A credit card comprises a plastic layer, a processor, and a keypad. The
keypad provides the ability to input a code (e.g., a personal
identification number (PIN) code) to the processor as a part of
validating the transaction. Illustratively, the entry of a valid PIN code
may cause the processor to trigger an alerting device as an indicator to
the merchant that the holder of the credit card is authorized for its
use.