Is there a real credit-card sized computer? Something that easily fits in a wallet or pocket and has a user interface?
Rasberry Pis and similar are sometimes sold as credit-card sized, but they are not portable, really, have huge Ethernet ports and no display or keyboard. Those are on the too-big side for what i am looking for.
In the other hand, you could say that SIM cards or USB devices are technically computers, but they lack a user interface. They are too small.
Is there something small with a usuable display and input method; something that looks like a calculator or tiny smartphone? Does not need a battery (although that's a plus). Does not need WiFi or 5G (although that's plus). Needs some standard method to communicate with the outside world (USB, Bluetooth, NFC, Wifi, ...). Should easily fit in a pocket, wallet, purse.
Ideally something that can run a minimal Linux or Android?
Yes, a generic Android phone would do, but I was looking for something smaller and cheaper; more like a feature phone. And then i don't need the capability to make phone calls.
In fact, I was looking to replace smartphone apps with somethings that's not a phone. Why? Some people just don't like phones. Some places don't allow phones.
I have a small laptop by the name of GPD WIN 2. It's about the size of a Nintendo DS, touchscreen, keyboard, one USB-A and USB-C. Might suit your needs.
Consider the cardputer Link. It's intended for hobbyists who are willing and able to write programs for it but the hardware is roughly what you described.