Access Control Cards: Secure Entry Solutions for Every Facility

Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your Trusted Source for Access Control Cards

Every secure facility, gated community, and professional workplace has one thing in common - they all rely on access control cards to keep the right people in and the wrong people out. We have spent more than 25 years perfecting the art and science of producing high-quality plastic cards that do exactly that. From a single office door to a sprawling campus with dozens of entry points, our cards deliver the security and reliability your operation demands.

What sets us apart is not just what we print - it is how deeply we care about your outcome. We partner with businesses of every size, from small startups to Fortune 500 companies, delivering customized solutions that fit real-world needs. Our team has helped over 100,000 businesses and shipped more than 50 million cards nationally, and we are just getting started.

Whether you need RFID-enabled smart cards, proximity cards, or custom-printed photo ID badges, we have the expertise and the technology to deliver. Reach us today at 800-835-7919 and let us show you what world-class card solutions look like.

What Are Access Control Cards?

Access control cards are specially designed plastic cards that grant or restrict entry to physical spaces, systems, or resources. They work alongside card readers, electronic locks, and security management software to create a seamless, trackable security environment that protects your people and your property every single day.

These cards come in a wide range of technologies. Some use magnetic stripes, others use embedded chips, and the most advanced options use contactless RFID or smart card technology. We produce all of these types, and our team can help you figure out which technology best fits your current setup and future growth plans.

Why Physical Access Cards Still Matter

In a world that seems to be going entirely digital, physical access control cards remain one of the most reliable and cost-effective security tools available. They are fast, dependable, and universally understood. Employees know how to use them, visitors feel comfortable with them, and security teams trust them to do the job right every time.

Unlike smartphone-based access systems that depend on battery life or network connectivity, a plastic access card works every time you swipe or tap it. We believe in the lasting power of physical credentials, and that belief is backed by the millions of cards we have produced for satisfied clients across every industry imaginable.

Our National Shipping Advantage

One of the things our clients love most is that we ship to everyone, everywhere in the country. No matter where your business is located - from a bustling city to a quiet rural community - we deliver your order right to your door with speed and care. Our national shipping network means you never have to worry about being too far from great card solutions.

We also make reordering easy. When you need more cards, more printer ribbons, or any other supplies, just give us a call at 800-835-7919 and we will take care of everything. We keep things simple so you can focus on what you do best - running your business.

The Technology Behind Our Access Control Cards

Not all access control cards are created equal. The technology inside each card determines how it communicates with your security system, how fast it works, and how secure it truly is. We offer a full range of card technologies so you can choose the solution that matches your security goals and your budget.

Our team stays current with the latest developments in card technology. From legacy magnetic stripe systems to cutting-edge MIFARE DESFire contactless smart cards, we manufacture cards that integrate smoothly with the systems you already have in place. We are proud to offer solutions that grow with you as your security needs evolve over time.

RFID and Contactless Smart Cards

RFID smart cards are among the most popular access control solutions we produce. These cards communicate wirelessly with card readers using radio frequency technology, meaning the cardholder simply taps or waves the card near a reader to gain access. This makes entry fast, hands-free, and highly secure, especially in high-traffic environments where speed matters.

We produce cards compatible with popular RFID standards including MIFARE DESFire, a technology known for its exceptional encryption and resistance to cloning. These cards are widely used in corporate offices, healthcare facilities, universities, and government buildings where strong security is non-negotiable and speed of access is equally important.

Proximity Cards and Magnetic Stripe Cards

Proximity cards operate on a similar principle to RFID but typically work at a slightly shorter range and are compatible with many legacy access control readers already installed in countless buildings. If your facility already has a proximity card system in place, we can produce replacement or additional cards that work seamlessly with your existing hardware without any costly upgrades.

Magnetic stripe cards remain a reliable and affordable option for access control in lower-security applications. These cards store data on a magnetic stripe on the back and are swiped through a reader to grant access. We produce high-quality magnetic stripe cards with HiCo or LoCo encoding options, giving you the right balance of durability and performance for your specific application.

Smart Chip and Dual-Technology Cards

For organizations that need the highest level of security, we offer smart chip cards with embedded microprocessors that store and process data right inside the card itself. These cards support advanced encryption and are extremely difficult to counterfeit, making them an ideal choice for sensitive environments such as data centers, research facilities, and financial institutions.

We also produce dual-technology cards that combine two access methods in one card - for example, a card with both a proximity chip and a magnetic stripe. This allows organizations to use a single card across multiple systems or during a gradual technology upgrade, saving money and reducing the confusion that can come with managing multiple card types at once.

Our Complete Card Printer and Supply Solutions

A great access control card starts with a great card printer, and we carry the full lineup of professional card printers to match every production need and budget. Whether you print cards occasionally for new hires or run a high-volume operation that needs to produce hundreds of cards per day, we have the right printer for you - and we ship it right to your door.

Beyond the printers themselves, we stock all the refill supplies you need to keep your card production running smoothly. From printer ribbons to cleaning kits to blank card stock, we are your one-stop shop for everything card-related. Our customers love the convenience of getting everything from one trusted source.

Card Printers We Carry

We carry a wide selection of ID card printers from leading brands, covering everything from compact desktop models perfect for small offices to heavy-duty industrial printers built for large organizations. Each printer in our lineup is chosen for its reliability, print quality, and ease of use, so your team can produce professional results every time.

• Single-sided desktop card printers for low to medium volume printing
• Dual-sided printers for cards that need information on both sides
• High-volume retransfer printers for exceptional edge-to-edge print quality
• Printers with built-in encoding for magnetic stripe, RFID, and smart chip cards
• Lamination-capable printers for added card durability and security

Choosing the right printer is important, and our knowledgeable team is always ready to help you make the best decision. We take the time to understand your needs, your volume, and your budget before making a recommendation, because we want you to be completely satisfied with your investment for years to come.

Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies

Running out of printer supplies at the wrong moment can bring your entire card production to a halt. That is why we make it easy to keep a well-stocked supply of everything you need. We carry full-color YMCKO ribbons, monochrome ribbons in black and other colors, overlay ribbons for added protection, and cleaning kits to keep your printer performing at its best.

We also stock blank PVC card stock in CR80 standard size, as well as specialty card sizes for unique applications. Our blank cards are compatible with all major card printer brands and are available in both white and pre-printed custom designs. Stock up and save time - we offer volume pricing for organizations that order in bulk.

Accessories That Complete Your Card System

A complete card system is about more than just the card itself. We carry a full range of accessories to help you present, protect, and manage your access control cards professionally. From card holders and lanyards to retractable badge reels and cardholders with clips, we have everything your team needs to carry and use their cards comfortably and securely every day.

We also offer custom card carriers, sleeves, and mailers for organizations that distribute cards by mail or in welcome packages. These professional presentation options make a strong first impression and protect the cards during shipping or storage. Ask us about full-service card affixing and mailing options when you call at 800-835-7919.

Industries We Proudly Serve Nationwide

Industry	Common Card Types	Key Benefit
Corporate Offices	RFID, Proximity, Photo ID	Secure employee access
Healthcare	Smart Chip, Photo ID	Patient and staff safety
Education	RFID, Student ID, Alumni	Campus-wide access control
Hospitality	Hotel Key Cards, Gift Cards	Guest experience and security
Government	Smart Chip, Dual-Tech	High-security credentials

We are proud to serve a remarkably diverse range of industries across the country. From busy corporate campuses to quiet university libraries, from bustling hotel lobbies to high-security government facilities, our access control cards are trusted everywhere. Our experience across so many different sectors gives us a unique ability to understand your specific needs and deliver exactly the right solution.

No matter what industry you are in, the core need is the same: you want to know that the right people have access to the right places, and that unauthorized entry is reliably prevented. We deliver that confidence through expertly crafted cards, powerful technology, and a customer service team that genuinely cares about your success.

Corporate and Office Environments

Corporate offices rely on access control cards to protect sensitive data, expensive equipment, and the safety of their employees. We produce sleek, professionally designed cards that can include employee photos, names, titles, and company branding alongside the access technology your security system requires. These cards do double duty as both a security credential and a professional identity badge.

Many of our corporate clients use our cards to manage tiered access levels within their buildings. A receptionist may only access the front lobby, while an IT manager needs access to the server room as well. Our cards support multiple access zones, and our team can help you design a card system that reflects the exact access structure your organization needs.

Healthcare and Education

Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices depend on access control to protect patients, staff, and sensitive medical records. We produce durable, hygienic plastic cards that hold up to the demanding conditions of a healthcare environment, including frequent handling, exposure to cleaning products, and the constant need for quick, reliable access through secured doors and restricted areas.

Schools, colleges, and universities use our cards for student IDs, faculty badges, alumni credentials, and campus-wide access control. A well-designed student ID card can grant access to dormitories, libraries, laboratories, and dining halls - all from a single card. We make it easy for educational institutions to design and produce cards that serve multiple purposes efficiently and affordably.

Hospitality and Entertainment

Hotel key cards are one of the most recognizable forms of access control cards, and we produce them with the quality and customization that hospitality brands demand. Our hotel key cards can be fully branded with your logo and design, creating a polished guest experience from the moment someone checks in. We also offer custom card carriers and sleeves to complete the professional presentation.

Entertainment venues and casinos use our cards for player loyalty programs, VIP access, and staff credentials. These cards are built to handle heavy use while maintaining their appearance and functionality over time. Whether you need basic access functionality or advanced smart card features, we have the right card for your venue's unique environment and guest experience goals.

Custom Design Options That Make Your Cards Stand Out

Access control cards do not have to look boring. In fact, a well-designed card can reinforce your brand, impress your employees, and make a lasting statement about the quality of your organization. We offer a full range of custom design and printing options so your cards look as professional as the business they represent.

Our design capabilities go far beyond a simple logo and name. We can produce cards with full-color photographic printing, holographic overlaminates for extra security, custom shapes, clear plastic construction, and even luxury metal card options for premium applications. The possibilities are genuinely remarkable, and our team is always excited to bring creative card concepts to life.

Full-Color Custom Printing

Every card we produce can be fully customized with your brand colors, logo, imagery, and text. Our high-resolution printing technology produces vibrant, sharp results that hold up beautifully over the life of the card. Whether you want a clean and corporate look or something bold and eye-catching, our design team can help you create a card that truly reflects your brand identity.

We also offer variable data printing, which allows each card in a batch to include unique information such as a specific employee's name and photo, a unique card number, or a personalized barcode. This is especially useful for ID badge programs where every card needs to be individually customized while still maintaining a consistent overall design throughout the entire series.

Specialty Card Materials and Finishes

For organizations that want to make an especially strong impression, we offer specialty card options that go well beyond standard white PVC. Our clear plastic cards offer a striking, modern look that stands out immediately. Custom-shaped cards can be die-cut to match your logo or any shape you can imagine, creating a truly unique credential that no one will forget after seeing it just once.

Our luxury metal cards, crafted from materials like stainless steel or gold-plated alloys, are the ultimate statement of prestige and exclusivity. These cards are used by elite clubs, premium membership organizations, and high-end brands that want to give their most valued clients something truly extraordinary. Nothing says premium like a card that weighs something in your hand.

Security Features and Overlaminates

We take card security seriously, and we offer a range of features that make our cards harder to counterfeit, alter, or duplicate. Holographic overlaminates add a shimmering security layer that is visually impressive and extremely difficult to replicate. UV printing allows hidden images or text to appear only under ultraviolet light, adding an invisible layer of security that is perfect for high-stakes credentials.

Signature panels, sequential numbering, barcodes, and QR codes are additional security and functionality features we can incorporate into any card design. These elements help organizations track card usage, verify authenticity, and integrate cards into broader digital management systems, all while keeping the physical card as the primary, reliable credential your team depends on every day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Access Control Cards

We hear a lot of great questions from businesses exploring access control card solutions for the first time. We want you to feel completely informed and confident before placing your order, so we have gathered some of the most common questions we receive and answered them here. Of course, our team is always just a phone call away if you have something more specific in mind.

Our goal is to make the process of ordering access control cards as smooth and stress-free as possible. From your very first question to the moment your cards arrive at your door, we are with you every step of the way. That is the kind of service experience we believe every customer deserves, and it is what keeps our clients coming back year after year.

How Long Does Production and Shipping Take?

Production times vary depending on the complexity of your order, the quantity of cards, and the specific technology features required. Standard custom-printed cards are typically produced within a few business days, while orders requiring encoding or specialty materials may take a bit longer. We always provide you with a clear timeline before your order begins so there are no surprises.

Once your cards are produced, we ship them directly to your location anywhere in the country. We offer multiple shipping speed options so you can choose the delivery timeline that best fits your schedule and budget. Rush orders are available when timing is critical - just let us know your deadline and we will do everything we can to meet it.

What Quantities Can I Order?

We work with organizations of all sizes, from small businesses ordering as few as 25 cards to large enterprises ordering tens of thousands at a time. There is no order too small or too large for our team to handle. In fact, many of our clients appreciate that they can start with a smaller trial order, confirm they are happy with the results, and then scale up as their needs grow over time.

Volume pricing is available for larger orders, and the savings can be quite significant. If you are planning a large rollout or want to stock up on cards for the coming year, call us at 800-835-7919 to discuss pricing options. We are happy to work with your budget and help you get the best possible value on every order you place with us.

Can I Reorder the Same Card Design Later?

Absolutely. We store your card design files and specifications so that reordering is fast and easy. When you need additional cards - whether it is for new employees, replacement cards, or simply restocking your supply - just reach out to us and we will pull up your saved design and get your new order into production right away with no hassle at all.

Many of our clients set up regular reorder schedules with us so they never run low on cards. This is especially popular with growing companies that onboard new employees frequently or with organizations that experience regular card replacement needs due to wear, loss, or updates to branding. We make the ongoing card supply process as smooth as the original order every single time.

Case Study: How a Multi-Site Company Secured Their Facilities

One of our longtime clients operates a network of more than 20 office locations spread across several states. When they first came to us, they were struggling with a patchwork of different access card systems at each location - some using old magnetic stripe cards, others using outdated proximity systems that were no longer being supported by their manufacturers. The inconsistency was creating real security gaps and making facility management a constant headache.

We worked closely with their security and facilities team to design a unified card program using dual-technology cards that could work with both their existing legacy readers and new RFID readers they were gradually installing across all sites. The result was a seamless, company-wide security upgrade that happened gradually and without disrupting daily operations at any location.

The Card Design and Rollout Process

We started by helping the client develop a single, unified card design that incorporated their company branding, employee photos, and all the access technology their multi-site system required. The design was professional, modern, and consistent across all locations, which also gave employees a stronger sense of organizational identity and pride when wearing their new credentials.

The rollout was carefully staged, with new cards distributed site by site over a period of several months. We produced cards in batches sized to each location's needs, ensuring that every employee received their new card on the exact day their site transitioned to the new system. Our national shipping capability made it easy to coordinate deliveries to all 20-plus locations without a single missed deadline throughout the entire process.

Results and Ongoing Support

Within six months of completing the rollout, the client reported a dramatic improvement in their ability to manage access across all locations from a single centralized platform. Security incidents dropped noticeably, and facility managers spent far less time troubleshooting card system problems than they had with the old fragmented approach. The investment paid for itself remarkably quickly in both time saved and security improvements realized.

Today, this client reorders cards from us on a regular basis as they continue to grow and hire new employees. We also supply them with all their printer ribbons, cleaning kits, and blank card stock for on-site printing needs. It is exactly the kind of long-term partnership that we love building, and it is a perfect example of what is possible when a business chooses the right card solutions provider from the very beginning.

Loyalty Cards, Gift Cards, and Beyond

While access control cards are at the heart of what many clients need from us, we are proud to offer a much broader portfolio of plastic card solutions that can help your business grow in exciting new ways. Our expertise spans the full universe of plastic card applications, and many of our clients are surprised to discover just how many ways a well-crafted plastic card can boost their business results and customer loyalty programs.

From gift cards that have been shown to boost retail sales by 35-50% to loyalty cards that keep customers coming back again and again, we produce cards that deliver measurable business value. Our postcard mailers achieve double the response rates of traditional paper mail, and our membership cards create a sense of belonging that no digital alternative can quite replicate in the same meaningful way.

Gift Cards That Drive Real Sales Growth

Retailers who switch from paper gift certificates to professional plastic gift cards consistently see dramatic improvements in sales and customer satisfaction. Studies show that gift card recipients often spend more than the face value of the card, making each card a powerful sales driver that keeps on giving long after the initial purchase. We produce beautiful, full-color gift cards that reflect your brand and make giving easy and enjoyable.

Plastic gift cards are also far more durable than paper alternatives, meaning they survive in wallets and purses long enough to actually be redeemed. Paper gift certificates get lost, torn, or thrown away. A sturdy, attractively designed plastic card stays with the recipient until it is used, dramatically reducing the chance that your valuable gift card revenue goes unclaimed and unredeemed by your waiting customers.

Loyalty and Membership Cards

Loyalty programs are one of the most effective tools any business can use to retain customers and encourage repeat visits. A physical loyalty card is a constant, tangible reminder of your brand every time a customer reaches into their wallet. Unlike app-based loyalty programs that require a smartphone and a download, a plastic loyalty card works for every customer, everywhere, without any technology barriers standing in the way.

Membership cards create an even stronger sense of belonging and exclusivity. Whether you run a gym, a professional association, a union, or an alumni organization, a well-designed membership card tells your members that they are part of something important and worth being proud of. We produce membership cards with all the features you need, from sequential numbering to photo ID integration, to make your program run smoothly and look outstanding.

Unique Postcard Mailers That Get Noticed

Our plastic postcard mailers are a marketing tool that truly stands out in a crowded mailbox. Unlike flimsy paper mailers that get sorted into the recycling bin without a second glance, a plastic postcard has a weight and feel that demands attention the moment it lands in someone's hand. These mailers achieve response rates that are roughly double what traditional paper mail delivers, making them an outstanding return on your marketing investment.

We can produce postcard mailers with embedded cards, peel-off loyalty cards, or gift card inserts that give recipients an immediate incentive to visit your business right away. The combination of eye-catching design, premium plastic construction, and a built-in call to action makes our postcard mailers one of the most powerful direct mail tools available to businesses of any size or industry today.

Why Businesses Choose Plastic Card ID Again and Again

When businesses first discover what we offer, they are often amazed at the combination of quality, variety, and service we deliver. But what really keeps them coming back is something simpler and more fundamental: we do what we say we will do, every single time. That kind of reliability is rare, and our clients know it and value it deeply.

Over more than 25 years in business, we have built a reputation that speaks for itself. More than 100,000 businesses have trusted us with their card programs, and the vast majority of them return to us every single time they need new cards or supplies. That loyalty from our clients is the greatest testament to the quality of our work and the sincerity of our commitment to their success.

Our Commitment to Quality

Every card that leaves our facility meets our rigorous quality standards. We use premium PVC materials, professional-grade printing technology, and thorough quality control processes to ensure that every card in your order is perfect before it ships. We understand that your cards represent your brand, and we treat that responsibility with the seriousness and care it deserves at every step of production.

We also stand behind our work. If something is not right with your order, we will make it right - quickly and without making you jump through hoops to get a resolution. Our customer service team is knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in your satisfaction. We want every experience with us to be one that makes you glad you chose us for your card needs.

Competitive Pricing Across All Products

We believe that professional-quality plastic cards should be accessible to businesses of all sizes, not just large corporations with massive budgets. That is why we work hard to keep our pricing competitive across our entire product line, from blank card stock and ribbons all the way up to fully customized access control smart cards. You should not have to choose between quality and affordability, and with us, you never have to make that trade-off.

Our pricing for custom access control cards typically ranges from $75-$200 per hundred cards depending on technology, quantity, and customization level. Printer ribbons, blank card stock, and accessories are priced to move, especially when you buy in volume. Call us to get a fast, accurate quote for your specific needs, and you will quickly see why so many businesses make us their first call whenever cards are involved.

A Partner You Can Count On for the Long Term

We think of ourselves as your long-term card partner, not just a one-time vendor. As your business grows and your card needs evolve, we grow with you. We stay current with the latest card technologies and printing innovations so we can always offer you the best available solutions, whether you are reordering the same cards you have always used or exploring something entirely new and cutting-edge for your next big initiative.

Our team takes the time to learn about your business, your security goals, and your budget constraints so we can provide recommendations that truly serve your interests. We are never trying to oversell you on features you do not need. What we are always trying to do is give you the most value possible from every dollar you spend with us, because a satisfied, successful client is the foundation of everything we do here.

Ready to Order? Here Is How Easy It Is

Getting started with us is refreshingly simple. You do not need to navigate a complicated online ordering system or wade through endless product catalogs on your own. Just pick up the phone, call us at 800-835-7919, and talk to a real person who knows our products inside and out and genuinely wants to help you find the right solution.

We walk you through the process from start to finish: choosing the right card type and technology, designing your custom card, selecting the quantity, and arranging shipping to your location. Most clients are amazed at how fast and easy the whole process is once they have an expert guiding them through it with patience and genuine enthusiasm for getting it right.

What to Have Ready When You Call

To make your first call as productive as possible, it helps to have a few pieces of information ready before you dial. Think about how many cards you need, what access technology your current or planned system uses, whether you need cards with photos or just standard printed designs, and any branding materials like logos or color codes that you want incorporated into the card design.

• Approximate quantity of cards needed
• Type of access technology required (RFID, proximity, magnetic stripe, smart chip)
• Your company logo and brand colors if you have them available
• Any specific security features you need, such as photo ID or holographic overlaminates
• Your preferred delivery timeline and shipping address

Do not worry if you do not have all of this figured out before you call. Our team is very experienced at helping clients work through these questions efficiently. Even if you are completely new to access control cards and are not sure where to start, we will guide you through everything you need to know clearly and patiently until you feel completely confident about your decision.

Reorders and Ongoing Supply Needs

Once you are an established client, reordering is even easier. We keep your card designs and specifications on file so you never have to start from scratch. When it is time for more cards, more ribbons, or any other supplies, a quick call is all it takes to get your order moving. We value your time and work hard to make every interaction with us fast, pleasant, and completely worth it.

Many of our clients set up automatic reorder reminders with us so they are never caught short on supplies at a critical moment. We can also help you plan ahead for large events, seasonal needs, or rapid growth periods when you might need cards faster than usual. Our production and shipping capabilities are built to handle both the everyday and the extraordinary with equal ease and excellence.

Connect With Plastic Card ID Today and Experience the Difference

There has never been a better time to upgrade your access control card program or to explore all the ways that professionally produced plastic cards can help your organization operate more securely and more effectively. We are ready to put our 25-plus years of expertise, our state-of-the-art printing capabilities, and our genuine commitment to customer success to work for you right now, today, without delay.

Plastic Card ID ships to every corner of this great country, which means that no matter where you are located, you have access to the same premium quality cards, printers, and supplies that businesses across the nation rely on every single day. Our national reach combined with our deeply personal customer service approach is a combination that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the industry today.

Do not settle for generic, low-quality cards that fail to represent your brand or meet your security needs. Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 and let us show you exactly what the best in the business looks like. From your very first card to your ten-thousandth, we are here for you every step of the way, and we cannot wait to earn your trust and your business starting today.

Your Security Starts with the Right Card

Access control is not just a convenience - it is a fundamental layer of protection for your people, your assets, and your peace of mind. Every day that passes without a reliable, professionally produced card system in place is another day of unnecessary risk. We make it easy and affordable to close that gap and give your organization the security it deserves right now.

From a single door to an entire campus, from one employee to ten thousand, we scale our solutions to fit your exact situation. Great security does not have to be complicated or expensive, and with PCID in your corner, it never will be. Take the first step today - your entire team, your whole organization, and your own peace of mind will thank you for it.

Let's Build Something Great Together

We are more than a card printer. We are a partner in your organization's growth, security, and professional image. When you work with us, you get the benefit of decades of experience, a nationwide shipping network, a comprehensive product lineup, and a customer service team that treats your needs as if they were our own. That is a promise we have kept for over 25 years, and one we fully intend to keep for the next 25 years and beyond.

Call PCID today at 800-835-7919 and take the first step toward a card program that works as hard as you do. Whether you need access control cards, ID badges, gift cards, loyalty cards, card printers, or refill supplies, we have exactly what you need and we are ready to ship it to you right now. Plastic Card ID is standing by and ready to serve you - let's get started.