Oberthur Technologies, a prepaid and contactless payment technologies developer has delivered prepaid Visa contactless cards for the Banca Popolare di Sondrio in Italy.

Issued in collaboration with KCCS Key Client Card and Solutions, the Carta di Ateneo card is based on a combination between Visa-certified contactless and EMV payment features, also integrating access control and personal identification capabilities. The card will be used by students and faculty employees of two learning institutions based in Milan, namely the Politecnico di Milano and the University of Milan Bicocca. The card has the student's personal data and photo printed on the card.

Cardholders can use Carta di Ateneo to access the university buildings, internet and university web services, as well as for retail, online purchases and ATM cash withdrawals. They can also make contactless purchases of up to EUR 15, by passing the card in front of a contactless terminal. For larger purchases, they will have to use the card's EMV interface with either the cardholder's PIN or signature.