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A smart card reader is a device that reads smart cards, which are widely used in many industries these days, such as banking, retail sales and healthcare. Contactless smart card readers can read cards without inserting them into the device. Instead, they use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to detect and read smart cards within a short range. 


Smart cards are growing in popularity across multiple sectors, allowing for faster interactions with more secure data encryption. Smart card readers offer great convenience with minimal risk and provide an easier, more secure way of conducting transactions or managing access control.

About smart card readers

Smart card readers are top-rated and have various applications across industries. The combination of smart cards and readers allows users to store, access safely and transfer an immense amount of data with ease and security.


Smart card readers can provide encryption, validation, and authentication. Regarding transactions, smart cards are used for credit cards, debit or stored value cards, loyalty programs, hospitality processes and gaming. Their considerable capacity allows users to perform multiple tasks quickly and efficiently with minimal risk of error.


Smart card readers can identify multiple smart cards simultaneously for quick and secure processing. Smart card readers also use encryption algorithms to ensure that all data securely transmits between smart cards and smart card readers and that they expose no sensitive information during transmission. 


In today's digital landscape, smart card readers are essential components of a safe and secure experience.

Types of smart card readers

Smart cards, which contain a chip that stores digital information, use smart card readers to access the recorded data. Here are the three most common types of smart card readers available.

Contact smart card readers

Contact smart card readers require a physical connection between the smart card and the reader; they provide secure communication between these two devices by directly reading data from the contact smart cards.

Contactless smart card readers

These card readers rely on RFID or near-field communication technology to securely transfer data via contactless chips, meaning no physical connection is required when using a contactless smart card reader.

Dual interface smart card readers

You can use hybrid or dual interface smart card readers with contact and contactless technologies. This type of smart card reader enables users to maximise their security requirements while quickly moving data back and forth to compatible devices.

Uses and features of smart card readers

Smart card readers are used across multiple industries and organisations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and security. Smart card reader applications have become increasingly sophisticated as technology has improved rapidly in recent years.


From access control to payment systems, you can use smart card readers in any situation that requires secure authentication or identification. Contactless smart card readers are beneficial for public transportation systems as they offer travellers a quicker and more secure way to pay their fares.


Similarly, smart cards are implemented in healthcare settings where the medical staff need swift and secure access to records while ensuring patient privacy is maintained. Finally, smart card readers also provide an easy-to-use means of identification with verified digital IDs guaranteeing authenticity.

Advantages of using a smart card reader

It's simple to use smart card readers – a consumer or employee can tap the smart card reader with their smart card (or swipe/enter a pin code, depending on the kind of reader), and their identity is authenticated quickly. So smart cards provide incredible access control capabilities when needed.


In addition, smart card readers are cost-effective and require minimal maintenance, providing businesses with peace of mind that their transactions are secure and efficient.

Importance of smart card readers in modern society

Smart card readers are an innovative way of handling identification and payments in modern society. Whether they come from contactless near-field communication (NFC) card readers or other forms, smart cards securely hold personal data and make transactions easier.


Smart card readers reduce the need to carry physical wallets or forms for payment or identification purposes. This is especially useful for businesses that save time and money when it comes to handling payments


Smart card readers are also an important security measure for governments and corporations because they are harder to duplicate than traditional IDs due to an extra layer of encryption that keeps user data secure even when transmitted via RFID. 


In short, smart card readers are a technology that enables secure transactions, convenience, and safety.


Why buy from Universal Smart Cards?

Universal Smart Cards is the intelligent choice for those purchasing smart card readers. With over 100 years of combined industry expertise, ISO accreditation and global offices, we offer our customers world-leading customer service. We help you find the perfect solution best suited to meet your particular needs. Choose Universal Smart Cards for guaranteed satisfaction every time.


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Brand: OMNIKEY® Model: R-HD-R31210375-1
The HID® OMNIKEY® 3121 is a high-performance USB smart card reader board for OEMS. This device is compatible with the majority of contact smart cards, operating systems and other various applications. It offers the perfect solution for all contact smart card operations such as single sign-on, online..
£35.00
Brand: OMNIKEY® Model: R-HD-R31210349-1
The HID® OMNIKEY® 3121 is a high-performance USB smart card reader designed for desktop use. Used by businesses everywhere, it features multiple base mounting options teamed with robust housing and sleek design. It is compliant with all industry standards and is compatible with virtually any contact..
£26.05
Brand: OMNIKEY® Model: R-HD-A00000002
This heavy base accessory for the HID® OMNIKEY® 3121 is a robust housing unit for convenient vertical and horizontal use. This also includes an adhesive attachment that easily mounts to any PC monitor. For more information on the HID® OMNIKEY® 3121 please see the corresponding product page...
£19.99
Brand: OMNIKEY® Model: R-HD-R20610000-1
The HID® OMNIKEY® 2061 reader is ideal for frequent yet intermittent use of PCs, particularly in medical environments and hospitals. It offers a high-speed, secure log-on through Bluetooth connection, supporting all relevant Windows operating systems.Key Features: - Ideal for organisations wher..
£21.89 £31.89
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905551
As part of the uTrust token family, the portable Identiv black USB2.0 token enables two-factor authentication. Its slim, elegant design as an ID-000 credential makes it easy to use when logging into a PC, signing and encrypting emails or documents or authenticating to company IT assets...
£34.84
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905552
Identiv's Black uTrust Token Pro is ideal for organisations needing high levels of security in demanding corporate environments. Furthermore, the Identiv uTrust Pro lends itself well to mobile users who have to carry their Digital Identity credentials at all times due to its portable form factor. ..
£36.59
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905569
As part of the uTrust token family, the Identiv Token Pro Mini is the smallest token in the range without losing any core functionality. It has a JavaCard OS operating its embedded secure element allowing developers conversant in Java to develop their own applets. The Identiv uTrust Token Pro Mini i..
£36.59
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905553
As part of the uTrust token family, the Identiv Token Pro Mini + in BLACK colour adds a contactless interface to the range. It has a JavaCard OS operating its embedded secure element allowing developers conversant in Java to delevelp their own applet for strong two factor authentication. Due to its ..
£38.33
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905553-2
As part of the uTrust token family, the Token Pro Mini + in BLACK colour adds a contactless interface to the range. It has a JavaCard OS operating its embedded secure element allowing developers conversant in Java to delevelp their own applet for strong two factor authentication. Due to its slim des..
£40.07
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905553-3
As part of the uTrust token family, the Token Pro Mini + in WHITE colour adds a contactless interface to the range. It has a JavaCard OS operating its embedded secure element allowing developers conversant in Java to delevelp their own applet for strong two factor authentication. Due to its slim des..
£40.07
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905553-1
As part of the uTrust token family, the Identiv Token Pro Mini + in WHITE colour adds a contactless interface to the range. It has a JavaCard OS operating its embedded secure element allowing developers conversant in Java to develop their own applet for strong two factor authentication. Due to its s..
£38.33
Brand: Identiv Model: R-IE-905552-1
Identiv's White uTrust Token Pro is ideal for organisations needing high levels of security in demanding corporate environments. Furthermore, the Identiv uTrust Pro lends itself well to mobile users who have to carry their Digital Identity credentials at all times due to its portable form factor. ..
£36.59
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