Computer hardware for connecting and interacting with a personal computing device, payment reader, and automated teller machine; Computer hardware for interacting with other payment instruments; Computer hardware for storing, generating and confirming: user identification, authorization, and payment information; Computer hardware for storing, generating and confirming: user identification, authorization via a touch sensor array; Downloadable computer software and firmware for storing, generating and confirming user identification, authorization, and payment information; Downloadable computer software and firmware for connecting and interacting with a personal computing device, payment reader, and automated teller machine; Encoded smart cards containing programming used for access authorization; Encoded smart cards containing programming used for conducting payment transactions; Encoded smart cards containing programming used for interacting with other payment instruments; Encoded smart cards containing programming used for transacting with payment card readers, and automated teller machines; Encoded smart cards containing programming used for connect with personal computing devices