Smart card categorization These types of technology cards can be categorized into two different camps:

• A contact smart card has an integrated chip. As the name implies, a contact smart card must come into direct contact with the reader to process the information embedded within the chip.
• A contactless smart card has a chip and an antenna. In order for the data on the card to be read, it needs to come within a specified distance to the card reader (this distance varies by smart card reader) but does not need to make direct contact.

How to encode smart cards To encode a contact or contactless smart card, you'll need an ID card printer with smart card encoding capabilities such as:

• Datacard CD810
• Magicard Rio Pro Limited Edition
• Fargo DTC5500LMX

Additionally, you’ll need fully-featured ID software:

• CardExchange 9 Ultimate
• Asure ID Exchange 7
• CardPresso XL

When ordering the printer, you'll need to specify whether you require contact or contactless encoding. If you have additional questions on how to encode smart cards for both contact and contactless cards, just call a knowledgeable ID Professional at (855) 243-8806. One of our favorite things is helping our customers!