What does the term Access Card refer to?

The term "Access Card" refers specifically to a plastic card that is used primarily for ATM functions. These cards are issued by financial institutions and facilitate access to an individual's bank account, allowing the holder to perform transactions such as withdrawals, deposits, and balance inquiries at automated teller machines.

Access Cards typically have embedded technology that enables secure transactions, often incorporating a magnetic strip or a chip. This functionality distinguishes them from other types of cards, which may be used for different purposes. For example, while credit cards enable purchases on credit, and promotional gift cards are used for gifting and consumer incentives, the primary purpose of the Access Card revolves around direct access to cash and account management at ATMs, making it an essential tool for banking consumers.