Without them, it is impossible to ensure data protection and client trust. Banks and manufacturers invest huge resources in technology, because the industry’s future depends on it.
Materials and design of payment bank cards
Today, payment bank cards are not only a tool for payments but also an image element. The material, design, and even the card’s weight can emphasize the owner’s status. Producers are moving away from classic plastic and offering new options.
Plastic cards
Standard plastic payment bank cards remain the most popular. They are light, cheap to produce, and easy to use. But new materials are gradually changing the market.
Metal cards
Metal payment bank cards have become a symbol of premium status. They are heavier and stronger than plastic, with a distinctive shine and unique personalization options: laser engraving, complex patterns. Such cards are usually offered to premium-segment clients.
Wooden cards
Eco-friendliness is a key factor. Wooden payment bank cards show care for nature. They are made from recycled or sustainable materials, which matches global sustainability trends. Such cards are already issued in Europe and Asia and appear more often in Armenia.
Glow cards
Modern technologies enable unusual solutions. Glow cards with LED elements create a bright effect at checkout. It is not only aesthetics but also marketing: banks use such projects to attract young audiences.
An example is the ASMO Glow Card, which became a true market innovation.
Custom design
Payment bank cards can be personalized: choose a color, apply a pattern, or even a photo. Banks increasingly offer customization so a card reflects the owner’s personality.
Combined materials
Manufacturers experiment with metal inserts, transparent elements, and 3D engraving. Such solutions improve both the look and the security level.
Learn more about materials for bank card manufacturing in a separate article.
Production and logistics of payment bank cards
The production of payment bank cards is a complex technological process requiring high precision, quality control, and compliance with international standards. Each card goes through several stages from design to delivery to the bank and the end client.
Stage 1. Design
At the first stage, the card design is created: plastic color, bank and payment system logos, and materials are chosen. Modern payment bank cards can be made from classic PVC, eco-friendly biomaterials, metal, or even wood. At this stage, it is also determined whether the card will support contactless payments and which chips to use — Samsung or Infineon.
Stage 2. Plastic preparation
The chosen materials arrive at the factory, where blanks are cut. Plastic sheets go through lamination, printing, and protective elements. Special magnetic-stripe tapes of different colors are used, as well as wear-resistant coatings.
Stage 3. Embedding chip and antenna
At this stage, modern technologies are used, such as Wire Soldering and Chip Embedding. The chip is placed into the card body, and for contactless solutions an antenna is added for NFC. Only certified microprocessors are used, in line with Visa and MasterCard standards.
Stage 4. Personalization
After the blanks are produced, cards are personalized — the owner’s name, card number, and expiry date are applied. At the same time, data is written to the chip and magnetic stripe. This is a critical stage requiring strict security because confidential information is used.
Stage 5. Quality control
Each card is tested for chip, magnetic stripe, and antenna performance. Resistance to bending, moisture, and temperature is checked. Only after passing all tests is the card sent for certification.
Visa and MasterCard certification
All payment bank cards must pass certification by international systems. This ensures compatibility with ATMs and POS terminals worldwide. Certification includes checking chips, cryptographic security, and resistance to attacks.
Stage 6. Logistics and delivery
After certification, finished cards are packed and shipped to banks or processing centers. Production sites are located in major Southeast Asian countries, and finished products are delivered to Armenia and other CIS countries. Logistics are arranged to prevent delays and ensure full safety of the cards.
Stage 7. Key exchange and activation
To start using the card, a key exchange procedure is required between the bank and the manufacturer. This process provides cryptographic protection. After activation, the card becomes a full payment instrument.
Environmental aspect
Manufacturers pay attention to ecology. Recyclable materials and biodegradable plastic are used more and more often. This matches the global trend toward sustainability and reduced environmental harm.
Result
Production and logistics of payment bank cards are an example of a high-tech process that brings together microelectronics, cryptography, and design. Thanks to this approach, cards become a reliable and secure tool for millions of people worldwide.
Global manufacturers and market leaders of payment bank cards
The world of payment bank cards develops thanks not only to banks and processors but also to manufacturers who create cards, chips, and security technologies. Today, several global leaders set industry trends.
Main global players
Among the largest card manufacturers are Thales, IDEMIA, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), and CPI Card Group. These corporations have dozens of production centers worldwide and serve major banks and governments.
Thales
The French company Thales is a leader in digital security and identity systems. It produces millions of payment bank cards each year, offering biometric and multi-functional chip solutions.
IDEMIA
IDEMIA specializes in innovative cards, including metal and eco-friendly options. The company also develops digital identity solutions, integrating cards with mobile apps.
Giesecke+Devrient (G+D)
The German company G+D is known as one of the most reliable producers of high-security cards. It supplies not only payment bank cards but also SIM cards and digital wallet solutions.
CPI Card Group
The American CPI Card Group is active in the USA and Latin America. It focuses on eco-solutions, offering biodegradable materials and recycled plastic for cards.
Production in Asia
Southeast Asia hosts the largest card factories. Cards are produced there for international banks as well as local financial organizations. The advantages are speed, scalability, and optimal cost.
Armenia and the CIS
For Armenia and CIS markets, payment bank cards are supplied by both global leaders and regional producers. Local companies work closely with international brands, ensuring full compliance with Visa and MasterCard standards.
The role of chip makers
Chip manufacturers form a separate category. The most popular are Samsung and Infineon, known for reliability and security. The quality of these components affects not only card life but also transaction protection levels.
The market’s future
Global card manufacturers are investing more in digital solutions: virtual cards, tokenization, and biometrics. But physical payment bank cards remain in high demand, and production is not shrinking. On the contrary, banks order next-gen cards with unique designs, eco-materials, and extra features.
Result
Global manufacturers and tech companies play a key role in developing the payment bank cards industry. Their innovations shape the future, making cards safer, more convenient, and more eco-friendly.
The future of payment bank cards and digital trends
Although modern payment bank cards feel familiar, fintech keeps evolving fast. In the coming years, cards will change not only in look but also in function, becoming part of a global digital ecosystem.
Shift to digital wallets
Many users increasingly pay via smartphones and smartwatches. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay gradually push physical cards aside, but do not replace them completely. Instead, payment bank cards integrate into digital wallets, keeping their uniqueness and convenience.
Biometric cards
One key direction is biometrics. Cards with fingerprint sensors are already on the market, providing extra protection. In the future, biometrics may expand to face recognition or behavioral analysis at checkout.
Eco-friendly materials
Ecology is more important each year. Producers move from PVC to recycled materials, corn plastic, and even wood. Banks promote such cards to show social responsibility.
Interactive cards
The future of payment bank cards includes innovative features. For example, cards with mini-displays to show balance or one-time codes. Such solutions are being tested and may become standard in the next years.
Stronger protection
Cyberthreats are growing, so next-gen cards will have multi-level protection. Quantum cryptography, dynamic CVV, and tokenization will make payments as safe as possible.
Regional specifics
The future of payment bank cards will differ by region. In Europe the focus is ecology, in Asia — transaction speed and super-app integration, in the CIS — reliability and local payment systems.
Integration with AI
AI is already used to analyze transactions and prevent fraud. In the future, cards may interact with AI directly, offering personalized financial tips and spending optimization.
Full digitalization?
Despite virtual solutions, full replacement of physical cards is unlikely in the next decades. People still value the convenience and reliability of physical payment bank cards. The future is a symbiosis of physical and digital solutions.
Conclusion
Payment bank cards have travelled a long road from simple plastic to high-tech tools that ensure safety, convenience, and global access to financial services. Today, they are not just a means of payment — they are a symbol of modern life, reflecting technology progress, globalization, and changing needs.
We reviewed which payment bank cards exist: debit, credit, prepaid, business, and premium solutions. Each category has its features, benefits, and use cases, and the choice depends on client needs. Tech progress, chips, biometrics, and eco-materials make cards an essential part of finance’s future.
History shows cards always reflect changes in society. The first cards symbolized convenience and trust; modern ones — security and global integration. The future promises new innovations: digital wallets, cards with displays, biometric ID, and eco-materials.
In a world that is rapidly going digital, payment bank cards keep a unique place. They combine familiarity and reliability with new tech, balancing past, present, and future. For millions of people, a card remains a key to financial opportunities, a tool to protect savings, and a convenient way to buy.
Thus, payment bank cards are not only part of the banking system but also a reflection of global trends in the economy, technology, and society. Their evolution continues, and we can be sure that more innovations lie ahead, making life simpler, safer, and more convenient.
Why understand card specifics?
- To choose the best option for personal or business tasks.
- To understand modern security tech and use it daily.
- To stay aware of eco and digital trends.
- To navigate the global financial world with confidence.
That is why knowledge of what payment bank cards are, how they work, and where they are heading is a key part of financial literacy in the 21st century.
