Kaardiomanik

Kaardiomanik is an Estonian term that refers to a person who owns or is issued a card, such as a payment card, identity card, access card, or loyalty card. The kaardiomanik is typically responsible for the use of the card and for safeguarding any associated data, including credentials like PINs or passwords.

Common types of cards for which someone may be a kaardiomanik include payment cards (credit or debit), government or national identity cards (including electronic IDs in some systems), access-control cards (for buildings or facilities), and library or membership cards. In digital contexts, the concept also applies to virtual cards or cards linked to a mobile wallet.

Responsibilities of the kaardiomanik include keeping the card secure, never sharing sensitive credentials, promptly reporting loss or theft, and reviewing statements or usage for unauthorized activity. The kaardiomanik must comply with the terms set by the card issuer and with applicable data protection laws, as card data is considered personal and sensitive.

In Estonia, the concept is used broadly in everyday language. For example, the holder of a national ID or electronic identification token is the kaardiomanik of that credential and is expected to protect it against misuse. The term is a generic label for ownership of any card tied to an account, identity, or access, and is used across sectors to describe the person responsible for a card.