Technology has changed the way we manage things in our everyday lives, and RFID cards and IC cards are part of that significant change.
These cards are becoming more popular, especially in companies. However, many people need to learn the key differences between them. Although they may look the same, IC cards and RFID cards work differently.
IC cards require physical contact with a reader, like inserting them into a slot. On the other hand, RFID cards don’t require any physical touch and communicate using radio waves. So, what is the big difference between IC and RFID cards? Let’s discover it and make it easy to understand.
IC Cards & RFID Cards:
Have you ever wondered why IC and RFID cards are so different? Let’s know about it!
An IC (Integrated Circuit) card is like a debit or smart payment card with a tiny chip inside. This chip contains all the important details for quick transactions, such as the Secure ID for accessing and eMoney.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards have small tags with electronic information. These tags can be read along with radio waves, which is useful for event entries and inventory monitoring.
IC cards often require to be physically touched for a transaction, while RFID cards can do this wirelessly. In addition, IC cards usually offer more security than RFID cards, making them better for valuables such as online shopping or banking.
IC Cards – Detailed Explanation:
IC (integrated Circuit) Card is also called an electronic, non-contacting, or RF tag. The card stores information using 1s and 0s (binary format). Inside are a special number, account stuff, and security details.
But here’s the important thing you should know: IC cards are only readable, meaning you can’t add new information. However, if you wish, you must get a new chip. Use a special reader with contact points at each end to see what’s inside the card.
EMV cards are an example of this technology. EMV cards are used worldwide to buy things with your debit or credit. They follow international standards, so you can use them anywhere you need to use card payments.
These IC cards are essential to the modern digital economy, and we will likely continue using them for a long time. So, when shopping, ensure your IC card is ready to roll!
Advantages of IC Cards:
- More storage spaces: IC cards have an extremely intelligent chip that can store much data. This makes them perfect for important things such as banking and money matters.
- Better security: When it comes to security, IC cards are leading. They are harder to hack because you need to hold them physically for things to happen.
Disadvantages of IC Cards:
- Need Physical touch: the not very good part of the IC cards is that you must touch them physically to make things happen. This makes these cards less handy than RFID cards.
- Costly: the maintenance and manufacturing costs of IC cards can be quite expensive. They have elegant technology inside, such as microprocessors and memory chips, which can make them more expensive.
RFID Cards – Detailed Explanation:
Do you want an easy way to make quick and secure transactions? That’s where RFID cards are useful! These smart cards have small tags that communicate wirelessly using radio waves to authenticate their transactions.
People use these cards to get tickets for events, track objects in stores, and even enter certain buildings. The great part about RFID cards is that you don’t need to slide or stick them anywhere; just find the right machine and tap them.
But here is some advice: since these cards communicate wirelessly, they can be hacked by someone who is really determined. Therefore, keep your RFID card safe and prevent others from using it.
Advantages of RFID Cards:
- Easy to use: RFID cards are very easy to use because you don’t have to touch anything. They talk on machines using radio waves, making transactions fast and easy.
- No discomfort: Most machines that take cards can handle RFID cards without a problem.
- Safe and Secure: although there is a small possibility of hacking, RFID cards are usually safe. They can be encrypted, adding an additional layer of protection.
Disadvantages of RFID Cards:
- Hacking: There is little risk that a person can try to steal your RFID card information. Keep them safe to avoid any problems.
- Not compatible: sometimes, these cards may not work on all machines. This can make it a bit complicated to buy things in some places.
Comparison between RFID Cards and IC Cards
| RFID Cards | IC Cards |
| RFID cards don’t need physical contact to operate; they communicate using radio waves. | IC cards need physical touch. You have to insert or touch them physically for transactions to occur. |
| RFID Cards are versatile and you can use them in various applications, including inventory monitoring, event entering, and fast transactions. | They are not too versatile and more suited for secure applications like banking and financial transactions. |
| They are easy to use; just tap them on a compatible machine, and you are done! | They are not as handy as RFID cards as they need to be physically touched. |
| As RFID cards operate wirelessly, there is little risk oftheir hacking. Users need to keep their cards very secure. | IC cards with sophisticated technology of encryption, make them highly secure. |
| RFID cards have compatibility issues because some machines don’t support these cards. It creates discomfort for users in certain transactions. | IC cards are highly compatible as they follow global standards and are widely accepted. |
Which one you should choose?
RFID cards are more practical and more versatile than IC cards. You don’t have to stick them with a reader; they work for many things.
However, IC cards are secret agents. Their super sophisticated encryption system makes them favorable for banking financial applications.
So it is recommended to choose the card that fits your needs. Do you need a safe banking card? Get an IC card. Or do you want a card that is versatile and can do a lot of things? Go for RFID. It’s about what you need!