Credit card with keypad to help fight online fraud

A credit card with its own LCD display and keypad has been unveiled.

Visa says the card will cut down on online shopping fraud. It will be tested in Britain early next year by the company MBNA.

Each card, identical in size and shape to current ones, has a 12-button keypad and a display powered by a battery that lasts up to three years.

Users have to input their Pin every time they make an online purchase. The card then displays a security code, which must be entered into the website. If the code is authorised by Visa's servers, the purchase is approved.

The company hopes the card could boost shopping over the internet.

"We saw a big rise in online shopping, but consumers were still worried about fraud," said Sandra Alzetta of Visa. "We hope this new card will help allay those fears, and give consumers more confidence when shopping online."