This is interesting… credit card co.’s in the U.S. have launched ‘odd-shaped’ cards, thinking they are less likely to compete with other cards for room in the pocketbook – since they don’t have to be kept in the wallet at all.

Taking Amex’s see-through and fruit-coloured credit cards a step further, Visa and Discover have launched mini-me’s. Visa (in partnership with the Bank of America) is rolling out a minicard – one third the size of a normal one – which will fit on a key ring, while Discover Financial Services, is offering a kidney-shaped Discover 2GO Card (same length as a regular card, but skinnier).

But here’s the kicker. The new shapes can’t be used at the ATM – or at pay-at-the-pump gas stations – because they’re too small.

Hmmm. Think I’ll stick with my boring but practical plastic, at least until they perfect these latest innovations. And even then, the key ring card will have to compete with the M&M Meats and PETcetera mini-cards I’ve already got dangling from my key-ring… maybe if they came out with a credit bracelet in trendy colours, or a mini-card that doubles as a watch.

Cheers – BJ