Electronic Card

An electronic device powered by a power source which is capable of communicating with a read head of a magnetic strip reader, comprising:

• a user selection mechanism operable to allow a user to select a customization variable for a single transaction of the electronic device;
• a processor for generating a transaction specific data packet that includes an account number and a customized number;
• and
• an electronic communication device operable to cause the data packet to be read by the read head when the electronic device is positioned within a preselected distance of the read head;
• wherein the electronic communication device is operable to dynamically convey the transaction specific data packet to the read head so that the transaction specific data packet is read by the read head when the electronic device is positioned within a preselected distance of the read head;
• wherein the transaction specific data packet is dynamically generated for use by the electronic device for the single transaction of the electronic device and the customized number is determined based upon the customization variable selected by the user selection mechanism;
• and
• wherein the account number is a fixed number that can be used by the electronic device for a plurality of consecutive transactions of the electronic device without changing and the customization variable may or may not change for any given transaction of said plurality of consecutive transactions depending upon a user selection for said any given transaction.