Electronic ticketing systems
Electronic ticketing
The card can be used as a paperless electronic ticket in public transport or for events. The ticket is not printed out, but stored on the card. For example, this system is already in operation in Bremen (public transport) and at CHIO Aachen (annual horse riding event "Concours Hippique International Officiel").
A similar application is the check-in/check-out system used in parking garages. The car’s entry and exit time is recorded by inserting the GeldKarte at the barrier, and the parking fee is debited automatically to the chip when the driver leaves.
Marketplace functions
Bonus point systems
These are "drawers" where bonus points can be stored. They are used by CityCard systems offered by retailers, such as those already in use in towns such as Bonn, Braunschweig, or Gießen. A similar application are tourist cards, including public transport, admission charges, etc. (e.g. EntdeckerCard Nordwest)
Digital Signature
Digital signature
Since late 2005 Germans can submit their tax documents electronically. "ElsterOnline", the electronic tax and revenue office requires a secure digital signature, which can be achieved by using a smart card reader and the golden chip.
Electronic banking
Secure electronic banking
Microchip and smart card reader also offer secure home banking: the bank customer can legitimate himself or herself via a digitale signature stored in the chip.
By securing access to the bank account with the physical card and the individual PIN, the user is effectively protected against any phishing attacks.
Protection of minors
At cigarette vending machines
Age verification: "Older than 18"
Since January 1st, 2007, German smokers due to buy cigarettes at a vending machine must proof their age. That's why all the operators of cigarette vending machines have re-fitted their machines, enabling them to read the chip on account-linked cards.
The main reason for this development is the German law for the protection of minors – this legislation is designed to ensure that young people under the age of 16 cannot buy cigarettes from vending machines.
The GeldKarte chip on the ec or bank card already carries a special code which will then prevent people under the age of 18 from using it at cigarette machines.
On the Internet
On the Internet the GeldKarte provides an anonymous and comfortable way to prove one's age. About 170,000 websites containing age-restricted content are already relying on GeldKarte to verify their users' age. This is not only mandatory for adult content sites, but also for gambling or video download sites.