So... when you swipe your card, you actually leave it plugged in to receive account status info, which would display (just the balance?) on an LCD display? This could work.

I'm thinking your cell phone should do this, maybe, and also be your atm etc.

But then, I want my cell phone to change the channel & open my car door as well.

Might be nice, but isn't practically doable with most central account based card systems, in a secure manner, not to mention transactions done "off card" may not be accounted for. For a stored fund smartcard, perhaps, with an external reader.

I think thats a pretty terrible idea.

what if someon takes your card..... now they know what you have.