What is a card carrier?

A card carrier refers specifically to a physical piece of paper that displays a card, typically formatted as an 8 ½" x 11" sheet. This paper often contains information about the card, including instructions for use, promotional details, and sometimes the user's card number. The purpose of a card carrier is to provide a convenient way to deliver and introduce the card to the user, making it easy to understand any terms and conditions associated with it at the time of issuance.

In this context, the other options do not accurately define a card carrier. While a device that reads card information is essential in processing payments, it is not what a card carrier is. A type of credit card agreement refers to the legal terms surrounding the use of a credit card rather than the physical item itself. A digital representation of a prepaid card is more aligned with technology and virtual payments, diverging from the traditional definition associated with the physical card presentation that a card carrier provides. Understanding the concept of a card carrier helps delineate the different components of payment systems and their presentations to consumers.