DUAL INTERFACE CARDS

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Dual interface cards are ‘hybrid’ cards equipped with both contact and contactless technology. Dual interface card vs contactless card comparison shows that, in dual interface cards, a single chip manages both contact and RFID contactless transmission, allowing them to function as both contact cards and RFID cards.

HOW TO USE DUAL INTERFACE SMART CARDS?

Dual interface cards operate in the HF (High Frequency) range at 13.56 MHz. They have similar features to microprocessor-based contact cards, as they integrate a mathematical microprocessor that enables dual interface card data encryption and decryption, and usually include an operating system.

  • Cards for public transport ticketing: the public transport sector is one of the main users of smart cards. Dual interface technology forms the basis of the so-called MIT (Maschera Italiana Trasporti) cards, the first type of public transport card developed and used in Italy;
  • Dual interface chip cards for secure payments in EMV networks;

  • Dual interface smart cards for payment in private networks;

  • Regional service cards.

DUAL INTERFACE CARD SECURITY FEATURES

The benefits of dual interface cards primarily concern security, combined with high durability:

  • Enhanced security: these cards combine the maximum level of physical security, guaranteed by contact cards, with the convenience of contactless cards, offering a high level of protection.

     

  • Long lifespan: dual interface cards are generally more resistant to wear compared to contact cards since they also work as RFID contactless cards, with reading occurring simply by bringing the card close to the RFID card reader.

     

  • Complete data management: dual interface card can store identifying data, such as the cardholder’s name and surname, card number, expiration date, unique identifier (UID), and usage-related data, such as access permissions. The stored data is protected by security mechanisms, such as encryption, to ensure the privacy and integrity of the information.
Tessera dual interface bianca

CUSTOMIZABLE DUAL INTERFACE CARDS

These cards offer a range of customization options, allowing you to create the best dual interface cards for your business needs.

At Partitalia, we produce and supply customizable dual interface card for secure transactions, in various materials: 

Card dual interface personalizzata
  • PVC and PETG,which are flexible, highly printable, and resistant to temperature and chemicals.
  • Degradable PVC and recycled PVC, which retain the technical properties of standard PVC while being more sustainable.

Logos, images, texts, and other graphic elements can be printed on the card surface using various printing technologies, including 4-colour offset printing, silkscreen printing, digital printing, UV spot varnish, and hot stamping.

Customisation of dual interface cards, such as the inclusion of variable data like the cardholder’s name or card number, is carried out using thermographic printing, laser printing, inkjet printing, and embossing.

FAQs DUAL INTERFACE CARDS

We have collected the main questions about dual interface cards, a technologically advanced and very secure type of smart card.

What is a dual interface card?

Dual interface cards are hybrid cards that combine two technologies, contact and contactless RFID. In this type of card, a single chip handles both contact and RFID transmission.

Dual interface cards operate at 13.56 MHz (HF). They have similar characteristics to microprocessor-based contact cards: in fact, they integrate a mathematical microprocessor that enables data encryption and decryption and typically include an operating system. 

Dual interface cards stand out for a range of advantages that make them a highly valid choice: they combine the security of contact cards with the convenience of RFID technology, ensuring maximum protection against fraud and unauthorised access. Compared to contact cards, they are better protected against wear and tear, as they function as contactless RFID cards and do not have to be inserted into the reader. 

Dual interface cards are a particularly secure type of smart card. The data stored on a dual interface card — identifying information such as the cardholder’s name and surname, card number, expiration date, unique identifier (UID), and usage-related data like access permissions — are protected by encryption to ensure privacy and protection from unauthorised access.

Dual interface cards are used in industries that require high levels of security, such as public transport ticketing, EMV payments, payments within private circuits and regional service cards.

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