Abstract: Methods for variably encoding recorded information in accordance with the type of information which is recorded. The information is organized into types of numeric data, alpha data, alphanumeric data and ASCII character data. Numeric data is encoded in 4-bit code; alpha data is encoded in 5-bit code; alphanumeric data is encoded in 6-bit code; and ASCII character data is encoded in 7-bit code. The fields of the individual data code groups are variable in length to fit the length of the individual data code group stored therein. Each individual field is terminated by a field separator encoded in the same type code as the data type contained in that field. A type separator at the end of each data type signifies transition to data of the next type. This encoding method is particularly adapted to the recording of information in a limited recording area, such as a credit card.