A wireless mobile device is adapted to access a wireless network and includes a subscriber identification module (SIM) card slot and a magnetic stripe reader module electrically connected to the SIM card slot and thereby to the wireless mobile phone. The magnetic stripe reader module is adapted to receive and read information stored in a magnetic stripe and transmit this information to an entity through the wireless mobile device and the wireless network. The wireless mobile device of this invention is used to conduct financial transactions using a payment card comprising a magnetic stripe. The financial transactions include face-to-face or remote purchases and payment with the payment card through a financial institution.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/422,384 filed on Oct. 30, 2002 and entitled MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH A MAGNETIC STRIPE READER which is commonly assigned and the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
A transaction card having one or more folds therein to provide a compact and easily stored transaction card is provided. Moreover, a foldable transaction card having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding a keychain, or other device for attaching the transaction card to another item, such as a set of keys, a wallet, or other item is provided. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. In addition, methods of making foldable transaction cards are provided.
Transaction cards are provided, wherein said foldable transaction cards have internal hinge material disposed within the foldable transaction card and fold lines for folding the transaction cards. In addition, foldable transaction card systems are provided, whereby transaction cards, having the internal hinge material, are provided within housings, cases or carriers. Moreover, methods of making foldable transaction cards are provided.
Convenient transaction cards are provided that may be attached or interconnected with portable electronic devices, such as, for example, cellular telephones, PDAs, MP3 players, the iPod.TM. digital music device, and other like portable electronic music devices. The transaction cards may be foldable to provide for convenient storage and access of the transaction card when utilized. In addition, the transaction cards may be provided within a case or a housing that may be removable from the electronic device.
