The application of pre-paid cash card for comsumers

Due to the technology advancement in today's world, there is a significant change in the form of payment in the market which transformed from paying cash traditionally to electronic payment through prepaid cash card which is more convenient. The prepaid cash card is a stored-value card that reload in advance by consumers for an amount of money for future use. In short, prepaid cash card is actually similar to the concept of prepaid card of mobile phone in which consumers pay in advance a certain amount and use it at their convenience. The convenient that brought by prepaid cash card has contribute to the increase usage of prepaid cash card in the market and it is replacing cash payment instruments day by day.

There are certain examples of prepaid cash card in the followings:

1. Touch 'n Go (TNG) and SmartTAG in Malaysia

Touch 'n Go card is a prepaid cash card that using contactless smartcard technology which looks similar to credit card. It is an electronic purse that can be used at all highways in Malaysia, public transports in Klang Valley, selected parking sites and theme park since it is pre-loaded with electronic cash.

The benefit of using Touch 'n Go card is that it enhances the speed of paying for low value but high volume transactions such as paying tolls and parking fees. Besides, it shorten the time of consumers to queue when paying their bills and bring a lot of convenient to consumers to complete the transaction.

SmartTAG a vehicle on-board unit that works in combination with Touch 'n Go card that allowa consumers to pay toll by drive-through without stopping their cars. It is works with Touch 'n Go card via infrared in high speed which will cut down time during paying the tolls.


The application of Touch 'n Go and SmartTag:

1. Highway such as PLUS, SecondLink, Penang Bridge, LDP & Kerinchi Link,Grandsaga, SILK and etc.
2. Public Transport. For instance, Rapid KL, STAR Line, Putra Line, KTM, Monorail and others.
3. Parking at selected sites like hospitals, shopping malls, public transport stations and hotels.
4. Theme parks such as Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort.

2. Ez-link card in Singapore

The size of ez-link card is similar to Touch 'n go card in Malaysia which is thin and compact. A chip and antenna are build into the card and it is using radio wave through wireless communication.

The benefit by using the card is that it ensure secure, fast and reliable transmission of data. The effective and dependable encryption techniques prevent eavesdropping (data being stealed by others) and fraudulent use.

The application of ez-link card:

1. The ez-link card can be used to paid for food and beverage at McDonald, Chills Cafe, Shangri-la Hotel and so on.
2. Convenience store : 7-eleven
3. Government service and hospitals.
4. Shopping and retail stores such as Cathay Cineleisure, etc.
5. Private bus services like Metro Tours Singapore, Premier buses and Transit Network Consortium Ltd.

3. Octopus card in Hong Kong

Octopus card is a electronic payment system that widely used in Hong Kong using contactless smartcard. Each octopus has a built-in microchip containing an electeonic purse and other application which can accurately record the transaction details.Octopus is used for purchases on public transport, convenience stores, fast food shops, supermarket, schools and even for office used and residential premises access control. Due to its innovative use of technologies, it has been awarded as Chairman's Award of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance's 2006 Global IT Execellence Award.

The application of Octopus Card:

1. Octopus is available at over 2,000 different service providers including public transportation services, apparel stores, bakeries, car parks, cinemas, convenience stores, fast food chains, household stores, leisure facilities, personal care stores, photo finishing stores, photocopiers, supermarkets, and vending machines.
2. Cardholders can use Octopus card to pay by using the discounts or loyalty programs that provided by a number of service providers.

useful links:
1. http://www.touchngo.com.my/
2. http://www.ezlink.com.sg/
3. http://www.octopuscards.com/consumer/en/index.jsp