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Corner Bank Ltd. plans to start adding access and identification functions to its contactless Visa credit cards in the second quarter, according to Legic Identsystems Ltd., the Swiss vendor providing the technology (CardLine Global, 5 March.). Officials from the Switzerland-based bank did not respond to requests for comment. Because the bank is testing the multiapplication cards this year, only a "few thousand" will be issued, a Legic spokesperson tells CardLine Global. The cards could enable consumers to access gyms or prove identities when entering offices, among other tasks. "The addition of the access application should have a very minor impact on the cost [of the cards], since the only change consists of modifying the card-personalization process," the Legic spokesperson says without providing cost figures. Generally, adding chips can add a dollar or so to the cost of a card, according to industry experts.
