What is Blink?

Not Exactly New Tech
Mobile introduced the Speedpass in 1997. Speedpass is a small device on a keychain (called a fob) that users wave in front of the Speedpass logo on gas pumps. The cost of the gas is automatically deducted from the user's Speedpass account.

The new blink credit card is just like a regular credit card in many ways. It has the account holder's name and the account number embossed on the front of the card. On the back is a magnetic strip containing the account information, so the card can be used anywhere regular credit cards can be used. The key difference is inside the card.

Embedded within the blink card is a small RFID (radio frequency identification) microchip. When the chip is close enough to the right kind of terminal, the terminal can get information from the chip -- in this case, the account number and name. So instead of swiping the magnetic strip on the card through a standard credit-card reader, card holders simply hold their card a few inches from the blink terminal. The card never leaves the card holder's hand.


Courtesy Chase

As with standard credit-card transactions, the terminal then sends the information via phone line to the bank that issued the card and checks the account balance to see if there is room on the card for the purchase. If there is, the bank issues a confirmation number to the terminal, the sale is approved and the card holder is on his or her way.

Now, let's get into the technical details of blink.

Passing the Time
Chase commissioned a survey to find out just how much Americans hate waiting in lines to show why blink technology is an important step forward. The top two places people hate to wait in line, according to the survey, are at the doctor's office and at the department of motor vehicles. The survey also revealed that women are more patient in line, while men are more likely to use technology, such as a cell phone or headphones, to pass the time while waiting. Finally, women reported that they would enjoy waiting in line with Ellen Degeneres or Barbara Walters, while men would pass the time with Jennifer Aniston if given the opportunity [ref].