Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Swipe Technology for Any Use

Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your National Source for Magnetic Stripe Cards and More

Every great business relationship starts with a handshake - and then, a card. At Plastic Card ID, we believe that the cards you hand out say everything about who you are. From magnetic stripe cards to full-color printed loyalty programs, we have spent more than 25 years helping businesses across the country make powerful first impressions that stick.

We ship directly to businesses of all sizes, from small boutiques to large corporations, and we do it nationally. Whether you need 500 cards or 500,000, our team is ready to deliver quality that speaks for itself. You can reach us anytime at 800-835-7919 to get started or ask questions - we love hearing from you.

Our product lineup covers everything your business needs: plastic cards, card printers, ribbons, overlaminates, cleaning kits, and specialty card types. When it comes to magnetic stripe cards specifically, we bring an unmatched level of expertise and variety that keeps customers coming back year after year.

What Makes Magnetic Stripe Cards So Powerful?

Magnetic stripe cards have been a cornerstone of business operations for decades, and for good reason. The stripe on the back of the card stores encoded data that can be read quickly and accurately by card readers, making them perfect for fast, reliable transactions and access control situations.

We offer magnetic stripe cards in multiple coercivity levels, including low coercivity (LoCo) and high coercivity (HiCo), so you get exactly the right card for your specific application. HiCo stripes are more durable and resist accidental demagnetization, making them ideal for long-term use, while LoCo cards work great for short-term programs like hotel keys and event passes.

When you partner with us, you gain access to our full knowledge base and our team's hands-on experience with magnetic stripe encoding. We make it easy to understand your options and choose the card configuration that saves you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Industries That Rely on Magnetic Stripe Cards

You might be surprised by just how many industries use magnetic stripe cards every single day. From healthcare to hospitality, these cards make operations smoother and more secure. Our clients span a wide range of sectors, each with unique needs that we proudly meet with custom solutions.

Retail businesses use magnetic stripe gift cards and loyalty cards to track customer purchases and reward repeat shoppers. Hotels rely on magnetic stripe room keys to give guests secure, convenient access. Gyms, clubs, and membership organizations use them for fast, reliable member check-ins at the front desk.

• Retail gift and loyalty card programs
• Hotel and hospitality room key cards
• Healthcare patient identification cards
• Gym and fitness club membership cards
• Employee time and attendance cards
• Campus and student ID cards
• Casino player reward cards

Our Commitment to Quality Cards, Every Order

We do not cut corners. Every card that leaves our facility meets strict quality standards so that when it arrives at your door, it is ready to perform. Our magnetic stripe cards are built to CR80 standard size (the same size as a standard credit card), which means they work seamlessly with industry-standard card readers already in use at most locations.

Our team carefully inspects card batches for print quality, stripe integrity, and encoding accuracy before shipping. We understand that a failed card read is more than an inconvenience - it reflects on your brand. That is why we take quality seriously at every step of the production process.

When you call us at 800-835-7919, you will speak with a real person who understands magnetic stripe card technology and can walk you through exactly what you need. We are proud of our customer service, and we think you will be too.

Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs That Drive Real Results

Few marketing tools deliver the consistent return on investment that plastic gift cards do. Studies show that businesses switching from paper gift certificates to plastic gift cards can see sales jump by as much as 100%. That is not a typo - double the revenue from a simple upgrade in card material. We have helped thousands of businesses make this switch, and the results speak loudly.

Loyalty cards are equally impressive. When customers know they are earning points or rewards with every visit, they come back more often and spend more each time. Our magnetic stripe loyalty cards make it easy to track customer activity and keep your rewards program running smoothly without expensive software overhauls.

We print your gift and loyalty cards with vibrant, full-color designs that reflect your brand at its best. The magnetic stripe on the back does the heavy lifting, encoding customer balances and point totals with precision and reliability every single time.

Designing Your Perfect Gift Card Program

A successful gift card program starts with a great design, and we make that process simple. Our team works with you to create a card that looks professional, on-brand, and eye-catching. Whether you want a clean, minimal look or a bold, colorful design, we can bring your vision to life with high-quality printing that turns heads.

Beyond the design, we help you think through the practical details like card denominations, encoding formats, and compatibility with your point-of-sale system. We have worked with hundreds of POS systems and can offer guidance that helps you avoid costly mistakes before they happen.

Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back

Customer loyalty is not accidental - it is earned through consistent, rewarding experiences. A well-designed magnetic stripe loyalty card puts your brand in your customer's wallet, which means they think of you every time they reach for it. That kind of constant, gentle brand reminder is incredibly valuable and surprisingly affordable.

We make setting up a loyalty program straightforward by offering encoding services, custom card designs, and bulk pricing that scales with your business. Whether you are running a coffee shop punch card replacement or a full-scale tiered rewards program, our cards are the foundation you need.

Retailers who implement loyalty programs with our cards often report increased visit frequency and higher average transaction values. That is the kind of measurable impact that makes magnetic stripe loyalty cards one of the smartest investments a growing business can make.

Bulk Ordering and Fast National Shipping

We understand that business moves fast, and waiting weeks for cards is not an option. Our production and shipping processes are designed for speed without sacrificing quality. We ship to every corner of the country, so no matter where your business is located, our cards will reach you on time and in perfect condition.

Bulk orders come with pricing advantages that make large programs more affordable. The more you order, the better the value, and we are happy to walk you through pricing tiers when you call us at 800-835-7919. Our team will find the most cost-effective solution for your specific order size and timeline.

Card Printers: Print Your Own Cards On-Site

Sometimes the best solution is the one that puts control directly in your hands. Our card printer lineup gives businesses the power to print professional-quality plastic cards right in their own office or facility. From small desktop printers to high-volume production models, we carry a printer to match every need and budget.

Printing your own cards means you can update designs, add new employees, or issue replacement cards on the spot. No waiting, no minimum order quantities, and no delays. For businesses that need that kind of flexibility, an in-house card printer is an incredibly smart investment.

Popular Card Printer Models We Carry

We stock a wide range of card printers from leading brands known for reliability and print quality. Whether you need single-sided or dual-sided printing, standard or high-resolution output, we have a printer that fits the bill perfectly for your workflow and volume requirements.

• Entry-level single-sided desktop printers for low-volume needs
• Mid-range dual-sided printers for employee ID and membership cards
• High-volume production printers for large card programs
• Retransfer printers for edge-to-edge, photo-quality printing
• Printers with built-in magnetic stripe encoding modules

Printer Ribbons, Overlaminates, and Cleaning Kits

A great card printer is only as good as the supplies you put in it. We stock a full inventory of printer ribbons, including YMCKO (full-color with overlay), KO (black with overlay), and monochrome ribbons for single-color printing needs. Our ribbons are compatible with all major printer brands and deliver crisp, consistent results with every pass.

Overlaminates add an extra layer of protection to printed cards, extending their life and giving them a premium feel that customers notice. For cards that will be used daily, like employee badges or loyalty cards, overlaminates are a worthwhile addition that protects your printing investment from scratches and wear.

Cleaning kits keep your printer running at peak performance and prevent the buildup of debris that can cause streaking, misfeeds, and costly maintenance issues. We recommend regular cleaning as part of any card printing operation, and we make it easy by stocking everything you need right alongside your printer supplies.

Getting the Right Printer for Your Business

Choosing the right card printer can feel overwhelming, but we simplify the process. Our team asks the right questions about your card volume, design complexity, encoding needs, and budget to narrow down the options and recommend exactly what will work best for you. We have matched thousands of businesses with the perfect printer, and we are ready to do the same for you.

Printer prices typically range from $500-$3,000 depending on features and capacity, and we can help you evaluate the return on investment compared to ordering pre-printed cards. For many businesses, the break-even point comes sooner than expected, making an in-house printer a financially sound choice in the long run.

Specialty Cards for Every Business Need

Card Type	Best Use Case	Key Feature
Magnetic Stripe Cards	Gift, loyalty, access	Fast, reliable data encoding
RFID Smart Cards	Contactless access control	MIFARE DESFire technology
Clear Plastic Cards	Premium branding	Unique, transparent look
Metal Cards	Luxury member programs	Stainless steel or gold finish
Custom Shape Cards	Brand differentiation	Die-cut to any shape

Not every card fits the same mold, and that is exactly how we like it. Our specialty card options let businesses go beyond the standard rectangle to create something truly unforgettable. When your card stands out from the stack, your brand does too - and that difference can translate directly into customer engagement and sales.

We offer clear plastic cards that let your design elements shine through a transparent background, creating a sophisticated look that customers hold on to instead of tossing away. For clients who want the ultimate statement, our metal cards crafted from stainless steel or gold-toned materials deliver a luxury feel that commands attention and respect.

RFID and Smart Card Technology

The world is moving toward contactless everything, and our RFID smart cards put your business at the leading edge of that trend. Using technology like MIFARE DESFire, these cards communicate wirelessly with card readers, enabling fast, secure access control and data exchange without ever requiring a physical swipe or insert.

RFID cards are ideal for corporate campuses, secure facilities, hotels, and any organization that needs to manage access for large numbers of people efficiently. We offer a range of RFID frequencies and chip types to match the specific requirements of your existing access control infrastructure.

Our team can help you understand the differences between various RFID standards and select the card configuration that integrates smoothly with your current systems. Getting this right from the start saves time and budget, and our expertise in this area is one of the many reasons clients trust us with their most sensitive card programs.

Clear Cards, Metal Cards, and Custom Shapes

When you want your card to be the one that never gets thrown away, specialty materials and shapes are your answer. Our clear plastic cards create a stunning effect that makes printed elements appear to float in mid-air, drawing the eye and sparking conversation. They are especially popular in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries where aesthetics are central to the brand.

Metal cards take the concept of premium branding to another level entirely. Heavier, more durable, and undeniably impressive, a metal card signals that your business takes quality seriously. Clients who receive a metal membership card are significantly less likely to cancel their membership - the physical value of the card reinforces their sense of belonging and commitment.

Casino, Hotel, and Access Control Cards

We have deep experience serving the hospitality and gaming industries with specialized card solutions. Casino player cards with magnetic stripes track rewards points and play history, making them essential tools for player retention programs at gaming facilities of all sizes. Our cards are built for the high-frequency use that casino environments demand.

Hotel key cards are another area where our quality and reliability shine. Guests judge hotels by the little things, and a card key that works every time on the first swipe is one of those details that quietly builds satisfaction and loyalty. We produce hotel key cards in both magnetic stripe and RFID formats to match your specific door lock systems.

ID Badges, Membership Cards, and Organizational Credentials

Identity matters in every organization. Whether you are running a corporation, a union, a school, or a professional association, the cards you issue to your members and employees say something important about how seriously you take security and belonging. We help organizations of all kinds create ID cards and credentials that are both functional and impressive.

Our membership cards and ID badges are fully customizable, featuring your logo, colors, member photos, and any encoding or smart card technology you require. We have produced alumni cards for universities, union credentials for labor organizations, and employee badges for companies ranging from small businesses to large enterprises.

Employee ID Cards That Enhance Security

A professional employee ID card does more than just display a name and photo - it is a security tool that controls who gets access to what. With magnetic stripe encoding or RFID technology built in, our ID cards can be integrated with time-and-attendance systems, door access control, and other security platforms to create a seamless, secure environment.

We help HR and facilities teams design cards that are both visually appealing and functionally robust. Durable PVC construction means the cards hold up to daily wear, clips, lanyards, and the general rigors of a busy workplace. Your employees will be proud to wear a card that looks professional and performs reliably every single day.

Union Cards and Alumni Credentials

Membership in a union or alumni association carries real meaning, and the card that represents that membership should reflect it. We produce union cards and alumni credentials that are durable, professional, and customized to carry the weight of what they represent. These are not throwaway items - they are keepsakes and working credentials that members carry for years.

Our encoding options allow union cards to carry member information securely, supporting digital recordkeeping and verification systems that modern organizations rely on. Alumni cards can include magnetic stripes for library access, gym privileges, or event discounts - turning them into practical tools that deliver ongoing value to graduates long after they leave campus.

Student and Campus ID Programs

Campus ID programs are among the most complex card programs we manage, and we handle them with confidence. From encoding for cafeteria meal plans to RFID access for dormitories, the demands on a student ID card are significant. We help campus administrators design a single card solution that handles multiple functions efficiently and reliably.

We work with schools and universities to establish card programs that grow with enrollment and adapt to changing technology needs. Whether your campus is issuing 500 cards per year or 50,000, our production capabilities and national shipping network ensure that every student gets their card on time and without hassle.

Postcard Mailers and Marketing Card Solutions

Direct mail is far from dead - in fact, plastic postcard mailers achieve response rates that are nearly double those of standard paper mail. We produce plastic postcards and mailer cards that grab attention the moment they land in the mailbox, delivering your message with a tactile quality that paper simply cannot match.

Our marketing card solutions extend beyond postcards to include promotional cards, referral cards, event passes, and more. Each product is designed to keep your brand in the hands of your target audience for as long as possible, reinforcing your message every time the card is seen or touched.

Why Plastic Postcards Outperform Paper Mail

Recipients handle plastic mailers differently than paper envelopes. The unfamiliar weight and texture triggers curiosity, which means your piece is far less likely to go straight into the trash. That extra moment of handling translates into higher read rates and, ultimately, better response rates for your campaign.

We print plastic postcards in full color with the same high-quality standards we apply to all of our card products. Custom designs, bold calls to action, and optional magnetic stripe or barcode elements make these mailers versatile marketing tools that work for almost any industry and campaign type.

Referral Cards and Promotional Passes

Word-of-mouth is the most powerful form of marketing, and a well-designed referral card makes it easy for happy customers to spread the word. We produce referral cards that are compact, attractive, and encoded with unique customer identifiers that let you track exactly which referrals are converting into new business for your company.

Promotional passes work similarly for events, grand openings, VIP previews, and special sales. A plastic pass feels valuable - and when something feels valuable, people hold onto it. That held card is a continuous brand reminder that keeps your event or offer top-of-mind until the moment the customer decides to act.

Card Accessories: Carriers, Sleeves, and Affixing Services

A card is only as impressive as the presentation it arrives in. We offer custom card carriers, sleeves, and packaging that elevate the unboxing experience and reinforce your brand from the very first moment a recipient holds your card. These accessories transform a simple card into a complete brand moment that customers remember.

For businesses that need cards mailed directly to their customers, we offer full-service card affixing and mailing solutions. We handle the entire fulfillment process - attaching cards to carriers, inserting them into mailers, and dropping them in the mail - so you can focus on running your business instead of managing logistics.

Custom Card Carriers and Packaging

Your gift card or loyalty card deserves a home that matches its quality. Our custom carriers are printed with your branding and designed to complement the card design, creating a cohesive package that feels intentional and premium. Whether you want a simple fold-over carrier or a more elaborate presentation sleeve, we have options to fit every budget and aesthetic.

First impressions matter enormously, and the packaging your card arrives in is often the very first thing a recipient notices. Investing in quality carriers is one of the simplest ways to signal that your brand takes quality seriously across every customer touchpoint, from the card itself to the packaging it comes in.

Full-Service Affixing and Mailing

Handling the assembly and mailing of thousands of card packages is a massive operational task - and one that we gladly take off your plate. Our affixing and mailing services are designed for businesses that need to deliver cards directly to customers, employees, or members at scale, without the internal resources to manage the process themselves.

We manage quality control at every step of the fulfillment process, ensuring that every card is properly affixed, every carrier is correctly prepared, and every package is mailed on schedule. Our reliable fulfillment track record gives our clients confidence that their card programs will run smoothly from production all the way to the recipient's mailbox.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stripe Cards

Over the years, we have answered thousands of questions from businesses just like yours. Here are some of the most common things people want to know before placing their first order with us. If your question is not covered here, we are always just a phone call away and happy to help.

Our team fields inquiries every day about card specifications, encoding standards, printer compatibility, and order timelines. We love these conversations because they give us a chance to show off our expertise and make sure you feel confident before you commit to an order. No question is too basic or too technical for our team to handle.

HiCo vs. LoCo: Which Stripe Is Right for You?

High coercivity (HiCo) magnetic stripes are harder to accidentally erase and hold data more reliably over time, making them the preferred choice for long-term card programs like loyalty cards, employee badges, and membership cards. HiCo stripes are encoded with a stronger magnetic field that resists the kind of demagnetization caused by everyday magnetic sources like phone cases or clasps.

Low coercivity (LoCo) stripes are easier to encode and re-encode, making them practical for short-term applications like hotel room keys or event wristbands that are meant to be reused or reprogrammed frequently. The lower encoding strength means these cards cost a bit less to produce, which can add up to meaningful savings on high-volume, short-lifecycle programs.

How Many Cards Should I Order?

The right order quantity depends on your program size, your expected card lifecycle, and your budget. In general, larger orders come with better per-card pricing, so it often makes financial sense to order more cards upfront if your program is established and your design is unlikely to change in the near future.

For new programs, we often recommend starting with a moderate quantity to test your design and workflow before committing to a very large run. Our team can help you think through projected usage rates and recommend an order size that balances cost efficiency with practical flexibility for your specific situation.

Can I Order Sample Cards Before My Full Order?

Yes, absolutely. We understand that seeing and feeling the physical card before committing to a large order is important, and we want you to feel completely confident in what you are getting. Sample orders give you the chance to verify print quality, card thickness, stripe performance, and overall finish before your full production run begins.

Reach out to us at 800-835-7919 to discuss sample options for your specific card type. Our team will walk you through the process, help you choose the right card specifications for your needs, and get samples on their way to you as quickly as possible so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.

Case Study: How Magnetic Stripe Gift Cards Transformed a Local Retailer

One of our favorite success stories involves a regional boutique clothing store that had been using paper gift certificates for years. Sales were steady but uninspiring, and the store owner felt that the paper certificates were undermining the premium image she had worked hard to build for her brand. She called us curious, a bit skeptical, and hopeful.

After switching to custom-printed plastic magnetic stripe gift cards, her business experienced a dramatic change. The cards looked professional, worked flawlessly with her existing point-of-sale system, and customers started buying them as gifts far more frequently than they had ever purchased the paper certificates. The transformation was faster and more significant than even she had anticipated.

The Results Spoke for Themselves

Within the first six months of switching to plastic magnetic stripe gift cards, the boutique saw a 78% increase in gift card sales compared to the same period with paper certificates. Customers were buying cards in higher denominations, and a measurable percentage of recipients were spending more than the card value, boosting overall revenue per transaction significantly.

The store owner also noted that plastic cards were far more likely to be redeemed than paper certificates, which had a higher rate of being lost or forgotten. Because plastic cards feel valuable, customers treat them more carefully - and that careful treatment translated directly into redemption rates that drove real foot traffic through her doors on a consistent basis.

What This Means for Your Business

This story is not unique. We have seen similar results play out across dozens of industries and business types. The simple act of upgrading from paper to plastic magnetic stripe cards signals to your customers that your brand is serious, professional, and worth their loyalty. That signal has real, measurable financial value that you can see on your bottom line.

If you are currently using paper certificates, punch cards, or any disposable alternative for your gift or loyalty program, this case study should give you confidence that making the switch to plastic magnetic stripe cards is a smart, proven investment. We are ready to help you make that move with confidence and support every step of the way.

Pricing, Turnaround, and What to Expect When You Order

We believe in honest, transparent pricing that helps you plan your card program budget without surprises. Card pricing varies depending on card type, quantity, design complexity, encoding requirements, and any specialty materials or finishes you choose. In general, standard magnetic stripe cards range from $0.30-$2.00 per card depending on volume, with specialty cards priced accordingly.

Turnaround times are competitive, and we work hard to meet your deadlines. Standard production typically runs within a few business days, and rush options are available for time-sensitive orders. National shipping ensures your cards arrive safely and on schedule no matter where in the country your business is located.

How Our Ordering Process Works

Getting started with us is straightforward. You reach out - by phone, or through our ordering system - and one of our team members helps you define exactly what you need. We discuss card type, quantity, design, encoding specifications, and any accessories like carriers or sleeves that you want to include with your order.

Once we have your specifications confirmed, our design and production team gets to work. We send proofs for your approval before going to full production, so you have the opportunity to review and request any changes before cards are printed. This approval process protects you and ensures the final product meets your expectations completely.

Pricing Ranges for Common Card Products

• Standard magnetic stripe cards (500-1,000 qty): $0.60-$1.20 per card
• Custom loyalty cards with full-color print: $0.75-$1.50 per card
• RFID smart cards: $1.50-$4.00 per card
• Clear plastic cards: $1.00-$2.50 per card
• Metal cards: $8.00-$25.00 per card
• Card printers (desktop models): $500-$1,500
• Card printers (high-volume models): $1,500-$3,000
• Printer ribbon sets: $30-$120 per ribbon

Reorder Programs and Long-Term Support

Building a card program is a long-term commitment, and we are here for the long haul. Our reorder process is quick and simple - once your design is on file, placing a reorder takes just minutes. We store your design specifications and encoding settings so that every reorder matches your original cards perfectly without any extra back-and-forth.

We also offer proactive support to help you monitor your card inventory and plan reorders before you run out. Running out of gift cards or loyalty cards during a busy season can cost you real sales, and we work with our clients to help prevent that from happening. Our goal is to be the reliable card supply partner your business counts on season after season, year after year.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Plastic Card ID Today

Your business deserves cards that work as hard as you do. Whether you need magnetic stripe gift cards, loyalty cards, employee ID badges, hotel key cards, or any of the dozens of other card types we produce, Plastic Card ID has the expertise, the production capabilities, and the national shipping network to deliver exactly what you need, when you need it.

We have empowered more than 100,000 businesses and delivered more than 50 million cards. That kind of scale comes from doing things right, building trust one order at a time, and treating every client like the long-term partner they are. When you call us, you will feel that difference immediately - because we genuinely love what we do and we love helping businesses like yours succeed with powerful, professional card programs.

Our team is standing by and ready to answer your questions, help you design your perfect card program, and get your order moving forward without delay. Do not wait to make the upgrade your business deserves. Call PCID right now at 800-835-7919 and let us show you what great cards can do for your brand.

Call Plastic Card ID Now and Start Your Card Program Today

Every day without a professional card program is a day of missed opportunities. Gift cards not sold, loyalty points not earned, and customer connections not made are real costs that add up over time. The good news is that getting started is easier than you think, and our team makes the entire process smooth and stress-free from your very first call.

Call Plastic Card ID at 800-835-7919 today. Whether you are placing your first card order or expanding an existing program, we are ready to help you take the next step with confidence, creativity, and the quality that has made us a trusted name in plastic cards for more than 25 years.

What Our Clients Say About Working With Us

Our clients consistently tell us that what sets us apart is not just the quality of our cards - it is the quality of our people. From the first call to the final shipment, our team is engaged, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making your card program a success. That personal attention is something you feel from the very first interaction.

Business owners regularly tell us that our cards helped them look more professional, earn more customer loyalty, and run smoother operations. Those outcomes are exactly why we come to work every day, and they are the reason so many of our clients have been ordering from us for five, ten, and even fifteen-plus years without ever looking for another supplier.

Let Us Build Something Great Together

The right card program can genuinely transform how your business operates and how your customers experience your brand. We have the products, the expertise, and the passion to help you build something that delivers real, lasting value. From magnetic stripe cards to card printers to all the supplies in between, PCID is your complete card solution - shipped nationally, backed by experience, and built on trust.

Take the first step right now. Reach out to Plastic Card ID at 800-835-7919, and let our team put together the perfect card solution for your business. We promise you will be glad you did - and so will every customer who receives one of your beautifully crafted, professionally encoded plastic cards.