Smart cards that will halt need to queue

CONSUMERS who struggle to find small change for everyday goods could see an end to their woes from next year thanks to a new generation of bank cards.

Ireland’s big banks are looking at implanting laser and credit cards with a radio chip so cardholders can simply wave their cards over a scanner at the till for small purchases.

Shoppers have to queue with their goods, get their cards swiped through a reader by a shop assistant before keying in their PIN number and leaving the store.