A memory card is formatted so as to provide a first index area for storing a chapter attribute table made up of attribute information corresponding to a plurality of chapters, each chapter formed by a plurality of clusters required for performing a one-time recording of sequential information into a data area, a second index area for storing a cluster table made up of the used information of each cluster corresponding to the order of clusters of the data area, a data area divided into a plurality of clusters, and a card management information area for storing card management information including the information regarding recorded data, information regarding an associated application device relating to the recorded data and information regarding the number of recorded chapters, arranged in that order. According to one aspect of the memory card, a defective block redundant area advantageously can be provided between the data area and the card management information area. This format promotes utilization of the memory card as a recording medium for storing all types of digital information irrespective of the specific application field or the specific data type. Methods adapted for recording, reproducing and erasing the memory card are also described. A used card can be initialized so as to be reused regardless of differences in the kind of information or the type of device employed, thereby enhancing the practical use of the card and increasing its compatibility.