Abstract: Payment devices and methods for forming payment devices are provided. A payment device may include a front cover, a back cover, and at least one insert, and at least one payment mechanism. The at least one insert may be disposed or situated between the front cover and the back cover, and the front cover, back cover, and the at least one insert may be hinged together along a respective common edge. The at least one payment mechanism may be integrated into one or more of the front cover, the back cover, or the at least one insert.

Abstract: A transaction product assembly includes a transaction product and a supporting backer. The transaction product includes an account identifier, a primary article, and a panel. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record, and the account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The primary article defines a substantially planar surface. The panel extends across the substantially planar surface to define a pocket between the panel and the substantially planar surface. The supporting backer is formed separately from the transaction product and includes a flap extending into the pocket to at least partially couple the supporting backer to the transaction product. Other products, assemblies, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a base member, an auxiliary member, and an account identifier. The base member defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a spiral cut extending through the base to define a spiral portion. The spiral portion is stretched to extend in a conic helical form in front of a portion of the first surface defined by a remainder of the base member. The auxiliary member is coupled to the spiral portion opposite the portion of the first surface defined by the remainder of the base member. The account identifier is fixedly connected to one of the base member and the auxiliary member. The account identifier links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Other cards, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Payment devices and methods for forming payment devices are provided. A payment device may include a front cover, a back cover, and at least one insert, and at least one payment mechanism. The at least one insert may be disposed or situated between the front cover and the back cover, and the front cover, back cover, and the at least one insert may be hinged together along a respective common edge. The at least one payment mechanism may be integrated into one or more of the front cover, the back cover, or the at least one insert.

Abstract: A transaction product assembly includes a transaction product and a supporting backer. The transaction product includes an account identifier, a primary article, and a panel. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record, and the account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The primary article defines a substantially planar surface. The panel extends across the substantially planar surface to define a pocket between the panel and the substantially planar surface. The supporting backer is formed separately from the transaction product and includes a flap extending into the pocket to at least partially couple the supporting backer to the transaction product. Other products, assemblies, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a base member, an auxiliary member, and an account identifier. The base member defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a spiral cut extending through the base to define a spiral portion. The spiral portion is stretched to extend in a conic helical form in front of a portion of the first surface defined by a remainder of the base member. The auxiliary member is coupled to the spiral portion opposite the portion of the first surface defined by the remainder of the base member. The account identifier is fixedly connected to one of the base member and the auxiliary member. The account identifier links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Other cards, combinations and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a substantially biodegradable substrate, a plurality of seeds, and an account identifier. The plurality of seeds is coupled with the substantially biodegradable substrate such that the plurality of seeds is embedded within and substantially surrounded by the substantially biodegradable substrate. When the financial transaction card is inserted into a planting composition, the substantially biodegradable substrate decomposes leaving the plurality of seeds planted in the planting composition. The account identifier is securely connected to the substrate and links the substantially biodegradable substrate to a financial account. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate and a thermochromic feature. The substrate defines a first surface and includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The thermochromic feature portrays a character on a portion of the first surface. The thermochromic feature is configured to change between a first state and a second state when an actual temperature of the thermochromic feature reaches an activation temperature of the thermochromic feature. In the first state, the thermochromic feature appears as a first color. In the second state, the thermochromic feature presents at least one of a second color and a graphic not otherwise visible when the thermochromic feature is in the first state. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card includes a substantially biodegradable substrate, a plurality of seeds, and an account identifier. The plurality of seeds is coupled with the substantially biodegradable substrate such that the plurality of seeds is embedded within and substantially surrounded by the substantially biodegradable substrate. When the financial transaction card is inserted into a planting composition, the substantially biodegradable substrate decomposes leaving the plurality of seeds planted in the planting composition. The account identifier is securely connected to the substrate and links the substantially biodegradable substrate to a financial account. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate and a thermochromic feature. The substrate defines a first surface and includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The thermochromic feature portrays a character on a portion of the first surface. The thermochromic feature is configured to change between a first state and a second state when an actual temperature of the thermochromic feature reaches an activation temperature of the thermochromic feature. In the first state, the thermochromic feature appears as a first color. In the second state, the thermochromic feature presents at least one of a second color and a graphic not otherwise visible when the thermochromic feature is in the first state. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is associated with seeds of at least one type, where each of the seeds is configured for planting in a composition. The financial transaction card includes a substrate defining a first portion and a second portion attached to and readily separable from the first portion. The first portion includes an account identifier, which links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The second portion includes a pointed end and indicia identifying the at least one type of seeds. The second portion is configured for insertion into the composition to mark where the seeds are planted in the composition. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is associated with seeds of at least one type, where each of the seeds is configured for planting in a composition. The financial transaction card includes a substrate defining a first portion and a second portion attached to and readily separable from the first portion. The first portion includes an account identifier, which links the financial transaction card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The second portion includes a pointed end and indicia identifying the at least one type of seeds. The second portion is configured for insertion into the composition to mark where the seeds are planted in the composition. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.