What is the purpose of swiping a credit card during a transaction?

The purpose of swiping a credit card during a transaction is primarily to charge rental fees electronically or to process any payment related to the transaction. When a credit card is swiped, it allows the merchant to access the card's information, including the card number and available funds, which are then used to authorize and complete the transaction. This electronic process is efficient and secure, facilitating quick payments and reducing the need for cash transactions.

While confirming the customer's identity could potentially be a part of the transaction process, it is not the primary purpose of swiping a card. The card's expiration date is also verified as part of the transaction processing, but that is a secondary feature rather than the main function. Collecting personal information is not the intent behind swiping the card; the focus is on processing payments rather than gathering additional data about the cardholder. Thus, option B accurately reflects the main purpose of swiping a credit card.