From: Eric Blossom <eb@comsec.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 14:13:50 -0800 (PST)
To: bdolan@USIT.NET
Subject: Re: ~digicash at Shell
In-Reply-To: <Pine.GSO.3.95.961223103208.9873C-100000@use.usit.net>
Message-ID: <199612302148.NAA23846@comsec.com>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain


> Shell is now marketing a stored-value card in $25, $50, and $100 face
> denominations.  The $100 card retails for $94 right now.  I'm not sure if
> that discount will be a long-term thing or if it's just to get people
> hooked.  Anyway, the card can be purchased anonymously for cash and can be
> used to buy anything at Shell.  I like to use the automated
> pay-at-the-pump gizmos to save time but I don't like to leave a digital
> footprint behind on my credit card statement for Louis' Legions to peruse,
> so I think the stored-value card is a step forward for privacy.

Is this a "stored value smart card", or something like most US phone
cards, where the "account number" is used to debit a centrally
maintained account?