Smart cards are especially employed in scenarios necessitating not only secure and rapid transactions but also safeguarding personal data. This encompasses credit cards, different payment card types, government IDs, corporate identification cards, and transit fare payment cards. Moreover, these cards extend their utility to serve as legal documentation in instances, such as e-passports and visas.

Gearing up to digital-first

In addition, ongoing technological advancements, including the expansion of blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), play a key role in boosting market growth by introducing innovative possibilities. For instance, in September 2021, Standard Chartered Bank unveiled a cutting-edge smart credit card designed to cater to the evolving digital preferences of clients. This distinctive card is poised to provide everyday advantages tailored to the digital-first way of life. The new smart card brings hassle-free borrowing and a suite of digital rewards and self-service functionalities.

Advantages in modern healthcare practice

Rapid development in telemedicine and other healthcare technologies is also expected to drive the market growth. Patients use smart cards to receive medical care remotely through telemedicine platforms. In addition, the product demand is rising as healthcare providers and patients seek more secure and convenient ways to access medical treatments. For instance, in Belgium, patients are equipped with dedicated smart cards. These cards serve as repositories for the patient's personal health records and medication details. They empower healthcare professionals to conveniently and securely access patients' health information. This innovation emphasises the substantial advantages of smart cards to modern healthcare practices, streamlining the process of obtaining and sharing critical health-related data.

Key findings

• The MPU microprocessor segment led the market in 2024, accounting for over 60% share of the global revenue owing to the increasing need for secure transactions, data protection, and reliable user identification across digital platforms.

• The contactless segment led the market in 2024, accounting for over 53% share of the global revenue. Contactless smart cards, such as RFID-based cards, allow for quick and convenient transactions without physically inserting the card into a reader or terminal. This speed and ease of use make them highly appealing to consumers and businesses, leading to increased adoption.

• The communication segment held the largest revenue share in 2024. The rise of e-commerce and digital payment platforms has increased the need for secure and reliable communication channels to facilitate online transactions.

• The telecommunication segment held the largest revenue share in 2024, owing to the continued growth in the number of mobile subscribers and the expansion of mobile networks.

Geographically Asia Pacific dominates

Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2024, accounting for over 38% of the share of global revenue. Many countries in the Asia Pacific are actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives. This includes adopting smart card technologies for e-government services, digital identification, and smart city projects.

Key players

Companies active in this sector and named by the research include businesses such as, Block, Cardlogix, CPI Card Group, Giesecke+Devrient, HID Global, Idemia, Inteligensa, Samsung, Sony, and Thales.