UK cashpoints to take smartcards

NEWS UK cashpoints will soon be able to accept smartcards after a joint initiative between the Association for Payment Clearing Services (Apacs) and cashpoint systems developer, NCR. Smartcards carry an embedded chip which can support applications such as emoney. In the modified Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), holders will be able to download cash straight onto their card. The deal follows Apacs' announcement last week that it will start trailing smartcards in the UK. The new technology will be ready by the end of 1998 and will be installed on 80 per cent of ATMs by 2000.