What if a single card could unlock a door, verify an identity, and strengthen your brand all at once? That is exactly the kind of power that access control cards bring to modern businesses. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years helping organizations across the country put that power to work, and we are ready to do the same for you.
We ship plastic cards, card printers, and refill supplies to customers everywhere in the nation. Whether you need ten cards or ten thousand, our team handles every order with the same level of care and attention to detail. Reach us anytime at 800-835-7919 to get started or to ask any question you have.
Our catalog covers everything from basic photo ID cards to sophisticated RFID-enabled access control cards. We proudly serve businesses of every size, from small local shops to large corporations with multiple locations. No matter your industry, we have a card solution that fits your needs and your budget.
In a world flooded with apps and digital notifications, a physical card still carries a weight that no screen can match. When someone holds your branded access card, they are holding a piece of your organization. That moment of contact builds trust in a way that a push notification simply cannot replicate.
Research consistently shows that physical items command more attention and are remembered longer than digital alternatives. Access control cards, in particular, are handled daily by employees, members, and guests. Every swipe or tap is another impression of your brand reinforced in the mind of the cardholder.
Distance is never a barrier when you work with us. We ship our full range of plastic cards, card printers, and supplies to every corner of the country, ensuring that businesses from coast to coast can access the same high-quality products. Your order arrives carefully packaged and ready to use.
We understand that timing matters for your operations. Whether you are replacing lost access cards or launching a brand-new program, we work efficiently to get your order out the door as quickly as possible. Consistent delivery is a cornerstone of the service we provide to every client we serve.
Over the past quarter century, we have empowered more than 100,000 businesses and produced over 50 million cards. Those numbers are not just statistics. They represent real organizations that trusted us with their identity, their security, and their brand image. We take that responsibility seriously every single day.
Our clients come back to us repeatedly because they know what to expect: reliable quality, expert guidance, and solutions that actually work. We are not just a printer. We are a strategic partner invested in the long-term success of every business we serve, and that philosophy shapes everything we do.
Access control cards are specially designed credentials that allow or restrict entry to physical spaces, systems, or resources. They work alongside card readers, door controllers, and software systems to create a layered security environment that protects people, property, and sensitive information. These cards are far more sophisticated than they appear at first glance.
At their core, access control cards communicate with a reader through magnetic stripes, embedded chips, or contactless radio frequency technology. Depending on the card type and the reader system in place, they can store employee data, access levels, and even time-clock information. The variety of technologies available means there is an access card solution for nearly every security scenario imaginable.
We supply access control cards that are compatible with a wide range of systems already in use by businesses today. Our team can help you identify the right card technology for your setup so that integration is smooth and your security stays strong from day one of deployment.
Not all access control cards are the same. Different technologies serve different needs, and choosing the right one depends on your security requirements, your existing infrastructure, and how you want cardholders to interact with your system. We offer a full spectrum of options to match any situation.
Here are the most common access control card technologies we provide:
Each technology has its strengths, and our experts are happy to walk you through the differences. A quick call to 800-835-7919 puts you in touch with someone who can help you choose with confidence. We make the technical side easy to understand so you can make the best decision for your organization.
RFID and contactless access control cards represent the current leading edge of physical security technology. These cards communicate with readers without any physical contact, simply holding the card near the reader grants or denies access in a fraction of a second. This speed and convenience make them ideal for high-traffic entry points like office lobbies and parking garages.
Beyond convenience, contactless cards offer enhanced data encryption that makes them significantly harder to clone or counterfeit compared to older magnetic stripe technology. MIFARE DESFire cards, for example, use advanced encryption standards that protect the data stored on the card during every single transaction. This level of protection is critical for organizations handling sensitive information or valuable assets.
Security does not have to come at the expense of appearance. We print full-color, custom designs directly onto your access control cards so that they reflect your brand while performing their security function. Employee photos, company logos, barcodes, and cardholder names can all be incorporated into a polished, professional layout.
A well-designed access card also serves as a visual deterrent. When cards display professional logos, employee photos, and clear identification information, it becomes much easier for staff to spot unauthorized individuals. The card becomes a visible symbol of belonging that reinforces your security culture every single day it is in use across your facility.
| Printer Type | Best For | Print Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Direct-to-Card Single-Sided | Small offices, basic ID cards | Low to medium |
| Direct-to-Card Dual-Sided | Employee badges with back printing | Medium |
| Retransfer High-Definition | Edge-to-edge printing, smart cards | Medium to high |
| High-Volume Batch Printer | Large organizations, frequent issuance | High |
Printing your own access control cards on-site gives your organization incredible flexibility and speed. When a new employee starts or a card needs replacing, you can handle it immediately without waiting for an outside vendor. We supply a carefully selected range of card printers designed to handle access control cards with precision and reliability.
Our printers range from compact desktop models perfect for small offices to high-volume machines built for large enterprises that issue hundreds of cards each week. Every printer we carry is chosen for its durability, print quality, and ease of use, so your team can operate it confidently from the very first day.
The right card printer depends on how many cards you issue, how often you issue them, and what features your access cards require. A small office issuing a dozen cards per month has very different needs from a university issuing thousands of student ID and access cards each semester. We help you match the machine to your reality.
For organizations that need to encode magnetic stripes or smart chip data during the printing process, we offer printers with built-in encoding capabilities. This means your card is printed and encoded in one seamless step, saving time and reducing the chance of errors. Integrated encoding is a game-changer for any organization running a serious access control program.
A great printer is only as good as the supplies that feed it. We stock a comprehensive selection of printer ribbons, cleaning kits, and blank card stock so that your printing operation never comes to an unexpected halt. Keeping the right supplies on hand is simple when you order everything from one trusted source.
Here is a snapshot of the supplies we regularly ship nationwide:
We keep our supply inventory stocked so your order ships fast. Running low on ribbons or cards mid-project is a frustration we help you avoid entirely.
Regular maintenance extends the life of your card printer and keeps print quality sharp over time. Cleaning the print head and rollers on a consistent schedule prevents dust and card residue from building up and causing streaks or jams. Most printers include a cleaning kit and a recommended maintenance schedule in the documentation we send with your order.
We are also here after the sale if you have questions about keeping your printer running at its best. Our team can walk you through maintenance procedures over the phone and help troubleshoot any issues you encounter. Good equipment paired with good support is the combination that keeps your access card program running without interruption.
Access control cards are not limited to one type of business or organization. In fact, they serve a remarkably diverse range of industries, each with unique security and identification needs. We have supplied access control solutions to clients across virtually every sector, and that broad experience makes us a better partner for you.
From hospitality to healthcare, from education to manufacturing, the need to manage who goes where and when is universal. A well-designed access control card program brings order, safety, and accountability to any environment. The card itself becomes the foundation of a secure, well-run operation that employees and visitors trust.
Large office buildings and multi-building campuses rely heavily on access control cards to manage employee movement and visitor access. Cards can be programmed to allow entry only to specific zones during specific hours, giving security managers precise control over who is where at any given time. This level of granularity is essential for protecting sensitive areas like server rooms and executive floors.
We have helped corporations design access card programs that balance security with a professional, polished appearance. When employees wear or carry a well-designed ID and access card, it projects confidence and competence to clients and guests who visit the facility. The visual impact of a quality card should never be underestimated in a professional setting.
Healthcare environments have some of the most demanding access control requirements of any industry. Patient privacy, medication security, and restricted laboratory areas all depend on reliable access management. Our cards are designed to meet these rigorous demands while remaining easy for busy healthcare professionals to use throughout their shifts.
Hospitals also need to quickly deactivate cards when staff leave or when credentials change. We supply cards and printing systems that integrate smoothly with the software platforms most healthcare organizations already use. Fast, reliable card issuance keeps your security protocols current and your facility safe for patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Hotel key cards are one of the most recognized forms of access control cards in the world. Guests use them multiple times each day to access their rooms, fitness centers, parking areas, and exclusive amenities. We supply hotel key cards that are durable, customizable, and fully compatible with the leading hotel lock systems on the market.
Beyond the guest room, access control cards in hospitality also manage employee access to back-of-house areas, storage rooms, and administrative offices. A single card program can handle both guest and staff access, simplifying management while strengthening security throughout the property. We help hospitality clients design card programs that serve both functions beautifully.
Access control is just one chapter in the larger story of what plastic cards can do for your organization. We also produce membership cards, photo ID badges, alumni credentials, union cards, and a wide range of other identity solutions that help people feel connected to the organizations they belong to. Each card we create carries meaning beyond its function.
A membership card is more than a key to a facility. It is a symbol of belonging that members carry with pride. We print membership cards with full-color designs, member names, barcodes, and magnetic stripes so they serve both as beautiful keepsakes and as functional tools within your membership management system.
Photo ID badges are the backbone of workplace security in organizations of every size. When every employee wears a clearly visible, professionally printed ID badge, it becomes immediately obvious when someone does not belong. This simple visual security layer is one of the most cost-effective safety measures any organization can implement.
We print photo ID badges with crisp, full-color photo reproduction and clean, easy-to-read text. Logos, department names, employee titles, and barcodes can all be included in a layout that looks sharp and professional. Our printers handle the entire process on-site so your HR or security team can issue new badges the same day they are needed.
Universities and professional organizations use alumni and union cards to maintain connection with their communities long after formal membership or enrollment ends. These cards carry emotional significance that keeps recipients engaged with the organization for years. A beautifully printed alumni card is something people genuinely keep in their wallet.
Union credential cards serve a critical function as well, providing members with verifiable proof of standing that is recognized by employers and officials across an industry. We produce these cards with the durability and professional finish that union members expect and deserve. Every card we make reflects the pride and identity of the organization it represents.
Casino player cards are a sophisticated blend of access control, loyalty tracking, and personalized marketing all in one. Players use these cards to access gaming floors, track their play, and earn rewards that keep them coming back. The card becomes the centerpiece of the entire customer relationship management strategy for the casino.
We design and print casino player cards that are visually striking and technically robust, capable of handling the high-frequency use that gaming environments demand. The same technology also applies to loyalty card programs in retail, restaurants, and entertainment venues. If you want to build a loyal customer base, a well-designed card program is one of the most proven tools available.
Sometimes a standard card just is not enough. For clients who want to make an unforgettable first impression, we offer specialty card options that go far beyond the ordinary. These cards are conversation starters, statement pieces, and powerful brand tools all wrapped into one compelling package.
Our specialty card options include clear plastic cards, cards with custom die-cut shapes, and luxury metal cards crafted from materials like stainless steel or gold-finish metal. Each of these options carries a premium feel that communicates exclusivity and attention to detail the moment someone holds the card in their hand.
Clear plastic cards are a striking alternative to the standard white PVC card. When your design is printed on a clear background, the visual effect is dramatic and modern, making your branding elements pop in a way that opaque cards simply cannot match. These cards are popular among high-end brands, clubs, and any organization that wants to stand apart from the crowd.
Despite their eye-catching appearance, clear cards are just as durable and functional as standard plastic cards. They can include magnetic stripes, barcodes, and chip technology just like any other card we produce. The wow factor is built in without sacrificing a single bit of practical performance, which is exactly the kind of balance we love to deliver.
Metal cards are in a category entirely their own. The weight, the finish, and the sound a metal card makes when set on a table all communicate something money cannot easily buy: prestige. We craft metal cards from stainless steel, brushed aluminum, and gold-finish materials for clients who want their card to say something extraordinary about their brand.
These cards are particularly popular as VIP membership cards, exclusive loyalty credentials, and premium business cards for executives and entrepreneurs. When you hand someone a metal card, you are handing them an experience. It is a moment they remember, and a card they are far less likely to throw away compared to paper or even standard plastic alternatives.
Who says a card has to be a rectangle? We produce cards in custom die-cut shapes that align with your brand identity or marketing campaign theme. A surf shop might use wave-shaped cards. A dental practice might use tooth-shaped loyalty cards. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and your desire to be remembered.
Custom shape cards work especially well for gift card and loyalty programs where standing out at the point of sale drives immediate consumer interest. When your card catches someone's eye on a display rack, that visual attraction translates directly into sales. We help creative brands use every dimension of the card as a marketing opportunity that works in their favor.
Few marketing tools deliver the consistent return on investment that gift cards and loyalty cards do. Retailers who switch from paper gift certificates to professional plastic gift cards often see their gift card sales double almost immediately. The perceived value of a plastic card is simply higher, and customers respond to that perception in powerful ways.
Loyalty cards keep customers coming back by rewarding the behavior you most want to encourage. Whether your program uses points, punches, or tiered rewards, a well-designed plastic loyalty card makes the program feel official and worthwhile. We have seen loyalty programs increase repeat customer visits significantly for businesses across a wide range of industries.
The statistics behind plastic gift cards are genuinely impressive. Businesses that upgrade from paper certificates to plastic gift cards routinely report sales increases of up to 100%. The card format encourages higher spending, creates new customer acquisition opportunities through gifting, and often results in recipients spending more than the card's face value in a single visit.
We produce gift cards with full-color custom printing, magnetic stripes or barcodes for system integration, and optional packaging such as custom card carriers and envelopes. A complete gift card package from us gives your customers a retail-quality gifting experience that rivals anything offered by the largest brands in your industry.
A loyalty card is a daily reminder to your customers that you value their business. Every time they open their wallet and see your card, they are reminded of the rewards waiting for them at your location. That subtle, persistent presence is a form of marketing that continues working for you around the clock without any additional cost.
We design loyalty cards that are beautiful, durable, and built to last through years of wallet wear. The quality of the card reflects the quality of your program, and customers notice the difference between a flimsy punchcard and a professional plastic loyalty credential. We make sure your loyalty card sends exactly the right message every single time it is seen.
A great card deserves great packaging. We offer custom card carriers and sleeves that complement your card design and make the unboxing experience feel special for the recipient. Whether you are sending gift cards to corporate clients or distributing loyalty cards to new members, the right packaging elevates the entire experience significantly.
We also provide full-service card affixing and mailing, turning your card program into a completely hands-off marketing campaign. We print your cards, attach them to customized mailers, and ship them directly to your customer list. This end-to-end service saves your team enormous time and ensures every piece goes out looking polished and professional from start to finish.
We talk with business owners and security managers every day who have questions about access control cards. Over the years, certain questions come up again and again, and we want to address them directly so you can move forward with confidence. Below are some of the most common questions we hear and the straightforward answers we provide.
If your question is not covered here, we genuinely want to hear from you. Our team is knowledgeable, approachable, and ready to give you the specific answers your situation requires. Every business is different, and we take the time to understand yours before recommending any solution.
One of the first questions new clients ask is about minimum order quantities. The good news is that we work with organizations of all sizes, which means our order quantities are designed to be flexible enough to serve a small team as well as a large enterprise. You do not have to over-order just to get access to our quality and service.
That said, ordering in larger quantities does typically reduce the per-card cost, which is worth considering if you know you will need ongoing replenishment. We are happy to help you think through what makes the most sense for your situation based on your current headcount, your expected growth, and the nature of your access control program overall.
Absolutely. We keep records of your card specifications and designs so that reordering is simple and fast. Consistency in your card program is important for maintaining a professional, unified appearance, and we make it easy to get exact reprints whenever you need them. Your design assets are safe with us and ready to go when you call.
We also make it easy to make minor updates between orders, such as updating a logo, adjusting a color, or adding a new department name. Our design team handles these changes quickly so your new cards are ready to order without a lengthy back-and-forth process. We want reordering to be as effortless as possible for every client we serve.
That is exactly what we are here for. Choosing between proximity cards, smart cards, and magnetic stripe technology can feel overwhelming if you are not already familiar with how these systems work. Our team speaks plain language, not tech jargon, so you always understand your options clearly and can make a confident, informed decision.
We start by asking about your existing reader hardware, your security goals, and your budget range. From there, we narrow down the options to the two or three solutions that make the most sense for your specific situation. A short conversation at 800-835-7919 is often all it takes to get completely clear on the right path forward for your organization.
Consider a mid-sized manufacturing company with three facilities spread across two states. They were relying on old-fashioned key locks and paper visitor logs to manage access across their buildings. Security incidents were increasing, and management knew something had to change before a serious breach occurred on their watch.
They reached out to us looking for a modern, manageable solution. After a brief consultation, we recommended a proximity card access control system paired with an on-site card printer so their HR team could issue and deactivate cards instantly. Within weeks of implementation, they reported a dramatic improvement in access management and employee accountability throughout all three of their facilities.
The company's biggest challenge was controlling access to sensitive areas like their tool storage, chemical handling zone, and executive offices. With physical keys, rekeying costs were prohibitive, and there was no reliable way to track who entered those areas or when. Their paper log system was inconsistently maintained and provided no real accountability.
They also had a high employee turnover rate in certain departments, which meant the key management problem was constant rather than occasional. Every time an employee left, they had a potential security gap that took days or weeks to fully address. The situation was costing them both money and peace of mind on a continuing basis.
We supplied them with a package that included custom-printed proximity access control cards, a dual-sided card printer with built-in encoder, and an initial stock of blank card supplies. The printer allowed their HR team to produce a fully encoded, custom-printed access card in under two minutes for any new hire. Deactivating a card for a departing employee took just seconds in their access software.
The custom-printed design we created included the company logo, the employee's photo and name, their department, and a unique barcode. The card was professional enough to serve as both an access credential and a visible employee ID badge simultaneously. This dual function eliminated the need for two separate card programs, saving the company both money and administrative complexity.
Within the first three months, the company reported zero unauthorized access incidents in the areas they had designated as restricted. Their security team described the change as transformative, noting that employees took the new system seriously in a way they never had with the old key-based approach. The visible, professional card program created a culture of accountability that extended beyond just door access.
They also found that the on-site printer paid for itself faster than they expected. Instead of calling an outside vendor every time they needed new cards, they handled everything internally at a fraction of the previous cost per card. The combination of better security and lower ongoing costs made this one of the most successful investments the company made all year, and they told us so directly.
Choosing the right card supplier is a decision that affects your operations, your security, and your brand for years to come. We have built our reputation over more than 25 years by consistently delivering on our promises, and that track record speaks louder than any claim we could make. When you work with us, you gain a partner who is genuinely invested in your success.
Our combination of product range, printing expertise, and nationwide shipping makes us a uniquely capable partner for organizations at every stage of building or expanding a card program. Whether you are starting from scratch or upgrading an existing system, we have the products, the knowledge, and the commitment to get you where you want to be.
Managing multiple vendors for your card program creates unnecessary complexity and cost. When you work with us, you get everything from a single trusted source: the cards themselves, the printer to produce them on-site, and all the supplies needed to keep that printer running at peak performance. This consolidation simplifies your purchasing and ensures consistency across everything you receive.
Having one point of contact also means faster resolution when questions arise. You do not have to figure out whether a problem is the card, the ribbon, or the printer and then call three different companies. You call us, and we sort it out. That kind of straightforward accountability is something our clients genuinely appreciate throughout the life of their relationship with us.
Our team brings a depth of experience that is genuinely difficult to match in this industry. Having produced over 50 million cards for more than 100,000 businesses, we have encountered virtually every scenario, challenge, and special requirement that a card program can present. That experience is available to you the moment you pick up the phone or place your first order with us.
We invest continuously in staying current with the latest card technologies, printing methods, and security standards. When new access card technologies emerge, we evaluate them carefully before adding them to our offering. This means you can trust that what we recommend has been vetted for quality and real-world performance before it ever reaches your door.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer in the world of access control cards. A hospital has different needs than a hotel, and a small office has different requirements than a university campus. We listen carefully before we recommend anything, because our goal is to provide a solution that actually fits your situation rather than a generic package that sort of works.
Our custom approach extends to the visual design of your cards as well as their technical specifications. We work with you to create a card that looks exactly like your brand and functions exactly as your security system requires. The end result is a card program you are proud of and a security solution you can rely on every single day without reservation.
Call us today at 800-835-7919 and let's build your access control card solution together. Our team is standing by to answer your questions, help you choose the right products, and get your order moving as quickly as possible. Getting started is easier than you might think, and we are here to make every step straightforward.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you call. In fact, most of our clients come to us with only a general idea of what they need, and we help them shape it into a complete, well-planned solution. Bring your questions, your goals, and your challenges, and we will bring the answers and the expertise to match them.
We have designed our ordering process to be as clear and painless as possible. You tell us what you need, we confirm the specifications and provide a quote, you approve the design proof, and we get to work. For most standard orders, the process moves quickly from first conversation to cards in your hands without any unnecessary delays or complications.
For clients ordering printers and supplies alongside their cards, we coordinate everything into a single shipment whenever possible. We want your entire setup to arrive together so you can get your program up and running without waiting on multiple deliveries from multiple vendors. That is just one more way we take the friction out of the process for every client we serve.
We reward loyalty and volume with pricing that reflects the value of your ongoing business. Clients who order larger quantities or who place repeat orders with us benefit from pricing structures that make their card programs even more cost-effective over time. We believe in building relationships that are good for your bottom line, not just ours.
When you are ready to discuss pricing for your specific needs, our team will give you a straightforward, transparent quote with no hidden fees or surprise charges. We want you to feel confident about your investment from the very first conversation, and we back up our pricing with the quality and service that justify every dollar you spend with us.
The best time to strengthen your security and elevate your card program is right now. Contact PCID at 800-835-7919 to speak with a knowledgeable team member who is ready to help you today. We ship nationwide, we carry everything you need, and we are genuinely excited to work with you on a solution that makes a real difference for your organization.
Thousands of businesses across the country have trusted us with their card programs, and they keep coming back because we deliver on our promises every time. We would love to add your organization to that list. Give us a call, and let us show you firsthand why Plastic Card ID is the partner so many businesses choose when access control cards truly matter.
