But with familiarity comes dependence: when smart cards are in everyone's wallets, could a picked pocket or a misplaced handbag be equivalent to losing one's identity?

CNN: ASIANOW - Asiaweek

Some say, it was the side-by-side placement on the printing press, some say the pockets in the wallets were the limiting factor, there is some limited indication that the card size was to match the pocket tobacco box to which these cards were held with a rubber band.

FORBES: How Was The Standard Size Of A Credit Card Or A Business Card Established?