How many characters can Track 2 of a payment card contain?

Track 2 of a payment card is designed to hold specific information in a defined format, and it can contain up to 40 characters. This track typically includes details such as the cardholder's account number, expiration date, and other information necessary for processing transactions. The limitations on character length are set to ensure compatibility with various systems and maintain the integrity of the data being conveyed.

In terms of the context of track specifications, while other options may represent plausible character limits for different types of data or standards, they do not align with the actual specifications for Track 2. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the maximum character capacity as defined by industry standards.