Smart Cards are used in many different applications around the world. Below are some of the more popular application areas with links to the major projects.

As mentioned above, financial institutions have been early adopters of smart card technology. Financial institutions use the smart card technology to not only assist with payment procedures in the physical sense, but are making great strides into the online E-commerce environment as well. Other financial services, such as digital identification, electronic money will also be offers in the near future.

National health care systems are evaluating or deploying smart card technology to reduce the costs associated with delivering services. The largest operating system is one in Germany with over 80 million cards. Insurance cards, for example, will be able to convey medical information, background, and coverage quickly, efficiently, and securely.

Smart Cards have been used in the telecommunications industry for years. Currently, there are more than 100 million cards used in the mobile telephone industry worldwide. Many foreign countries actually use smart cards with financial credit on them rather then the traditional pay phone. With the integration of financial and telephony services, a procedure such as downloading electronic cash at a payphone is not far from reality.

Many believe it won't be long until every PC ships with a smart card reader. Users of smart cards will use them to link the physical world to the virtual world. Smart Cards will allow individuals to protect their privacy while card issuers will be able to ensure only valid customers access services. The goal of the IT industry is to enhance and securely deliver convenient remote access of services at any reader.