What shape is your credit card in?

I mean that literally. Have you ever wondered why credit cards are rectangular and not some other shape? I always just figured it was to make them fit in the wallet better. But maybe the wallet's been made to accommodate credit cards.

Regardless, I know I've seen those little keychain credit cards but I haven't seen too many of them. I guess people like their plastic larger. Now, the Bank of Scotland has come out with a credit card that's not a lot different except it has a corner cut off. Perhaps this is a step in a new direction where the bottom edge of the card could have some design to it.

They are the first to change the shape of their credit card in 37 years, plus they offer UK users some good deals besides the new configuration. They offer 0% interest rates on balance transfers and new purchases until December 2007.

They also offer gift credit cards, which is a way to preload a credit card with funds and give it to someone for a gift instead of the usual store gift card. That way, the recipient shops at the store of their choice instead of your choice. It comes in the new shape just like the regular credit cards.

I wonder what else they'll be doing to the shape of credit cards in the future?