Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Custom Cards for Any Use
Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your Trusted Source for Magnetic Stripe Cards and More
What makes a business truly memorable? Sometimes, it comes down to something you can hold in your hand. Plastic Card ID has spent over 25 years helping businesses across the country create that lasting impression through high-quality plastic cards, card printers, and supplies. We ship everything you need directly to your door, no matter where you are in the United States.
Our team knows that every card we produce carries your brand's reputation with it. That is why we pour care and expertise into every order, whether you need 500 cards or 500,000. We have proudly served over 100,000 businesses and delivered more than 50 million cards nationwide, and we are just getting started.
Magnetic stripe cards are at the heart of what makes our product line so powerful and versatile. From loyalty programs to hotel access, from membership management to gift card systems, the humble magnetic stripe does a remarkable amount of work. We are here to make sure that work never stops for your business.
Why Plastic Cards Still Matter in a Digital World
It might seem like everything has gone digital, but physical cards continue to thrive in ways that apps and email simply cannot match. A plastic card placed in a customer's wallet is a daily reminder of your brand. Every time they reach for it, they think of you. That kind of consistent visibility is priceless for any business looking to grow loyalty and repeat visits.
We have seen firsthand how switching from paper certificates to professional plastic cards can increase retail sales by as much as 100%. That is not a small difference. That is a business transformation. Our clients consistently report that customers take plastic cards more seriously, treat them with more care, and use them more often than paper alternatives.
A Partnership Built on Results
We do not just print cards and ship them out. We work as a strategic partner to help your business get the most out of every card program you run. Whether you are launching a brand-new loyalty program or upgrading an existing membership system, our team brings decades of experience to the table to guide you toward the best solution for your goals.
Our commitment to long-term relationships means we take the time to understand what your customers need and how your brand communicates. We match that understanding to the right card type, encoding option, and design strategy so that every card we produce works harder for your business from day one.
Nationwide Shipping, Always Ready
No matter where your business is located, we make it easy to get the cards and supplies you need delivered fast and reliably. We ship plastic cards, card printers, ribbons, and all related supplies to every corner of the country. Placing a new order or asking a question is always just a phone call away at 800-835-7919.
We understand that running out of supplies or waiting too long for a card order can disrupt your operations. That is why we keep our fulfillment process streamlined and efficient, so you spend less time waiting and more time using your cards to grow your business. Reliability is not just a feature we offer - it is a promise we keep.
The Power of Magnetic Stripe Cards for Your Business
Magnetic stripe cards are one of the most widely used and recognized card technologies in the world. The thin band of magnetic material on the back of a card can store and transmit data quickly and reliably, making it perfect for a huge range of business applications. From hotel check-ins to loyalty reward tracking, magnetic stripe cards quietly power millions of daily transactions.
What makes magnetic stripe technology so appealing is its balance of affordability and functionality. You get a card that looks professional, feels premium, and works with a wide variety of card readers already in use by businesses everywhere. There is no need for expensive infrastructure upgrades just to get started.
Understanding Magnetic Stripe Card Tracks
Magnetic stripe cards typically contain up to three data tracks. Each track stores different types of information and is read by specific types of equipment. Understanding which tracks your system uses helps ensure your cards work perfectly right out of the box. We help you choose the right encoding options for your specific application so you never have to guess.
Track 1 holds alphanumeric data and is commonly used for cardholder names and account numbers. Track 2 is numeric only and is the most widely used track in retail and hospitality applications. Track 3 is less common but offers additional data storage for specialized applications. Our team encodes all three tracks as needed, precisely and accurately.
Common Uses for Magnetic Stripe Cards
The versatility of magnetic stripe cards is one of their greatest strengths. Businesses in nearly every industry rely on them daily for operations, customer engagement, and security. Here is a look at some of the most popular ways our clients put magnetic stripe cards to work:
- Gift cards that track balances and drive repeat customer visits
- Loyalty and rewards cards that encourage long-term brand engagement
- Hotel key cards that control room access and guest services
- Membership cards for gyms, clubs, and professional organizations
- Employee ID badges with access control capabilities
- Library cards and student ID systems for educational institutions
- Casino player cards that track gaming points and rewards
Each of these applications benefits from the speed, accuracy, and durability that magnetic stripe encoding provides. We custom-print and encode every card to match your exact specifications, so your system works seamlessly from the very first swipe.
Hi-Co vs. Lo-Co Magnetic Stripes Explained
When ordering magnetic stripe cards, one of the most important choices you will make is whether to use a high-coercivity (Hi-Co) or low-coercivity (Lo-Co) stripe. Hi-Co stripes are more resistant to accidental erasure from everyday magnets, making them ideal for cards that will be used frequently over a long period of time, such as loyalty cards or employee badges.
Lo-Co stripes are less resistant to magnetic interference but are perfectly suited for short-term applications like hotel key cards, event passes, or promotional gift cards with a limited lifespan. They are also typically more affordable, which makes them a great choice when you need large quantities at a lower cost per card. Our team will help you pick the right option every time.
Our Complete Card Product Lineup
We offer one of the most comprehensive selections of plastic card products available anywhere in the industry. Whether your needs are simple or sophisticated, standard or specialty, we have a card solution that fits. Our product range has been carefully built over decades to cover every business use case imaginable.
Beyond standard magnetic stripe cards, we also offer cards with RFID technology, clear plastic options, custom shapes, and even luxury metal cards for brands that want to make the boldest possible statement. Every product in our lineup is available with full custom printing so your branding shines through beautifully.
Marketing and Gift Cards
Gift cards are one of the most effective marketing tools available to any retail or service business. Research consistently shows that customers who receive gift cards spend more than the card's face value, and businesses that switch to plastic gift cards often see sales increases of 35-50%. That kind of return on investment is hard to find anywhere else.
We produce vibrant, full-color gift cards that reflect your brand identity with precision. From foil accents to embossed lettering, from glossy finishes to matte surfaces, every detail can be customized. Your gift cards will not just be functional - they will be beautiful, collectible, and something your customers are genuinely proud to give and receive.
Loyalty and Membership Cards
Customer loyalty programs are proven revenue drivers, and the right card is the foundation of any successful program. Our loyalty cards are built to last through thousands of swipes, with durable materials and high-quality printing that holds up beautifully over time. We encode them precisely to integrate smoothly with your existing point-of-sale or rewards management system.
Membership cards serve a similar purpose but with an added sense of prestige. Whether you are running a professional association, a gym, a country club, or a buying cooperative, a well-designed membership card signals belonging and exclusivity. We help you create cards that your members will be proud to carry and show off to others.
Specialty and Luxury Card Options
For brands that demand the extraordinary, we offer specialty card options that truly stand apart. Clear plastic cards create a stunning, modern look that surprises and delights recipients. Custom die-cut shapes let your card break free from the standard rectangle and take a form that perfectly reflects your brand's personality and creativity.
Our luxury metal cards, crafted from materials like stainless steel or gold-toned alloys, deliver a weight and presence that no paper or standard plastic card can match. When a customer or member pulls out a metal card, heads turn. These cards are perfect for VIP programs, premium credit unions, or any brand that wants to communicate quality at the highest level.
Card Printers and Refill Supplies We Carry
Having the right card printer on-site gives your business the power to print cards on demand, personalize them in real time, and respond quickly to customer needs. We carry a wide selection of card printers from trusted brands, along with all the refill supplies you need to keep them running smoothly day after day.
Whether you need a compact desktop printer for low-volume ID badge printing or a high-throughput industrial printer for large loyalty card runs, we have the right equipment to match your needs and budget. Our team is always ready to help you find the perfect printer configuration.
Popular Card Printer Types We Offer
- Direct-to-card (DTC) printers for fast, cost-effective single-sided and dual-sided printing
- Retransfer printers for edge-to-edge printing with superior image quality
- Embossing printers for adding raised characters to credit-style cards
- Encoding printers that write magnetic stripe data while printing
- High-volume batch printers designed for enterprise-level card programs
No matter which printer type you choose, we make sure you have all the accessories needed to get up and running immediately. From cleaning kits to card hoppers and output stackers, we supply everything that goes with it. A card printer without the right supplies is just a piece of equipment - with our support, it becomes a production powerhouse.
Ribbons, Overlaminates, and Cleaning Supplies
Printer ribbons are the lifeblood of any card printing operation, and running out at the wrong moment can bring your whole workflow to a halt. We stock a full range of YMCKO, YMCKOK, and monochrome ribbon types to match every printer model we carry. Our ribbons produce sharp, vivid colors and clean, crisp text that make every card look professionally finished.
Overlaminates add an extra layer of protection to printed cards, guarding against scratching, fading, and UV damage. This extends the life of your cards significantly, which means better value for you and a better experience for your cardholders. We also carry cleaning kits and rollers that keep your printer running at peak performance and reduce the risk of costly repairs.
Ordering Supplies Is Easy
We make restocking your printer supplies as simple as possible. You can reach our friendly team at 800-835-7919 to place a new order, check availability, or get help identifying the right supplies for your specific printer model. We ship supplies fast so you are never caught waiting when you have cards to print.
Our supply catalog is extensive, covering ribbons, cards, cleaning kits, laminates, card sleeves, and more. We keep a broad inventory in stock so that when you need something, we have it ready to ship. Think of us as your complete card supply partner, always stocked and always ready to help.
Access Control, Security, and Smart Card Solutions
Security and access control are critical concerns for businesses of all sizes, and the right card technology can make managing them much simpler. We offer a range of smart card and access control card solutions that go beyond the standard magnetic stripe to provide advanced protection and functionality for facilities, events, and organizations.
From RFID proximity cards to contactless smart cards using MIFARE DESFire technology, we supply the tools that keep your spaces secure and your operations running efficiently. These technologies allow for faster, more secure access transactions without the wear and friction of traditional card swiping.
RFID and Contactless Card Technology
RFID cards allow cardholders to simply tap or wave their card near a reader to gain access or complete a transaction. This contactless approach is faster and more hygienic than swiping, and it reduces wear on both the card and the reader over time. RFID technology is ideal for office buildings, parking garages, transit systems, and any environment where speed and convenience matter.
MIFARE DESFire is one of the most secure contactless card standards available, widely used in high-security environments and transportation systems worldwide. We can supply these cards pre-encoded to your specifications, ready to integrate with your existing access control infrastructure. Security does not have to be complicated when you have the right card partner.
Hotel Key Cards and Casino Player Cards
Hotels rely on key cards every single day to manage guest access to rooms, amenities, and service areas. We produce hotel key cards in large quantities with custom printing on both sides, so your branding and guest instructions are always clear and professional. Our cards are compatible with all major hotel lock systems and can be encoded with Lo-Co or Hi-Co magnetic stripes as your system requires.
Casino player cards track gaming activity, reward points, and promotional eligibility for players across the gaming floor. These cards need to be durable, fast-reading, and visually impressive. We produce casino player cards with striking custom designs and precise magnetic or RFID encoding so your rewards program runs without a hitch and your players feel like VIPs every time they swipe or tap.
ID Badges, Alumni Cards, and Organizational Credentials
Identity cards do more than identify a person - they build a sense of belonging, communicate authority, and reinforce organizational culture. We produce professional ID badges, alumni cards, and credential cards for companies, schools, unions, and associations of every size. Every card we produce is made to reflect the pride and professionalism of the organization it represents.
From a small nonprofit that needs 100 volunteer badges to a national union that needs tens of thousands of membership cards, we have the capacity and expertise to deliver. Our printing is sharp, our encoding is accurate, and our turnaround times are built to meet real-world deadlines.
Employee and Volunteer ID Badges
A well-made ID badge tells the world that your organization is serious and professional. It also plays a critical role in workplace security, helping staff and visitors quickly identify who belongs where. We print ID badges with full-color photos, barcodes, magnetic stripes, or RFID chips depending on your access control needs and security requirements.
For organizations that print badges in-house, we supply card printers and the software support needed to produce high-quality badges on demand. This is especially valuable for organizations with high staff turnover or frequent visitor traffic, where the ability to issue a new badge quickly is a real operational advantage.
Alumni and Association Membership Cards
Alumni cards are powerful tools for maintaining connections between graduates and their institutions long after graduation day. A beautifully designed alumni card in someone's wallet is a constant, positive reminder of their connection to your school or organization. We work with universities, professional associations, and alumni networks to create cards that reflect the prestige and values of the institution.
Union and trade association cards carry special meaning for their holders - they represent membership in something larger than oneself. We produce union membership cards with durability and precision, using materials and printing techniques that ensure these important credentials remain legible and functional for years of daily use.
Postcard Mailers That Get Noticed
Our unique plastic postcard mailers combine the visibility of direct mail with the durability and professionalism of plastic cards. These mailers achieve double the response rate of traditional paper mailings because recipients notice them immediately and keep them far longer. A plastic postcard is tactile, impressive, and nearly impossible to ignore in a pile of ordinary mail.
We produce custom plastic postcard mailers with full-color printing and optional magnetic stripe encoding, turning every mailer into both a marketing piece and a functional card. This two-in-one approach gives your direct mail campaigns lasting power that paper simply cannot deliver. Our clients regularly report exceptional results from campaigns using these innovative marketing tools.
Value-Added Services: Carriers, Sleeves, and Card Mailing
A great card deserves a great presentation. We offer a full suite of value-added services designed to make your card program complete from start to finish. From custom card carriers and protective sleeves to full-service card affixing and mailing, we handle every detail so you do not have to.
These services are especially valuable for businesses running large-scale card distribution campaigns. Instead of managing printing, packaging, and mailing separately through different vendors, you can hand the entire process to us and focus your energy on running your business.
Custom Card Carriers and Sleeves
The packaging your card arrives in shapes the recipient's first impression of your brand. A custom-printed card carrier with your logo, messaging, and design elements transforms a simple card delivery into a complete brand experience. We design and produce carriers in a range of styles, from simple sleeves to fold-over mailers with promotional copy.
Protective card sleeves serve both a practical and a presentational purpose. They keep cards clean and scratch-free during shipping and storage, and they add a touch of elegance to the unboxing moment. Whether you need plain clear sleeves or custom-printed branded sleeves, we have options to match every budget and style preference.
Full-Service Card Affixing and Mailing
For clients who need cards mailed directly to their customers or members, we offer a complete affixing and mailing service. We attach your cards to carriers, stuff envelopes, apply addresses, and mail everything on your behalf. This saves you enormous time and effort, especially for large campaigns involving thousands of individual card mailings.
Our mailing service is precise, timely, and fully coordinated so that every recipient gets the right card in the right packaging at the right time. We handle the logistics from end to end, giving you peace of mind and freeing your team to focus on what they do best. This is the complete, turnkey card solution your business deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Card Products
We hear great questions from our clients every day, and we love answering them. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about our plastic cards, printers, and services. If you do not see your question here, our team is always just a phone call away and happy to help.
Understanding the details of card technology and printing can feel overwhelming at first, but our team makes it simple. We explain everything in plain language and guide you toward the choices that make the most sense for your specific situation and budget.
How Many Cards Can I Order at Once?
We accommodate orders of virtually any size, from small runs of a few hundred cards to large orders of hundreds of thousands. Minimum order quantities vary by card type and customization level, but our team will always work to find an option that fits your needs. Larger orders typically benefit from significant per-card cost savings.
For businesses that need ongoing card production, we offer repeat order programs that make reordering fast and effortless. Once your design and specifications are on file, placing a reorder takes just minutes. We keep your artwork and encoding details ready so your next order is always quick and consistent with your previous ones.
What Information Can Be Encoded on a Magnetic Stripe?
The amount of data a magnetic stripe can hold depends on which tracks are used and whether you use Hi-Co or Lo-Co encoding. In general, you can store account numbers, employee IDs, point balances, access permissions, and other numeric or alphanumeric data. We work with you to define exactly what data needs to be encoded and format it correctly for your card reading system.
If you are integrating with an existing software platform or point-of-sale system, we can encode cards to match the exact data format that system expects. This eliminates compatibility headaches and ensures your cards work perfectly from the moment they arrive. Our encoding expertise is one of the reasons clients trust us order after order.
How Long Does It Take to Receive My Order?
Production and shipping times vary based on the complexity of your order and the quantity involved. Standard orders typically ship within a few business days of artwork approval. Rush production options are available for time-sensitive needs. We will always give you a clear timeline upfront so you can plan with confidence.
We ship to every state in the nation using reliable carriers, and we provide tracking information so you always know where your order is. Our goal is to make the experience of ordering from us as smooth and stress-free as possible, from the first call to the moment your cards arrive at your door.
Case Study: How Magnetic Stripe Loyalty Cards Transformed a Retail Chain
One of our long-term clients, a regional retail chain with 18 locations, came to us struggling with a paper-based punch card loyalty program. Customer participation was low, redemption tracking was unreliable, and the paper cards looked cheap compared to their brand. They needed a better solution, and they needed it fast.
We designed a custom magnetic stripe loyalty card program that integrated seamlessly with their existing point-of-sale system. Within the first quarter after launch, customer enrollment in the loyalty program increased by 60%, and average transaction values among loyalty members rose by 28%. The cards looked stunning, worked flawlessly, and completely transformed the customer experience.
The Design Process
Our design team worked closely with the retailer's marketing department to create a card that captured their brand perfectly. We matched their exact color palette, incorporated their logo prominently, and added a clean, modern layout that communicated quality at a glance. The result was a card that customers were genuinely excited to carry.
We produced the cards with Hi-Co magnetic stripes to ensure long-term durability through thousands of daily transactions across all 18 locations. Every card was encoded with a unique customer ID that tied directly into their loyalty software. The integration was seamless, and the rollout was completed ahead of schedule.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Within six months of launching the new plastic loyalty card program, the retail chain reported a 42% increase in repeat customer visits among enrolled members. Revenue from loyalty program participants grew consistently month over month, and the client attributed a significant portion of their overall annual sales growth to the new card program.
This case study is just one example of the transformative power of a well-executed plastic card strategy. We have similar stories from clients in hospitality, healthcare, education, entertainment, and dozens of other industries. The right card program, executed well, truly changes what is possible for a business.
Comparing Card Technologies: A Quick Reference Guide
| Card Type | Best Use Case | Encoding Method | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Co Magnetic Stripe | Loyalty, ID, Membership | Magnetic | High |
| Lo-Co Magnetic Stripe | Hotel Keys, Event Passes | Magnetic | Moderate |
| RFID Proximity Card | Access Control, Transit | Contactless | Very High |
| MIFARE DESFire Smart Card | High-Security Access | Contactless Smart | Very High |
| Metal Card | VIP, Luxury Programs | Magnetic / None | Exceptional |
Choosing the Right Card Technology for Your Business Needs
With so many card technology options available, choosing the right one can feel like a challenge. But it does not have to be. Our team simplifies the decision by asking the right questions about your business goals, your existing systems, and your budget. We then match you with the technology that delivers the best results for your specific situation.
The table above offers a quick overview of the most popular card technologies we offer and their ideal applications. Whether you are drawn to the proven reliability of magnetic stripe cards or the cutting-edge capability of contactless smart cards, we have the expertise to implement your chosen technology flawlessly.
Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing
Before selecting a card technology, it helps to think through a few important questions. How long do you need the card to last? Will it be swiped thousands of times or used just a handful of times before replacement? Does your system require contactless capability, or is a magnetic stripe perfectly sufficient? Answering these questions upfront saves time and money down the road.
We walk every new client through this evaluation process at no charge. Our goal is to make sure you invest in exactly the right card technology for your needs, not to oversell features you will never use. That honest, consultative approach is part of why so many businesses have trusted us with their card programs for years.
Budgeting for Your Card Program
Card programs come in a wide range of price points depending on the card type, quantity, customization level, and encoding requirements. A basic magnetic stripe loyalty card program for a small business might start at a very accessible price per card, while a full-featured smart card access control system for a large facility will naturally involve a larger investment. We help you understand all the costs involved before you commit.
Typical card printing costs range roughly from $75-$200 per thousand cards depending on complexity, with volume discounts available for larger orders. Printer costs vary widely based on throughput and feature requirements. Our team will provide a clear, itemized quote so you always know exactly what you are investing and what you are getting in return.
Making the Switch From an Older Card System
If your business is currently using an outdated card system or still relying on paper-based programs, making the switch to modern plastic cards is easier than you might expect. We handle the transition process with minimal disruption to your operations, working around your schedule and existing systems to ensure a smooth migration from old to new.
Many of our clients who have switched from older card systems report that the benefits arrived much faster than they anticipated. Improved customer engagement, better data tracking, and a more professional brand image are almost always immediate outcomes. The moment your new cards are in your customers' hands, you will wonder why you waited so long to make the change.
Why Businesses Across America Choose Plastic Card ID
In a market crowded with card vendors, what truly sets us apart is our commitment to being more than a supplier. We are a partner that invests in your success. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine care, and a proven track record to every relationship we build. Over 100,000 businesses have chosen us for exactly these reasons, and we have never taken that trust for granted.
Our product quality, encoding accuracy, shipping reliability, and customer service have earned us a reputation that keeps clients returning order after order, year after year. When you work with us, you get the full benefit of 25-plus years of focused expertise in plastic cards and card technology. That knowledge makes a real difference in the quality of results you achieve.
What Our Clients Say About Working With Us
Our clients consistently highlight three things when they describe their experience working with us: the quality of the cards, the accuracy of the encoding, and the responsiveness of our team. These three pillars are what we focus on every single day, and the feedback we receive confirms that our dedication shows in every order we fulfill.
Businesses that have worked with us for many years often tell us that the reliability of our service is what they value most. Knowing that an order placed today will arrive correctly and on time is not something they take for granted - it is something they have come to depend on. We are proud to be that dependable for the businesses that trust us with their card programs.
Our Reach Across Every Industry
We serve businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, entertainment, government, nonprofits, fitness, real estate, and dozens of other industries. The breadth of our client base is a testament to the versatility of our product line and the adaptability of our team. Whatever industry you work in, we almost certainly have experience serving businesses like yours.
This cross-industry experience means we bring ideas and insights from one sector that can be unexpectedly valuable in another. A loyalty program strategy that works brilliantly in retail might translate beautifully into a healthcare patient engagement program. We love finding these creative connections and sharing them with our clients to help them think differently about what cards can do for their business.
Ready to Get Started? Call Us Today
Taking the first step toward a better card program is simple. Just pick up the phone and call our team at 800-835-7919. We are ready to answer your questions, discuss your options, and help you build a card program that delivers real, measurable results for your business. No pressure, no complicated processes - just straightforward, expert guidance from people who love what they do.
We ship everything nationwide, and our team is standing by to make your next card order the best one yet. Whether you need 500 cards or 500,000, a single printer or a full supply package, PCID has everything you need in one place, ready to ship to your door fast.
Get Started With Plastic Card ID Today - Your Cards Are Waiting
There has never been a better time to invest in a professional plastic card program. Whether you are growing a loyalty program, upgrading your access control, launching a gift card campaign, or outfitting your team with professional ID badges, Plastic Card ID has the products, the expertise, and the dedication to make it happen for you. We are ready to ship to your location anywhere in the country, quickly and reliably.
Every day that passes without a strong card program is a day your competitors might be gaining ground. Magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, loyalty cards, gift cards - these are not just products. They are tools that build relationships, drive revenue, and keep your brand alive in the minds and wallets of your best customers. We know how to use these tools effectively, and we want to help you do the same.
Our team is available right now to take your call, answer your questions, and get your order moving. Do not wait - call 800-835-7919 now and let PCID put the power of professional plastic cards to work for your business today. We are excited to hear from you and ready to deliver results that exceed your expectations.
Call 800-835-7919 now to speak with a card specialist at Plastic Card ID - because your business deserves cards that work as hard as you do.