The special feature of cards with dual interface technology is their two-way solution. Data and information are made available via both a contact-based interface (chip) and a contactless interface (RF antenna). Dual interface cards thus have two interfaces for data transmission, but only one chip. This also represents the difference to hybrid cards, which have several interfaces and chips.

This technology solution is particularly useful, for example, when switching from a contact-based system to a newer contactless system that has not yet been rolled out across the entire structure. Similar to hybrid cards, cards with dual-interface technology thus offer the possibility of a successive transfer to a newer system.

Another area of application for cards with dual-interface technology is payment methods such as checking cards and credit cards, where the user has both the option of a classic contact-based operation and a payment option by swiping the card.