Add to ORKGThis thesis is dedicated to the topic of payment cards and their future. By analyzing individual products and services it aims to outline the expected direction for the development of payment cards. Over several chapters it addresses the definition of the term credit card, as well as categorizes the various types of cards, their characteristics and uses. A discussion of the history of each issuer is included. This is followed by a study of the technological developments in hardware in the form of payment cards and devices for their acceptance; the software by which the cardholder receives the latest programs for execution of payment transactions; and the services which make the entire process more enjoyable and simple for the customer. A sp...