Magnetic Stripe Cards Secure Payment Solutions and Encoding Best Practices
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About Plastic Card ID
Plastic Card ID is a trusted leader in custom plastic card production, delivering high-quality, durable solutions that help brands create lasting physical connections. With decades of industry experience and a client-first mindset, we combine precision printing with strategic insight to help businesses increase engagement and revenue.
Our team has empowered over 100,000 businesses and produced more than 50 million cards, offering proven marketing impact and operational reliability. We act as a strategic partner, providing tailored products from gift and loyalty cards to secure ID and access credentials that enhance both brand presence and security.
Our Legacy
Since our founding, Plastic Card ID has focused on innovation and consistency, building trust with retailers, hospitality groups, and institutions nationwide. Our portfolio includes specialty cards like clear plastic and custom-shaped pieces that make brands stand out at point of sale and in customer wallets.
That legacy is built on measurable outcomes: higher redemption rates, stronger brand recognition, and repeat business for partners. We emphasize long-term relationships and offer scalable solutions that support growth, from local stores to national chains and franchise networks.
Our Approach
We believe actionable strategy and flawless production create tangible results for our clients. Every project begins with a consultative discovery to match card features - including Magnetic Stripe Cards and RFID options - to the client's operational and marketing goals for maximum impact.
Our process integrates design, secure encoding, and fulfillment services such as sleeves and mailing. This one-stop approach reduces complexity for partners and ensures every program benefits from consistent quality, timely delivery, and measurable ROI.
Why Choose Us?
Clients choose Plastic Card ID for our unwavering emphasis on quality, robust warranties, and specialty offerings like luxury metal and stainless steel cards. We support affiliates and resellers with reliable margins and a product suite proven to deliver increased sales and customer loyalty.
To speak with a solutions specialist call 800.835.7919 for a tailored consultation. Our team will assess your needs and recommend the right combination of cards and fulfillment services to meet your goals with efficiency and measurable results.
Solutions for Brands & Retail
Modern retailers and brands need physical touchpoints that reinforce digital campaigns; our custom cards do exactly that. From promotional gift cards to multi-use loyalty programs, we design and deliver products that resonate with customers while simplifying program management.
We tailor production runs to campaign size, timing, and budget constraints. Whether launching a seasonal promotion or implementing an evergreen loyalty program, our services are built to scale and to maintain consistent premium quality across every shipment.
Gift & Loyalty Cards
Gift and loyalty cards engineered by Plastic Card ID are crafted to boost transaction value and repeat business. Retailers often see significant uplifts in average order value and customer return rates when they transition from paper certificates to professionally printed plastic cards.
Our offerings include magnetic encoding, variable data printing, and custom packaging to enhance perceived value. These features combine to create memorable unboxing experiences and stronger brand recall among recipients and cardholders.
Membership & ID Solutions
For clubs, organizations, and institutions, our membership and ID cards deliver both identity and convenience. We produce durable, secure cards for alumni associations, unions, gyms, and corporate programs, integrating branding with practical features such as barcode or magstripe encoding.
Each card option supports industry-standard security and printing practices, and we offer consultative guidance to ensure cards align with your operational workflows and access control requirements while maintaining a professional appearance.
Custom Specialty Cards
Our specialty card lineup includes clear plastic cards, unique shapes, and luxurious metal finishes that make a striking impression. These formats are ideal for high-end promotions, VIP programs, and premium membership offers that require elevated tactile presence.
Reach our team at 800.835.7919 to explore specialty materials, custom die-cut shapes, and combination finishes. We'll discuss production timelines, minimums, and sample options to help you choose the best approach for your campaign.
| Card Type | Typical Use | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Stripe Cards | Retail, Loyalty, Gift | Simple encoding & broad compatibility |
| RFID / MIFARE | Access control, Contactless payments | Secure contactless authentication |
| Luxury Metal | Premium memberships | High perceived value & durability |
Security & Technology
Security and technology are core to our product development. We offer Magnetic Stripe Cards as well as advanced RFID and smart card solutions like MIFARE DESFire, enabling secure access control and transaction capabilities in hospitality, gaming, and enterprise settings.
Every secure card product is manufactured under strict quality control standards and can be encoded to meet your system requirements. Our team supports integration with existing point-of-sale or access control systems to ensure a smooth implementation.
Magnetic Stripe Cards & Encoding
Magnetic Stripe Cards remain a reliable, widely compatible option for loyalty, gift, and membership programs. We provide industry-standard encoding, track formatting, and data management to ensure seamless compatibility with most POS and access systems.
Our value proposition is simple integration, dependable durability, and predictable cost-efficiency. To discuss encoding options and data upload procedures, call 800.835.7919 and we'll guide you through secure file submission and verification steps.
RFID, Smart Cards & MIFARE DESFire
For contactless access and advanced security, our smart card options include MIFARE DESFire and other RFID technologies. These platforms support encrypted communication and flexible application storage for access control, cashless payments, and loyalty applications.
We assist with technology selection and testing to align card capabilities with your security posture. Our specialists help determine when to deploy contactless credentials versus magnetic solutions based on user convenience and system compatibility.
Access Control & Compliance
We help organizations implement cards that conform to access control standards and operational policies. Whether integrating with hotel key systems, casino player programs, or corporate door access, our solutions emphasize both security and user experience.
In addition to production, we offer secure handling protocols and documentation to support audits and compliance requirements. Our warranty coverage and post-delivery support provide ongoing peace of mind for mission-critical applications.
Products & Specialties
Our product catalog blends standard formats with specialty innovations to meet unique branding and functional needs. From mass-market gift cards to precision-cut metal and clear cards, we produce options that enhance perceived value and customer satisfaction.
Every product category can be customized for artwork, varnish, and encoding while supported by value-added services like carriers, sleeves, and direct mailing. These extras create finished programs that require minimal client handling.
Clear & Custom Shape Cards
Clear plastic and custom-shaped cards provide distinct shelf appeal and differentiation at point of sale. Their unique look is excellent for promotions where visual novelty drives customer attention and social sharing, producing stronger campaign performance.
We offer finishing options, edge treatments, and packaging suggestions to maximize visual impact and protect cards during shipping. Our design team will advise on artwork adjustments that ensure clarity and print fidelity across specialty substrates.
Luxury Metal & Premium Options
Luxury metal cards, in finishes like stainless steel or gold plating, communicate exclusivity and premium value. They are ideal for VIP programs, high-ticket loyalty tiers, and commemorative memberships that demand tactile distinction and long-term retention.
Production of metal cards involves exacting tolerances and protective coatings. We provide dedicated production runs and quality assurance to maintain finish consistency and durability across every batch you order.
Value-added Services
Our comprehensive services include full-service card affixing, fulfillment, and mailing, enabling brands to deploy campaigns without logistic headaches. These services are tailored to program size and complexity, delivering finished-ready shipments to distribution points or directly to consumers.
For quoting and logistics planning call 800.835.7919. We will outline lead times, shipping options, and sample approvals to ensure your program launches on schedule and in alignment with brand expectations.
Case Studies & Benefits
Real-world results demonstrate how well-designed card programs drive measurable outcomes. Clients of Plastic Card ID frequently report tangible improvements in sales, customer retention, and program adoption after switching from lower-quality options to our custom plastic solutions.
We document case studies across retail, hospitality, and institutional sectors that showcase best practices, measurable ROI, and creative executions that amplified campaign performance and member engagement.
Retail & Gift Card Success
Retailers implementing our gift card programs often observe meaningful upticks in sales and repeat visits. In one campaign, a chain reported a notable increase in average transaction value and redemption frequency after adopting full-color, encoded plastic gift cards versus paper alternatives.
Key benefits include:
- Higher lifetime value from repeat purchasers
- Better brand presentation and perceived value
- Streamlined POS integration with Magnetic Stripe Cards and barcodes
- Fulfillment options that support direct-to-customer mailings
Hospitality, Casino & Access Programs
Hotels and casinos rely on secure, reliable credentials for room access and loyalty tracking. Our casino player cards and hotel key cards combine robust encoding with attractive brand treatments to ensure guests enjoy both convenience and security.
We collaborate with system integrators to match card specifications to existing door locks and loyalty platforms, delivering low-friction guest experiences and dependable operational performance.
Affiliate & Marketing Opportunities
Affiliates and marketers benefit from supplying high-demand products that convert well. Over 60 affiliate websites already leverage our offerings, tapping into robust margins and stable demand for high-quality custom cards, plus promotional support and sales collateral when appropriate.
To learn about affiliate partnerships and volume pricing call 800.835.7919. Our affiliate team will outline commission structures, creative assets, and sample programs to help you monetize traffic effectively and responsibly.
Ordering, Support & Contact Plastic Card ID
Ordering with Plastic Card ID is designed to be straightforward and supported by expert consultation. From sample approvals to production scheduling and secure data handling, we provide transparent timelines, documentation, and proactive communication through every step.
We back our products with warranties and dedicated customer service so clients feel confident in both the purchase and long-term program success. Our service areas include fulfillment, postal affixing, and nationwide shipping to meet diverse distribution needs.
Ordering Process
Begin with a consultation and sample request to confirm materials, finishes, and encoding. Our team will provide a detailed quote, production timeline, and proofing process designed to minimize delays and ensure accurate color and data fulfillment.
For assistance with artwork or file preparation, contact our design specialists. We can adapt files for best print results and provide test prints to validate your final product before full production.
Warranty, Support & Service Areas
Plastic Card ID stands behind its products with warranty coverage and responsive support. Our warranties address manufacturing defects and ensure that you receive the consistent quality and operational reliability expected from a premier card producer.
Support includes troubleshooting encoding concerns, coordinating remakes when necessary, and advising on lifecycle management for cards used in access control or high-frequency applications. For direct support call 800.835.7919.
Get Started Today
When you're ready to transform physical engagement, our team will craft a turnkey plan that aligns with your objectives - from Magnetic Stripe Cards for broad compatibility to premium metal and contactless smart cards for elevated experiences. We emphasize practical value and measurable outcomes.
This is the easiest way to begin: request a sample pack and consultation, or call to speak with a product specialist who can walk you through options, lead times, and sample approval. Reach out now for expert guidance and a fast quote.
Plastic Card ID is ready to partner with you - call 800.835.7919 to start your custom card program today.
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