Chipikaardid

Chipikaardid, also known as chip cards or smart cards, are a type of payment card that contains an embedded microchip. This chip provides enhanced security compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards. When a chip card is used for a transaction, the chip communicates with the payment terminal, generating a unique transaction code. This makes it much harder for counterfeit cards to be created and used successfully. The chip can store various types of information securely, including cardholder data, transaction history, and even loyalty program details.

The implementation of chip cards, often referred to as EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) technology, has significantly reduced fraud rates in many countries where they have been widely adopted. The chip performs cryptographic processing, which is more secure than the static data stored on a magnetic stripe. When inserted into a compatible reader, the chip verifies the card's authenticity and authorizes the transaction. Contactless payment capabilities are also often integrated into chip cards, allowing users to tap their card to a terminal for quick and secure transactions. This technology continues to evolve, with ongoing developments in chip security and functionality.