What if a single card in your customer's wallet could drive them back to your business again and again? At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years proving that this is not just possible - it is repeatable, scalable, and incredibly powerful. We have helped more than 100,000 businesses across the country harness the real-world impact of high-quality plastic cards, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Our specialty runs deep in magnetic stripe cards - those smart, versatile cards that store data on a thin band of magnetic material on the back. From gift cards to loyalty programs, hotel key cards to membership credentials, the magnetic stripe remains one of the most trusted and widely used card technologies in the world. We ship everything you need, nationwide, right to your door.
Whether you are just getting started or looking to upgrade your current card program, we make the process easy and enjoyable. Reach our friendly team at 800-835-7919 and let us walk you through every option. We love what we do, and it shows in every card we print.
Magnetic stripe cards work by encoding information onto a magnetic layer that card readers can quickly scan and process. This makes them ideal for businesses that need fast, reliable data exchange at the point of sale, entry point, or service desk. The technology is mature, affordable, and universally compatible with millions of card readers already in use today.
When a customer swipes a magnetic stripe card, your system instantly retrieves their account, loyalty points, or access credentials. This seamless interaction creates a professional, polished experience that customers remember and appreciate. It is one of the simplest ways to elevate the feel of your brand at every touchpoint.
The short answer is: almost everyone in business. Retailers use them for gift and loyalty programs. Hotels use them as room key cards. Gyms and clubs use them for member access. Schools and universities use them for student ID cards. The range of applications is truly impressive, and we have served clients across all of these industries and more.
Because these cards are so flexible and cost-effective, businesses of all sizes - from small boutiques to national chains - rely on them every day. Our team understands the unique needs of each industry, and we tailor our recommendations accordingly. When you call us, you are getting real expertise, not just a product catalog.
We offer magnetic stripe cards in two main encoding strengths: low coercivity (LoCo) and high coercivity (HiCo). LoCo cards are great for short-term uses like hotel keys, while HiCo cards offer stronger, longer-lasting data storage for loyalty programs and ID cards. We help you choose the right option for your specific application so you get the best results every time.
Our cards meet industry-standard ISO specifications, ensuring compatibility with virtually all card reader systems. We also offer a wide range of card finishes, thicknesses, and printing options to match your brand perfectly. Every detail matters to us, because every detail matters to your customers.
Magnetic stripe technology has been around for decades, and its staying power is a testament to how effective it truly is. The stripe itself contains tiny iron-based magnetic particles that can be magnetized in different directions to encode binary data. When a reader moves across the stripe, it detects these magnetic patterns and translates them into usable information in milliseconds.
There are typically three tracks on a standard magnetic stripe card. Track 1 holds alphanumeric data, Track 2 holds numeric data and is most commonly used in financial and retail applications, and Track 3 is less commonly used but available for additional data storage. We encode your cards precisely according to your system's requirements.
HiCo cards require a stronger magnetic field to encode and are therefore more resistant to accidental demagnetization from everyday items like phones or other cards. They are best suited for long-term programs such as loyalty cards, membership IDs, and employee badges. If your card is going to live in someone's wallet for months or years, HiCo is the smart choice.
LoCo cards are easier to encode and re-encode, making them perfect for temporary or single-use applications. Hotel room keys are the classic example - they need to work for a few days and then be reprogrammed for the next guest. LoCo cards make this process fast and economical without sacrificing the sleek, professional look of a full plastic card.
All of our magnetic stripe cards are produced to ISO/IEC 7810 and 7811 standards, which means they will work with the card readers you already have in place. This eliminates costly system upgrades and makes rolling out a new card program remarkably straightforward. We want your transition to be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Our team stays current with the latest encoding standards and industry practices so that every card we produce is reliable from day one. We test and verify our encoding quality before any order ships, giving you complete confidence in what you receive. Quality assurance is not an afterthought for us - it is built into every step of our process.
One of the most exciting things we offer is the ability to combine magnetic stripe encoding with other card technologies. You can have a card that features both a magnetic stripe and a barcode, or a magnetic stripe alongside an RFID chip for contactless functionality. This kind of hybrid card gives your program incredible flexibility and future-proofing.
We also produce cards that combine smart chip technology with magnetic stripes, providing dual access methods for added security and convenience. Whether your readers are older swipe-based systems or newer tap-and-go terminals, a hybrid card ensures your customers always have a way to interact. It is smart design that makes real-world sense.
| Card Type | Primary Use | Stripe Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Cards | Retail / Hospitality | HiCo |
| Loyalty Cards | Rewards Programs | HiCo |
| Hotel Key Cards | Access Control | LoCo |
| Member ID Cards | Clubs / Gyms | HiCo |
Plastic gift cards are not just a nice touch - they are a proven revenue engine. Businesses that switch from paper gift certificates to plastic cards often see sales jump by as much as 100%. Customers perceive plastic cards as more valuable, keep them longer, and spend more when they redeem them. That is a simple formula for serious business growth.
Loyalty cards work in a beautifully similar way. When customers carry your card, they carry your brand. Every time they open their wallet, they see your logo. This kind of constant, passive brand exposure is something no digital ad can replicate. We help you design loyalty programs that feel rewarding to customers and profitable for your business.
Paper gift certificates get crumpled, lost, or thrown away. Plastic cards survive the real world - they hold up in wallets, purses, junk drawers, and coat pockets. Their durability means your brand stays visible far longer, and customers are far more likely to actually use them. That longevity translates directly into more repeat visits and higher average transaction values.
There is also a psychological element at play. Handing someone a beautifully printed plastic card signals that your business is professional, established, and worth returning to. It creates an impression of quality before a single word is exchanged. We help you make that impression count with vibrant, full-color custom printing that turns heads.
These features work together to create a loyalty program that feels premium from the moment a customer receives their card. We handle all of the technical details so you can focus on running your business and building those all-important customer relationships. Your loyalty program should feel effortless - and with our help, it will.
Studies consistently show that gift card recipients spend 35-50% more than the face value of the card. That means every gift card you sell is a ticket to a higher-value transaction down the road. It is one of the most effective revenue strategies available to any retail or service-based business, and it requires very little ongoing effort once your program is set up.
We make launching your gift card program straightforward and affordable. From custom design to encoding to packaging and shipping, we handle it all. You choose the look, the denominations, and the quantities, and we take care of the rest. Starting a gift card program has never been easier or more accessible for businesses of any size.
Sometimes you need the ability to print cards yourself, on your own schedule, without waiting for a bulk order to arrive. That is exactly why we carry a full lineup of professional card printers designed for businesses of all sizes. From compact desktop models to high-volume production printers, we have the right machine for your operation.
Our card printers are compatible with magnetic stripe encoding modules, meaning you can print and encode cards in a single pass. This is a game-changer for businesses that need to issue cards on the spot, such as gyms handing out member cards at sign-up or hotels programming room keys at check-in. Speed and convenience are built right in.
We stock printers from the industry's most trusted brands, offering a range from entry-level models perfect for small businesses to enterprise-grade printers built for high-volume operations. Each model we recommend has been vetted by our team for reliability, print quality, and ease of use. We would never recommend something we would not use ourselves.
Entry-level card printers typically print 150-250 cards per hour and are ideal for businesses issuing cards occasionally. Mid-range models handle 500-750 cards per hour and suit growing organizations with regular card issuance needs. High-volume printers can produce over 1,000 cards per hour and are built for operations where time is truly money.
Keeping your printer stocked with the right supplies ensures consistent, professional-quality output every time. We carry a comprehensive range of ribbons, cleaning supplies, and blank cards that are compatible with all major printer brands. Running out of supplies mid-project is a headache we help you avoid with easy reordering and fast nationwide shipping.
Regular cleaning is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your card printer. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning after every ribbon change, and we make it easy by including cleaning kits with our printer packages. A well-maintained printer produces sharper images, cleaner magnetic stripe encoding, and a longer service life - saving you money in the long run.
Our team is always available to help you troubleshoot printer issues or recommend the right supplies for your specific model. We want your printer to perform at its best every day. Call us at 800-835-7919 and our knowledgeable staff will guide you through everything from setup to ongoing maintenance.
Beyond retail applications, magnetic stripe cards play a critical role in security, access control, and organizational identity. We produce high-quality ID badges, membership cards, and access credentials for organizations of every type - from small private clubs to large corporate campuses. The magnetic stripe makes every card functional, not just decorative.
When employees, members, or students carry a card you have issued, they carry a piece of your organization's identity. A well-designed, professionally produced card signals credibility, belonging, and authority. We take pride in helping organizations project exactly the right image through every card we produce.
Employee ID cards with magnetic stripes can serve double duty as both identification and access control tools. Swipe the card at a secured door, and the system verifies identity and logs entry time - all in a fraction of a second. This dual functionality makes magnetic stripe ID cards an incredibly cost-effective security investment for businesses of any size.
We can customize your employee ID cards with photos, names, departments, barcodes, and security features like signature panels or holograms. Every card is printed to precise, professional standards that reflect well on your organization. First impressions from your own team matter just as much as the impressions you make on customers.
Whether you run a country club, a fitness center, a professional association, or a community organization, membership cards are a powerful tool for building belonging and managing access. A magnetic stripe card allows instant member verification at any reader-equipped entry point, making the check-in process smooth and professional for both staff and members alike.
We work with organizations to design membership cards that reflect their unique brand and culture. From elegant minimalist designs to bold, colorful layouts, we bring your vision to life on durable plastic that lasts. Members are proud to carry a card that looks and feels this good, and that pride translates directly into stronger organizational loyalty.
The hospitality industry relies heavily on magnetic stripe cards for everything from hotel room access to casino player tracking. LoCo hotel key cards are one of our most popular products, offering reliable performance in high-volume environments where cards are issued and reprogrammed hundreds of times per day. We supply hospitality businesses of all sizes with the volume and consistency they need.
Casino player cards are another area where we truly shine. These cards track player activity, manage loyalty points, and provide access to exclusive areas and promotions. A well-designed player card program keeps guests engaged, encourages return visits, and provides valuable data to casino operators. We help you build a program that works hard for your business.
Sometimes a standard card simply is not enough. For businesses that want to make a truly unforgettable impression, we offer specialty card options that push the boundaries of what a plastic card can be. These are the cards people talk about, photograph, and share - and they can transform how your brand is perceived overnight.
From crystal-clear transparent cards to custom die-cut shapes and luxurious metal cards, our specialty lineup is designed for brands that refuse to be ordinary. These cards carry the same magnetic stripe functionality as our standard offerings, so you never have to sacrifice performance for style. You get both, every time.
Clear plastic cards are striking in a way that is genuinely hard to ignore. When a customer pulls a transparent card from their wallet, it immediately stands out from every other card they carry. This visual surprise creates a memorable moment that reinforces your brand in a way that opaque cards simply cannot match. It is a small detail with a big impact.
We produce clear cards in fully transparent and frosted finishes, both of which can be combined with vibrant spot-color printing for a dramatic visual effect. Your logo, design elements, and magnetic stripe are all incorporated seamlessly into the card's construction. The result is something that feels less like a card and more like a piece of brand art.
Who says a card has to be a rectangle? Our custom die-cut cards can be produced in virtually any shape that fits within standard card dimensions. A coffee shop might use a cup-shaped card. A pet store might choose a paw print. A car dealership might go with a key silhouette. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, and our team loves helping bring creative ideas to life.
Custom-shaped cards generate genuine excitement and conversation. They are shared on social media, given as gifts within the card itself, and kept long after their initial use. When your card becomes a conversation piece, your brand gets free marketing every time it is shown to someone new. That is extraordinary return on a very modest investment.
For the ultimate in prestige and brand elevation, our metal cards crafted from stainless steel, gold-finished, or brushed aluminum materials deliver an experience unlike anything else. The satisfying weight of a metal card communicates luxury, exclusivity, and quality before a single word is read. These are the cards that VIP members, top-tier clients, and premium loyalty programs deserve.
Metal cards can be engraved, etched, or printed with your branding and can include magnetic stripe encoding for full functional compatibility with standard readers. They are built to last for years, ensuring your brand remains in your most valued customers' hands indefinitely. If you want to make your best customers feel truly special, a metal card is the most powerful way to do it.
A great card deserves a great presentation. We offer a full range of custom card carriers, sleeves, and packaging solutions that make every card feel like a gift. Whether you are mailing cards to new members, distributing gift cards at the register, or sending loyalty cards to your best customers, the packaging is the first thing they see and touch.
Our card carriers are custom-printed to match your brand, and they can include activation instructions, promotional messaging, or terms and conditions. Everything is designed to work together as a cohesive, professional package that reflects the quality of your business. The unboxing experience starts the moment your card arrives - we make sure it starts strong.
Card sleeves protect cards during mailing and storage while also providing additional real estate for your branding message. A custom-printed sleeve can include your website, social media handles, a promotional offer, or a heartfelt message to the recipient. These small additions make a surprisingly large difference in how the card program is received and remembered.
We offer sleeves in a variety of sizes, materials, and finishes to complement any card type in our lineup. From simple kraft paper sleeves to full-color glossy packaging, we match the presentation style to your brand aesthetic perfectly. Every detail is considered so that your card program looks intentional and polished from top to bottom.
For businesses that want a completely turnkey solution, we offer full-service card affixing and direct mail services. We affix your cards to carriers, stuff envelopes, address them, and mail them directly to your customers or members - all from our facility. This saves you enormous time and operational complexity, especially for large campaign rollouts.
Postcard mailers with affixed plastic cards achieve response rates that are double those of traditional paper mail. Recipients are drawn in by the tactile surprise of a card attached to a mailer, and they are far more likely to take action when a physical card is involved. We handle the entire process so you can enjoy the results without the hassle.
No matter where your business is located, we ship to you. Our nationwide shipping network ensures that your cards, printers, ribbons, and accessories arrive safely and on time, every single order. We take packaging seriously, using materials that protect your products in transit so that everything arrives in perfect condition.
We offer multiple shipping speed options to accommodate both planned orders and urgent needs. Rush orders are handled with the same care and attention as standard orders - we never cut corners under pressure. When you need cards fast, we come through for you. Call 800-835-7919 to discuss your timeline and we will find the solution that works.
We hear great questions every day from business owners who are exploring card programs for the first time or upgrading existing ones. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions to help you feel confident and informed as you explore your options. If you do not see your question here, our team is always just a phone call away.
Understanding the technology behind magnetic stripe cards does not have to be complicated. We break it down in plain language so you can make smart decisions without needing a background in card technology. Our goal is always to help you get exactly what you need at a price that makes sense for your business.
HiCo magnetic stripe cards are designed for long-term use and can typically last 3-5 years under normal wallet conditions. Their stronger magnetic field makes them resistant to everyday demagnetization sources. For programs like loyalty cards or member IDs, HiCo is always our recommendation because durability directly impacts how long your brand stays in your customer's hands.
LoCo cards, while less durable, are entirely appropriate for their intended short-term uses. Hotel key cards, for example, are typically reprogrammed after each guest stay and may only need to function reliably for a few days. Choosing the right coercivity level for your specific application is the key to maximizing both performance and cost-efficiency in your card program.
Absolutely. We work with businesses of all sizes, from startups ordering their first 100 cards to national chains ordering tens of thousands at a time. Our pricing is structured to accommodate a wide range of quantity needs, and we are transparent about costs so you always know exactly what you are getting. There are no unpleasant surprises in your invoice.
For smaller businesses, starting with a modest order is a smart way to test your card program before scaling up. We make reordering easy and fast, so when your program takes off and you need more cards, we are ready to move quickly. Building a long-term relationship with our clients is something we genuinely value and actively work to earn.
The amount of data a magnetic stripe can hold depends on the track being used, but generally it can store account numbers, membership IDs, expiration dates, names, and other alphanumeric data relevant to your system. We work with your existing software or point-of-sale system to ensure the encoding format is precisely compatible before any cards are produced.
If you are starting a brand-new card program without an existing system, we can connect you with compatible card reader and software solutions that work seamlessly with the cards we produce. Our goal is to make your entire card program work smoothly from end to end, not just to hand you a stack of cards and wish you good luck.
One of our longtime clients - a regional clothing retailer with 12 locations - came to us frustrated with their paper gift certificate program. Certificates were being lost, photocopied, and redeemed past their intended expiration dates. Staff were spending valuable time manually verifying certificates, and the whole program felt dated and unreliable. They needed a real solution.
We designed a full magnetic stripe gift card program for them, complete with custom-branded card carriers and a straightforward encoding system compatible with their existing POS software. The transition took less than two weeks from first call to cards in-store. Within the first quarter, their gift card sales had doubled compared to the same period the previous year.
Beyond the revenue increase, the retailer reported that their staff found the new system dramatically faster and easier to manage. Redemptions that used to require manual verification now took seconds. Fraudulent use dropped to nearly zero because magnetic stripe cards cannot be photocopied or hand-altered the way paper certificates can. The operational savings alone justified the switch.
Customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive as well. Shoppers appreciated receiving a professional plastic card instead of a flimsy paper slip, and many reported that they held onto the card as a keepsake long after the balance was spent. A card that stays in a wallet long after its balance is gone is pure, ongoing brand advertising - and it costs you nothing extra.
This case study reinforced something we have always believed: the transition to plastic cards is almost always faster and smoother than clients expect, and the results consistently exceed expectations. The combination of increased revenue, reduced fraud, improved customer perception, and operational efficiency creates a powerful return on investment that pays for the program many times over.
Every business we work with has a unique situation, and we bring that same careful, customized approach to every single client relationship. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions because great businesses deserve better than that. Your card program should be built around your goals, your brand, and your customers - and we are here to make that happen.
In a marketplace full of card printing options, what sets us apart is not just the quality of our products - it is the quality of our relationships. We have worked with the same clients for years, in some cases decades, because we consistently deliver what we promise and genuinely care about their success. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
Our team brings deep expertise to every conversation. Whether you are asking about encoding specifications, design best practices, or the difference between card finishes, you will always speak with someone who knows the answers and enjoys sharing them. Expertise combined with genuine enthusiasm is a rare combination, and we are proud to offer it every day.
Every card that leaves our facility has been produced to exacting standards and verified for quality before it ships. We use premium materials, calibrated equipment, and rigorous quality control processes because we understand that your cards represent your brand in the real world. A card that fades, cracks, or fails to swipe reflects poorly on you - and that is simply not acceptable to us.
We have refined our production processes over more than 25 years of operation, continuously improving to keep pace with evolving industry standards and client expectations. The result is a product that consistently exceeds what clients expect when they place their first order with us. Most of those clients never go anywhere else after that, and that is the greatest compliment we could ever receive.
Having everything available from a single trusted source eliminates the complexity and inconsistency that comes from working with multiple vendors. We coordinate all aspects of your card program so that every element works together perfectly. From the first design concept to the last card delivered to your customer's door, we are with you at every step of the journey.
We serve businesses in every state across the country, from small-town boutiques to major metropolitan corporations. No matter where you are, our products reach you, our customer service team answers your calls, and our expertise is fully available to you. Distance has never been a barrier to working with us, and it never will be.
Our nationwide footprint also means we understand the diverse needs of businesses in different regions and industries. We have experience with the specific card applications common to retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, entertainment, and beyond. Whatever your industry, we have almost certainly served businesses just like yours - and we know exactly how to help you succeed.
The businesses that thrive are the ones that act. If you have been thinking about launching a gift card program, upgrading your loyalty cards, printing employee IDs, or equipping your operation with a card printer, there has never been a better time to get moving. We make starting simple, and the results you will see make every step worthwhile.
Our team at Plastic Card ID is standing by to answer your questions, help you design your program, and walk you through every option available to you. We work with businesses of every size and budget, and we are committed to finding the right solution for your specific situation. You deserve a partner who is as invested in your success as you are.
Getting started with PCID is as easy as picking up the phone. Call us at 800-835-7919, tell us what you are trying to accomplish, and we will take it from there. Our team will guide you through product selection, design options, quantity decisions, and everything else you need to launch a card program you will be proud of.
For existing clients looking to reorder or expand their card program, we make the process just as easy. We keep records of your previous orders so that reordering is fast, accurate, and consistent every time. Your satisfaction is not just a goal for us - it is the standard we hold ourselves to on every single order, every single day.
If your business has high-volume card needs, we have pricing structures and service options designed specifically for you. Volume orders benefit from competitive pricing that makes your card program even more cost-effective, and our production capacity means we can handle large orders without compromising on turnaround time or quality. More cards, same great results.
We also support organizations that manage multiple locations or franchise networks, providing centralized ordering and consistent quality across every site. Keeping your brand consistent across locations is essential, and we make it easy to maintain that consistency no matter how many locations you operate. One call, one contact, and one trusted partner for your entire network.
Call 800-835-7919 right now and take the first step toward a card program that works as hard as you do. Our team is ready, our products are proven, and our commitment to your success is absolute. Do not let another day go by without the powerful advantages that magnetic stripe cards can bring to your business.
From magnetic stripe gift cards that boost revenue to employee ID cards that enhance security, PCID has everything you need to put your best card forward. We ship fast, we print beautifully, and we stand behind everything we produce. Call Plastic Card ID today at 800-835-7919 and let us show you just how powerful the right card program can be for your business.
