Maltese company Insignia Cards Limited has launched a pathogen and germ resistant payment card in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

On its website, the company says the technology was developed by a team of specialists and involved layered metal coatings that resist pathogens and prevent germs from enduring on its specially treated surface.

In a company statement, it said the coating effectively kills up to 99 per cent of germs on treated surfaces. The company also said that the tests showed how the pathogens do not have time to develop resistance before being destroyed by the treatment.

It added that the card’s best results against germs is when coating is applied to titanium or zinc surfaced, layered below the silver on the credit cards.

Insignia commenced operations in 1996 as a travel-related service and payment card provider. It has since grown into an all-encompassing luxury lifestyle management group with a global presence.