Mastercard launches card with Lcdscreen

Smart Card: Just launched in Singapore, the ‘Display Card’ features a LCD screen and keypad

Someday soon you'll be able to check your balance, reward points, and even recent transactions all from a glance at your credit card.

MasterCard has announced the launch of its 'Display Card,' which features the kind of technology normally associated with a smart phone or tablet computer. The new card, which has already been introduced in Singapore, features an LCD screen and touch sensitive buttons but will still fit into your wallet. 'The innovative 2-in-1 device, which combines the functionality of a standard payment card with a state-of-the-art security token, currently reflects the customer's OTP,' MasterCard said in a press statement.

Many banks now issue a separate authentication token for online banking services, particularly high-risk transactions, such as payments or transfers above a certain amount, adding payees or changing personal details. The Display Card would hence eliminate the need to carry a separate authentication device.

'In future, this card could incorporate additional functionalities and be able to indicate other real time information such as available credit balance, loyalty or reward points, recent transactions, and other interactive information,' the statement noted. MasterCard isn't the first company to develop a smarter credit card. Visa announced it was developing a card with similar features in 2012, but a nextgeneration model from that company has yet to be made widely available.