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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: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR1281U-C1
Introducing the second generation of ACS’s ACR128 DualBoost Reader; the ACR1281U-C1 DualBoost II is compatible with any contact/contactless smart card that follows the ISO 7816 and ISO 14443 standards.With this dual-interface reader, easily integrate conventionally separate applications for con..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR1281U-C2
For those looking to significantly cut down on driver installation issues during the integration process into PC environments, the ACR1281U-C2 Card UID Reader is the ideal solution. Due to its compatibility with the Human Interface Device (HID) standard, integration is made simple and effective. For..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR39U-U1
Bringing modernity to the world of smart card readers, the ACR39U Smart Card Reader ushers in new sophisticated technology. With its modern design, this compact card reader promises to meet the rigorous demands of smart card-based applications.The ACR39U comes complete with a USB Full Speed inte..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR39U-UF
Introducing yet another breakthrough for ACS readers, the ACR39U-UF Smart Card Reader is one of ACS's latest products addressing the evolution of USB standards.The ACR39U-UF boasts a USB Type C connector which features reversible plug orientation and cable direction. This allows for mobile-to-d..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR1255U-J1
The ACS ACR1255U-J1 is a 13,56Mhz contactless reader with the convenience of having both Bluetooth® connectivity as well as a standard USB connection for users working in a busy environment. It supports ISO14443A/B for popular cards like Mifare Classic and Mifare DESFire as well as ISO 18092 for mos..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR3901U-S1
Combining sophisticated technology with a modern design, the ACR3901U-S1 ACS Secure Bluetooth® Contact Card Reader is the perfect smart card reader for your smart card solution. This impressive wireless device strings together all the latest technology, bringing it into the world of smart card reade..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR890-A1
This all-in-one reader from ACS, the ACR890, combines contact, contactless and magnetic read/writing capabilities with a new generation PIN-pad reader along with a thermal printer! In addition it also supports wireless connectivity through GPRS, 3G and Wi-Fi. This makes it extremely versatile when h..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACR900-A1
The ACR900-A1 is a new handheld EMV terminal from ACS designed for taking payment. It has good connectivity options such as WIFI, GPRS and 3G making it simple to connect to the back-end. It uses a 32-bit secure processor running Embedded Secure Linux®, 512MB Flash and 256MG RAM. It features a built-..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-APG8201-B2
The APG8201-B2 from ACS is a smart card reader with a built in keypad and LCD screen to give more security when making website transactions. It contains a Secure Pin Entry (SPE) feature so that PIN numbers are not compromised through attack. Cardholder verification and authentication when logging in..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACM1252U-Y3
The ACS ACM1252U-Y3 is a USB NFC reader module that contains a seperate detachable antenna board to help integrators with easy integration as well as giving maximum reader distance. The ACM1252U-Y3 reader supports all three NFC modes; peer to peer (active communication with another NFC device), rea..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACM1252U-Z2
The ACM1252U-Z2 is a small 13.56Mhz contactless reader module measuring only 52x20x6mm primarily focused on NFC applications. It allows easy integration into a third party embedded system. It has support for ISO14443A/B and ISO18092-compliant tags. When multiple cards are presented it has an anti co..
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Brand: ACS Model: R-ACS-ACM1252U-Z6
The ACM1252U-Z6 is a small 13.56Mhz contactless reader module measuring only 52x20x6mm primarily focused on NFC applications needing a 6-pin FFC connector. It allows easy integration into a third party embedded system. It has support for ISO14443A/B and ISO18092-compliant tags. When multiple cards a..
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