The evolution of the swipe

The move from carbon paper to "wave" is part ofa long series of (sometimes successful) credit card innovations.

1 of 6

Manual imprint (1960)

The first raised-relief plastic cards replaced cardboard and metal cards, allowing information to be recorded with carbon paper.

By Telis Demos, writer reporter

Last updated October 23 2008: 8:12 AM ET

Email | Print |

See the full list of America's largest corporations, including detailed company profiles and contact information. More

First the customers revolted. Then housing went into a free fall. CEO Frank Blake thinks orange aprons will save the day. More

Stock buybacks used to guarantee an instant stock boost. Not anymore. More