Anyone who travels abroad knows that passport book doesn’t last long because they get worn out before long and aren’t too handy to transport. Many frequent travelers prefer to use a passport card instead because it is more convenient to store and access when needed. A card is sturdier and convenient to carry around and access quickly when crossing borders.

The passport card was created to accommodate those who regularly cross the border to The Bahamas, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Canada. Travelers can cross the border several times when they use the card as an alternative to stamps or passbooks that wear out when they are used too often. The card is well suited for people who have jobs across national boundaries and commute a number of times per week.

A passport card contains what is known as a vicinity-read radio frequency ID chip. This chip links the cardholder to a database that contains all of their pertinent information. The chip does not contain any personal information from the cardholder, thereby making it much more secure.

These cards are designed to be read at close range by readers designed for this purpose. This prohibits anyone else from scanning the card accidentally or for purposes other than the intended personnel at the border checkpoints. The card is also accompanied by a “blocker sleeve” to house it while not in use to prevent any type of unwanted scanning.

One of the most appealing features is the economical advantage the card has over the standard passbook. An adult pays a $100.00 charge for a first time standard passbook purchase. Comparatively, an adult card only costs $45.00 for the same 10-year life expectancy.

Any current passport holder will be thrilled if they choose to switch over to the card rather than the book. The card for them is only a $20.00 fee and is applied for as a renewal rather than a brand new one. Between this and the elimination of ever needing extra pages for frequent travel should be among the deciding factors in choosing this method.

There is one reason travelers may not want to switch from the book to the card, however. The card in prohibited for use when people travel internationally by way of airplane.. When travelers make these particular trips, they need to use their fully equipped passbooks for their entire international trip. People don’t use airlines to travel out of the country as often, so a card is the best choice for people who regularly cross borders.

While the passbook is still the popular choice around the world, the American passport card is the more convenient choice for traveling. A card does away with the inevitable deterioration of the book over time. It is also more accessible and convenient for quick use at the borders. Travelers can get a card on the Internet, through a local American passport agency or other passport provider.