Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Swipe Technology for Secure Transactions
Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your Trusted Source for Magnetic Stripe Cards
Every business that has ever handed a customer a sleek, professional card knows something powerful: physical cards create connections that digital messages simply cannot replicate. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years perfecting the art and science of plastic card production, and magnetic stripe cards sit right at the heart of what we do best.
Whether you run a busy retail store, a membership-based fitness center, a hotel, or a growing loyalty program, we have the magnetic stripe card solutions to match your exact needs. Our team ships premium plastic cards, card printers, and all the refill supplies you need directly to your door, anywhere in the country.
Getting started is easy. Reach our friendly team for new orders or any questions at 800-835-7919. We are ready to help you find the right card solution today.
What Makes Magnetic Stripe Cards So Valuable?
Magnetic stripe cards carry encoded data on a thin band of magnetic material on the back of the card. This stripe stores important information like account numbers, membership IDs, or loyalty points that can be read instantly by a card swipe terminal. It is a technology that has been trusted by businesses worldwide for decades, and for very good reason.
The reliability of magnetic stripe technology means your customers experience fast, smooth transactions every single time. No waiting, no confusion, and no complicated setup required. We build our magnetic stripe cards to last, giving your customers a product they will keep in their wallets for a long time.
Industries That Rely on Magnetic Stripe Cards
You might be surprised by just how many different types of businesses count on magnetic stripe cards every single day. From hotels that use them as room key cards to retailers who use them for gift and loyalty programs, the variety of applications is truly impressive. We serve clients across dozens of industries nationwide.
Restaurants, gyms, schools, clubs, and even government agencies all benefit from magnetic stripe card technology. We work closely with each client to understand their specific needs so that the cards we produce are perfectly suited to their operation. No two businesses are exactly alike, and neither are our card solutions.
Our Nationwide Shipping Promise
One of the things our clients love most about working with us is how simple and reliable our shipping process is. We ship plastic cards, card printers, and supplies to every corner of the country, so no matter where your business is located, you can count on receiving your order on time and in perfect condition.
We take great care in packaging every order securely so that your cards arrive flawless and ready to use. Our logistics process has been refined over many years of experience, and we are proud of the consistency we deliver to businesses large and small across all 50 states.
What Are Magnetic Stripe Cards and How Do They Work?
A magnetic stripe card looks like any ordinary plastic card, but it carries a hidden layer of intelligence along its back surface. That dark or black stripe you see running across the card contains microscopic magnetic particles that store encoded data. When the card is swiped through a reader, that data is instantly retrieved and processed.
Most magnetic stripe cards use one or more of three standard tracks, known as Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3. Each track can store a different type of data. For example, Track 2 is the most commonly used for loyalty and gift card programs because it holds a good amount of numerical information in a compact format.
We encode cards to your exact specifications before they ship, so they arrive ready to use right out of the box. This saves your team valuable setup time and ensures accuracy from the very first swipe.
Track Options Explained
Understanding the difference between magnetic stripe tracks helps you make the best choice for your program. Track 1 can hold up to 79 alphanumeric characters, making it ideal for cardholder names and account details. Track 2 holds up to 40 numeric characters and is the most widely used track for gift cards, loyalty programs, and access control applications.
Track 3 is less commonly used in commercial settings but can hold up to 107 numeric characters, making it useful for applications that require larger data storage, such as certain access control or transit systems. We can encode any combination of tracks based on what your system requires, giving you total flexibility and control.
High-Coercivity vs. Low-Coercivity Stripes
Not all magnetic stripes are created equal. High-coercivity (HiCo) stripes are harder to accidentally erase and are the preferred choice for cards that will be used frequently over a long period of time. HiCo stripes are standard for hotel key cards, ID cards, and loyalty cards that see daily use.
Low-coercivity (LoCo) stripes are easier to encode and re-encode, making them a smart choice for short-term applications like event passes or temporary access cards. We offer both options and are happy to recommend the right coercivity level based on how your cards will be used. Getting this detail right makes a real difference in card performance and lifespan.
Custom Encoding Services
Our custom encoding service takes the guesswork completely out of card setup. We work from the data file you provide, encoding each card accurately before it leaves our facility. This means your loyalty program, access control system, or gift card platform will be ready to go the moment your cards arrive.
We handle encoding projects of all sizes, from small runs of a few hundred cards to large orders in the tens of thousands. Our quality control process ensures that every single encoded card is tested and verified before shipping. That level of attention is part of what has made us the trusted choice for over 100,000 businesses.
| Card Type | Common Use | Stripe Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gift Cards | Retail & Restaurant | HiCo |
| Loyalty Cards | Membership Programs | HiCo |
| Hotel Key Cards | Room Access | LoCo or HiCo |
| ID Badges | Employee Identification | HiCo |
| Event Passes | Temporary Access | LoCo |
Our Complete Magnetic Stripe Card Product Line
We offer one of the most complete selections of magnetic stripe cards available anywhere in the country. Whether you need full-color printed cards with custom artwork, simple white cards ready for on-site printing, or pre-encoded cards ready to activate, we have exactly what you are looking for in our extensive product catalog.
Our products are built to CR80 standard size, which is the same size as a standard credit card, making them compatible with virtually every card reader, wallet slot, and badge holder on the market. Consistency in size and quality is something we take seriously because we know it matters to your business operations every day.
Gift Cards with Magnetic Stripes
Gift cards with magnetic stripes are one of the most powerful sales tools any retail or restaurant business can deploy. Research consistently shows that businesses switching from paper gift certificates to professional plastic gift cards see sales increases of up to 100%. That is not a small jump - that is a transformation in how customers perceive and engage with your brand.
We print and encode gift cards with stunning full-color graphics that reflect your brand identity with pride. Every card becomes a miniature billboard that your customers carry in their wallets, reminding them of your business each time they open it. Our gift cards are proven to boost overall sales by 35-50% on average, making them one of the highest-return investments a business can make.
Loyalty and Membership Cards
Customer loyalty programs built around magnetic stripe cards are remarkably effective at keeping customers coming back again and again. When a customer carries your loyalty card, they are carrying a physical commitment to your business. That tangible reminder has a psychological power that apps and digital punch cards simply cannot match in the same way.
We produce loyalty and membership cards for gyms, salons, coffee shops, clubs, and dozens of other business types. Our cards are designed to withstand daily use, regular swiping, and the wear and tear of living inside a busy wallet. With our high-coercivity stripe options, your loyalty card program will run smoothly for years without skipping a beat.
Hotel Key Cards and Access Control Cards
Hotels, office buildings, and secure facilities depend on magnetic stripe cards for smooth, reliable access control every single day. Our hotel key cards are made from durable PVC stock and encoded with the precision your property management or access control system demands. Guests and employees experience fast, hassle-free entry each time they swipe.
We also supply access control cards for offices, warehouses, and multi-tenant buildings where employee access needs to be managed carefully. Our cards are compatible with the most widely used access control systems in the country, and our encoding services ensure that every card is programmed to your exact specifications before it ships to you.
ID Cards and Employee Badges
Professional employee ID cards with magnetic stripes serve a dual purpose: they identify your team members at a glance and provide a secure layer of access control at the same time. We produce ID cards that combine high-quality full-color printing with reliable HiCo magnetic stripe encoding, giving your organization both a polished image and real security functionality.
From small businesses issuing a handful of employee badges to large organizations managing hundreds or thousands of IDs, we have the production capacity and quality control processes to handle projects of any scale. Our ID cards help your team look professional and keep your facilities secure day after day.
Card Printers and Supplies We Ship Nationwide
A great magnetic stripe card program also needs the right printing equipment to keep it running smoothly. We supply a carefully selected range of card printers designed for businesses that want the flexibility to print and encode cards on-site. Whether you need a compact desktop printer for occasional use or a high-volume production printer, we have you covered.
Alongside our printers, we stock a full line of refill supplies including ribbons, cleaning kits, blank card stock, and more. Everything ships directly to your location nationwide, so you never have to worry about running out of the supplies that keep your card program operating without interruption.
Card Printer Options for Every Business
Choosing the right card printer depends on how many cards you print, how often you print them, and what features you need. We carry single-sided and dual-sided printers, direct-to-card models, and retransfer printers that deliver exceptionally sharp edge-to-edge printing quality. Our team can help you match the right printer to your production requirements and budget.
Our printer lineup includes trusted brands known for reliability and consistent output quality. Whether you are printing 50 cards a month or 5,000, there is a printer in our catalog that is the right fit. We are happy to walk you through the options when you call us at 800-835-7919.
Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies
Running out of printer ribbon at the wrong moment can bring your entire card operation to a halt. That is why we stock a comprehensive inventory of replacement ribbons for all major card printer models, including YMCKO full-color ribbons, monochrome ribbons, and overlay ribbons designed to add a protective finish to your cards.
In addition to ribbons, we carry cleaning kits that help maintain your printer in peak working condition, extending its lifespan and protecting your investment. Regular cleaning is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to ensure consistent print quality and avoid costly repairs down the road.
- YMCKO full-color print ribbons
- Monochrome black ribbons for single-color printing
- Overlay laminate ribbons for card protection
- Cleaning kits and cleaning cards
- Blank white PVC card stock in standard CR80 size
- Magnetic stripe blank cards in HiCo and LoCo options
Blank Card Stock for In-House Printing
Many businesses prefer to maintain an inventory of blank cards and print them in-house as needed. This gives you maximum flexibility to produce cards on demand without waiting for an outside order to arrive. We supply high-quality blank PVC card stock that is compatible with all major card printer brands, available with or without pre-applied magnetic stripes.
Our blank cards meet CR80 standard dimensions and are manufactured to tight tolerances to ensure smooth, jam-free feeding through your card printer. Consistent card quality at the stock level means fewer printing problems and a better finished product every time you print a batch.
Why Magnetic Stripe Cards Outperform Paper Alternatives
Paper punch cards and paper gift certificates had their moment, but professional businesses today have largely moved on to plastic magnetic stripe cards for very compelling reasons. The difference in customer perception alone is remarkable. When you hand someone a professional plastic card, it signals that your business takes quality seriously. Paper cards simply do not send the same message.
Beyond perception, magnetic stripe cards are dramatically more functional. They connect directly to your point-of-sale system, loyalty tracking software, or access control platform, automating processes that paper cards make tedious and error-prone. The result is a smoother experience for your customers and less administrative headache for your team.
Durability and Longevity
A well-made plastic magnetic stripe card can survive years of regular use, repeated swiping, and the rigors of daily life inside a wallet or purse. Paper alternatives wear out, tear, fade, and become unusable in a fraction of that time. When you invest in plastic cards, you are investing in a product that will keep working and keep representing your brand for a very long time.
Our cards are manufactured from durable PVC material that resists bending, moisture, and normal wear. The magnetic stripe itself is protected within the card structure, ensuring consistent read performance throughout the card's working life. That reliability keeps your customers happy and your systems running without unnecessary interruptions.
The Sales Impact of Plastic Gift Cards
The numbers behind plastic gift cards are genuinely impressive. Businesses that make the switch from paper gift certificates to plastic gift cards routinely report sales increases of up to 100%. This happens because plastic cards are more likely to be kept, used, and even exceeded in value by the recipient. Customers spend more, visit more often, and feel more connected to a brand when a professional plastic card is involved.
Gift cards also generate breakage revenue, which is the portion of card value that is never redeemed. Industry data shows this can represent a meaningful additional revenue stream for businesses that implement gift card programs effectively. Our gift cards are designed and encoded to integrate smoothly with leading gift card processing platforms so you capture every benefit the program has to offer.
Professionalism That Builds Brand Trust
First impressions matter enormously in business, and a well-designed magnetic stripe card makes an outstanding first impression every single time. When a new customer receives a loyalty card, gift card, or membership card from your business, that card becomes a physical representation of your brand that they carry with them. It is a constant, subtle reminder of the positive experience your business provides.
We help you design cards that reflect your brand identity beautifully, with full-color printing, custom artwork, and professional finishes that command attention. A card that looks premium signals that your business is premium, and that perception translates directly into customer loyalty and repeat visits over time.
Case Studies: Real Businesses Winning with Magnetic Stripe Cards
Sometimes the best way to understand the value of magnetic stripe cards is to look at how real businesses have used them to drive meaningful results. We have had the privilege of working with thousands of companies across a wide range of industries, and the success stories we hear are both consistent and inspiring.
Below are a few examples drawn from the types of programs we see deliver the strongest results. While every business is unique, these scenarios reflect common patterns we observe among businesses that commit fully to professional plastic card programs.
Retail Gift Card Success
A regional specialty retailer came to us after struggling with low redemption rates on their paper gift certificate program. After transitioning to professionally printed plastic gift cards with magnetic stripe encoding, they saw a dramatic increase in gift card sales within the first few months. More customers purchased cards as gifts, and the average redemption value increased significantly because cardholders were spending beyond their card balance.
Within one year, the retailer reported that their gift card program had become one of their top five revenue sources, something that had seemed impossible with their old paper certificate system. The professionalism of the plastic card also elevated how customers perceived the brand as a whole, leading to increased foot traffic and stronger word-of-mouth referrals across their market area.
Gym Membership Loyalty Program
A growing gym chain wanted to reduce member churn and increase the lifetime value of each membership. We helped them design and produce a tiered loyalty card program using magnetic stripe cards that integrated directly with their membership management software. Members carried branded cards that tracked visits, rewarded milestones, and unlocked exclusive benefits at higher usage tiers.
The results were striking. Member retention rates improved noticeably within six months of launching the program. Members who carried the physical card visited more frequently and were significantly less likely to cancel their memberships compared to members who did not participate in the card program. The tangible nature of the card created a sense of belonging that strengthened the gym's community identity.
Hotel Access and Guest Experience
A boutique hotel group needed a reliable, attractive key card solution that reflected their upscale brand identity. Standard generic key cards were not meeting their expectations, and guest feedback indicated that card reliability was occasionally an issue with their previous supplier. We stepped in with custom-printed HiCo magnetic stripe key cards engineered for consistent performance in their specific door lock systems.
Guest satisfaction scores related to room access improved measurably after the switch. The hotel also used the card face as a branding opportunity, printing their logo, tagline, and local artwork on each card. Guests frequently kept the cards as souvenirs, extending the brand's visibility well beyond the duration of each stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stripe Cards
We love helping businesses navigate the world of plastic cards, and over the years we have answered a lot of great questions. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about magnetic stripe cards, along with clear, straightforward answers to help you make confident decisions for your program.
If your question is not covered here, do not hesitate to reach out to our team directly. We are always happy to discuss your specific situation and guide you toward the best solution for your needs.
How long does a magnetic stripe card last?
A high-quality magnetic stripe card made from standard PVC material and featuring a HiCo stripe is built to withstand thousands of swipes over several years of regular use. The lifespan of any card depends on how it is stored and how frequently it is used, but under normal conditions, our cards are built to perform reliably for the full life of your program.
Factors that can shorten a card's life include exposure to strong magnetic fields, scratching of the stripe surface, and extreme temperatures. We build our cards to resist these common hazards as effectively as possible, and we are happy to advise on storage and handling best practices to maximize the performance life of your card investment.
Can I reuse or re-encode a magnetic stripe card?
Whether a magnetic stripe card can be re-encoded depends on the coercivity of the stripe. Low-coercivity (LoCo) stripes can be erased and re-encoded fairly easily, making them well-suited for applications where the card data needs to change, such as hotel key cards that are reassigned to new guests with each stay. High-coercivity (HiCo) stripes are much more resistant to erasure and are better suited for permanent encoding.
We can help you choose the right coercivity level based on how your program is designed to work. If you anticipate needing to reuse cards, we will recommend LoCo stock. If you need cards that hold their encoding reliably through heavy daily use, HiCo is the clear choice for your program. Getting this right from the start saves time and money.
What is the minimum order quantity?
We work with businesses of all sizes, from small startups ordering their first batch of cards to large enterprises placing orders in the tens of thousands. Our team can discuss minimum order quantities when you call us, and we will help you find an order size that makes sense for your budget and your program needs without overcommitting to inventory you do not yet need.
For businesses that are just getting started with a card program, we always recommend thinking ahead about how quickly you expect to use your initial order. Ordering a reasonable quantity upfront often reduces your per-card cost meaningfully, and since our cards have a long shelf life, having extra inventory on hand is almost always a smart move for a growing business.
Specialty Card Options: Beyond the Basics
While magnetic stripe cards form the backbone of most card programs, we also offer a range of specialty card options for businesses that want to make an even more distinctive impression. From clear plastic cards to custom-shaped cards and premium metal cards, our specialty lineup gives forward-thinking brands a way to truly stand out.
These specialty options can be combined with magnetic stripe technology, so you do not have to choose between a striking visual presentation and the functional data storage your program needs. We can encode virtually any card in our specialty lineup with standard magnetic stripes to give you the best of both worlds.
Clear Plastic Cards
Clear plastic cards offer a modern, premium aesthetic that immediately sets your brand apart from the crowd. When a customer pulls a transparent card out of their wallet, it naturally draws attention and curiosity. This visual differentiation is a powerful branding tool in competitive markets where standing out from other businesses matters enormously.
We print on clear card stock using specialized inks that create bold, vivid designs even on a transparent background. Magnetic stripes can be applied to clear cards just as they are to standard white PVC cards, so you get the full functional capability of a standard magnetic stripe card wrapped in a distinctly eye-catching package.
Custom Shape Cards
Standard rectangular cards are familiar and functional, but a custom-shaped card creates an instant conversation piece that people remember long after they first receive it. We can produce cards in custom shapes that reflect your brand logo, product silhouette, or creative concept, giving your program a unique identity that flat-out surprises people in the best possible way.
Custom shape cards work especially well for specialty retailers, entertainment venues, and brands with a strong visual identity. The magnetic stripe is integrated into the design seamlessly, so the card remains fully functional while delivering an extraordinary visual experience that your customers will absolutely not forget.
Luxury Metal Cards
For brands that want to convey exclusivity and premium quality, our luxury metal cards crafted from materials like stainless steel or gold-finish alloy deliver an unmistakable statement. The weight and feel of a metal card in someone's hand creates a powerful impression of prestige that no paper or standard plastic card can match.
Metal cards are ideal for VIP membership programs, high-end loyalty tiers, exclusive club memberships, and premium brand experiences where the card itself is part of the value being delivered to the customer. We engineer these cards to include magnetic stripe capability where applicable, blending luxury presentation with real-world functionality in a truly impressive package.
Card Accessories and Complete Program Support
A successful card program involves more than just the cards themselves. We offer a full range of accessories and support services to make sure every element of your program is polished, professional, and ready to impress from day one. Our one-stop approach means you can source everything you need from a single trusted partner.
From custom card carriers and protective sleeves to full-service affixing and mailing, we have the tools and expertise to handle every detail of your card program. This comprehensive support is one of the things that sets us apart from suppliers who simply print cards and move on.
Custom Card Carriers and Sleeves
The way you present a card to a customer matters just as much as the card itself. A custom card carrier printed with your branding, a welcome message, and usage instructions transforms a simple card handoff into a memorable branded experience. We design and produce carriers and sleeves that complement your card design and reinforce your brand message at the moment of delivery.
Protective sleeves also serve an important practical function by shielding the magnetic stripe from scratches and incidental contact with other magnetic objects inside a wallet or bag. Encouraging customers to use protective sleeves is a simple way to extend card lifespan and reduce the frequency of card replacement requests from your customer base.
Card Affixing and Mailing Services
For businesses running direct mail campaigns that include plastic cards, our card affixing and mailing service is an incredibly convenient solution. We can adhere your magnetic stripe cards to custom mailers, package the assembled pieces, and coordinate mailing so that your campaign goes out on schedule without requiring any extra effort on your end.
Direct mail campaigns featuring plastic cards consistently achieve double the response rates of traditional paper mail, making this a marketing strategy well worth exploring for businesses looking to acquire new customers or re-engage existing ones. Our mailing service makes executing this strategy simple, efficient, and cost-effective at any campaign scale.
- Custom printed card carriers with brand messaging
- Protective card sleeves to extend stripe life
- Card affixing to direct mail pieces
- Full-service mailing coordination and fulfillment
- Bulk mailing options for large-scale campaigns
Ongoing Supply and Reorder Support
We believe in building long-term relationships with every client we serve, which means we are here for you not just on your first order but on every reorder that follows. Our team tracks your card specifications so that reorders are fast, consistent, and accurate every single time. You will never have to start from scratch when you need more cards.
We also keep a close eye on our supply inventory to make sure the ribbons, blank stock, and accessories you depend on are always available and ship quickly when you need them. Keeping your card program running without interruption is as important to us as it is to you, and that commitment shows in the service we provide every day.
Getting Started Is Simple: Order Your Magnetic Stripe Cards Today
Starting a magnetic stripe card program with us is genuinely straightforward. Our experienced team guides you through every step of the process, from choosing the right card stock and stripe type to finalizing your design and placing your first order. We make it easy so you can focus on running your business while we handle the details.
We have helped over 100,000 businesses launch and maintain successful card programs, and we bring all of that experience to bear for every new client we work with. Whether this is your first card program or you are upgrading an existing one, we are ready to make the process smooth and rewarding from start to finish.
How to Place Your First Order
Placing your first order with us begins with a simple conversation. Call us at 800-835-7919 and one of our knowledgeable team members will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you determine exactly what your program needs. We take the time to understand your business so that we recommend the right products from the very start.
Once we understand your requirements, we will guide you through the design and encoding specifications process, confirm your order details, and provide a production and shipping timeline. Our goal is to make sure you feel completely confident in your order before production begins, with no surprises along the way.
Design Assistance and Card Artwork
Not every business has a graphic design team on staff, and that is perfectly fine. We work with clients at every stage of design readiness, whether you are coming to us with a fully finished artwork file or starting from scratch with just a logo and a color preference. Our team can help translate your brand identity into a polished card design you will be proud to hand to your customers.
We accept all standard design file formats and provide clear specifications to help your designer create artwork that will print beautifully at card scale. Good card design is one of the most important investments you can make in your program, and we are committed to making sure every card we produce looks as professional and attractive as possible.
Bulk Ordering and Pricing
Our pricing is structured to reward volume, meaning the more cards you order, the better your per-card cost becomes. Typical magnetic stripe card programs can be set up for a range of investment levels, with card programs starting at accessible price points and scaling up based on quantity, complexity, and customization. Cards priced in ranges like $75-$200 per hundred for custom specialty options reflect the premium quality built into every product we produce.
We encourage clients to think strategically about their initial order quantity because ordering smart upfront can significantly reduce the overall cost of running your program over time. Our team will help you find the order quantity that balances your budget with the per-card savings that come with volume purchasing, making sure you get maximum value from every dollar you invest.
Ready to Elevate Your Business? Contact Plastic Card ID Today
Plastic Card ID has been helping businesses across the country build stronger customer relationships, smarter loyalty programs, and more professional brand identities through high-quality magnetic stripe cards for over 25 years. We have shipped more than 50 million cards to over 100,000 satisfied businesses, and we are ready to put that experience to work for you.
Whether you need gift cards, loyalty cards, hotel key cards, employee ID badges, or access control cards, we have the expertise, the product selection, and the nationwide shipping capability to deliver exactly what your business needs. We are your one-stop partner for cards, printers, and supplies, all backed by the kind of personalized service that makes doing business a genuine pleasure.
Call PCID right now at 800-835-7919 to speak with a card specialist who is ready to help you get your program started or take your existing program to the next level. Do not wait - your customers are ready for a better experience, and we are ready to help you deliver it.
Contact Plastic Card ID today at 800-835-7919 and discover why thousands of businesses trust us with their most important customer touchpoints. Let us show you what a difference a great magnetic stripe card program can make for your business starting right now.
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