Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Custom Printed Cards for Transactions

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

What if a single card in your customer's wallet could drive more repeat visits, boost brand recognition, and keep your business top-of-mind every single day? That is exactly the kind of power we deliver at Plastic Card ID. We have been helping businesses of all sizes across the country create stunning, durable plastic cards that make a real difference.

Our team has worked with over 100,000 businesses and shipped more than 50 million cards nationwide. We know what works, and we know how to make your brand shine. Whether you are looking for magnetic stripe cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, or ID badges, we have the tools, the talent, and the technology to get it done right.

We ship our plastic cards, card printers, and refill supplies to everyone across the country. Getting started is easy, and we are always here when you need us. Call us today at 800-835-7919 and let us help you find the perfect card solution for your business.

What Makes Magnetic Stripe Cards So Powerful?

Magnetic stripe cards are one of the most widely used card technologies in the world, and for good reason. The magnetic stripe on the back of a card stores data that can be read instantly by a card reader, making transactions fast, smooth, and reliable. Businesses love them because they are simple to use and incredibly versatile across many industries.

We offer magnetic stripe cards in three encoding tracks, giving businesses the flexibility to store different types of data depending on their needs. From loyalty programs to access control systems, magnetic stripe cards fit right into many existing setups without requiring major equipment upgrades.

Industries That Rely on Magnetic Stripe Cards

You might be surprised at how many industries use magnetic stripe cards every single day. Hotels use them as key cards to grant guests secure room access. Retailers use them for gift cards and loyalty rewards programs. Schools and universities use them as student ID cards that also control building access.

Casinos use magnetic stripe player cards to track points and reward loyal guests. Fitness centers use them to check members in quickly at the front desk. Even parking facilities and transit systems rely on magnetic stripe cards to manage access and payments efficiently and accurately.

Three Magnetic Stripe Tracks Explained

Not all magnetic stripes are created equal. There are three standard encoding tracks, each designed to hold specific types of information for different uses. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right card for your application.

• Track 1 - Holds alphanumeric data, including names and account numbers, commonly used in financial and loyalty card applications
• Track 2 - Numeric only, widely used in banking and access control systems worldwide
• Track 3 - Numeric data used for rewritable applications like stored-value and transit cards
• High Coercivity (HiCo) - More resistant to accidental erasure, ideal for long-term use cards
• Low Coercivity (LoCo) - Easier to encode and erase, suitable for short-term use like hotel key cards

The Full Range of Plastic Cards We Offer

We take pride in offering one of the most complete selections of plastic cards available anywhere in the country. From sleek, full-color gift cards to secure employee ID badges, our product lineup is designed to meet the real-world needs of modern businesses. Every card we produce is built to last and crafted to impress.

Our cards are not just functional tools. They are brand ambassadors that travel everywhere your customers go. A well-designed card in someone's wallet keeps your logo, your colors, and your message visible every single time they reach for it. That kind of consistent exposure is hard to beat.

Gift Cards That Drive Real Sales Growth

Gift cards are one of the smartest investments a retail business can make. Studies show that businesses switching from paper gift certificates to plastic gift cards often see sales increases of up to 100%. Customers spend more when using a gift card, and they often bring in new customers when gifting them to friends and family.

We design and print custom gift cards that reflect your brand beautifully. Full-color printing, glossy finishes, and custom shapes are all available to help your cards stand out. A professional plastic gift card tells your customers that your business is serious, polished, and here to stay.

Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back

Keeping an existing customer is far less expensive than finding a new one, and loyalty cards are one of the best tools for doing exactly that. A well-run loyalty program gives customers a reason to return, and a physical card makes the experience feel more personal and rewarding than a digital app ever can.

Our loyalty cards are designed to be durable, attractive, and easy to use with most point-of-sale systems. We can add magnetic stripes, barcodes, or even RFID chips depending on your system requirements. The result is a card your customers will actually want to carry and use regularly.

Membership and ID Cards for Organizations of All Sizes

From professional associations to alumni networks, membership cards create a powerful sense of belonging. When someone receives a well-crafted membership card, it tells them they are part of something that matters. We produce membership cards that look and feel premium, reinforcing the value of joining your organization.

We also specialize in ID badges for employees, contractors, and students. These cards can include photos, barcodes, magnetic stripes, and security features that help organizations manage access and verify identity quickly. Safety and professionalism go hand in hand with a quality ID badge program.

Card Printers: Print Cards On Demand, Right Where You Need Them

Sometimes you need a card printed right now, not in a few days. That is where our card printers come in. We offer a wide selection of professional-grade card printers that let you produce beautiful, high-quality plastic cards directly from your own office or facility. Printing on demand saves time, reduces waste, and gives you complete control over your card program.

Whether you need to print ten cards a week or ten thousand, we have a printer that fits your volume and budget. From compact desktop models to high-volume industrial printers, our lineup covers every need. And because we also carry all the ribbons, overlaminates, and cleaning kits you need, we truly are your one-stop shop for everything card-related.

Popular Card Printer Brands We Carry

We carry card printers from the most respected names in the industry. These brands have earned their reputations through years of reliable performance, and we stand behind every product we sell. If you ever have questions about which printer is right for your needs, our team is just a phone call away at 800-835-7919.

• Zebra card printers - known for speed, reliability, and sharp print quality
• Matica card printers - excellent for high-volume, industrial applications
• Evolis card printers - popular for their ease of use and stylish design
• Fargo card printers - trusted in security and government ID applications
• Nisca card printers - favored for dual-sided, high-resolution printing

Single-Sided vs. Dual-Sided Printing

Choosing between a single-sided and dual-sided card printer is one of the first decisions you will need to make. Single-sided printers are more affordable and work great when you only need to print on the front of a card. They are a solid choice for simple loyalty cards or basic membership cards.

Dual-sided printers let you print on both sides of a card in a single pass, which is ideal for ID badges that need a photo on the front and details on the back. They cost a bit more, but the professional result is well worth it for many businesses. We can help you decide which option is the best fit for your specific program.

Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies We Stock

A card printer is only as good as the supplies you put into it. We stock a comprehensive range of printer ribbons, cleaning kits, and overlaminates to keep your printer running at peak performance. Using the right supplies ensures crisp, vivid card printing every single time you hit the print button.

We carry YMCKO ribbons for full-color printing, monochrome ribbons for fast single-color output, and retransfer films for edge-to-edge print coverage. We also stock holographic overlaminates and UV-reactive security laminates for cards that require a higher level of protection and authenticity.

Specialty Cards That Make an Unforgettable First Impression

Sometimes a standard plastic card is not enough. For brands that want to make a bold statement and leave a lasting impression, we offer a range of specialty card options that go above and beyond the ordinary. These are the cards that people notice, talk about, and keep long after their first use.

From crystal-clear plastic cards to luxury metal cards crafted from stainless steel or gold, we produce specialty cards that command attention and project confidence. These are the kinds of cards that get pulled out at networking events and trigger genuine reactions of admiration and curiosity.

Clear Plastic Cards for a Modern, Sleek Look

Clear plastic cards are exactly what the name suggests - cards made from fully transparent or frosted PVC material. They look striking and modern, and when combined with a bold design, they create a visual effect that is hard to ignore. Businesses in fashion, beauty, and nightlife love them for the edge they provide over standard cards.

We can print on clear cards using a variety of ink types, allowing for vibrant colors that seem to float on the surface of the card. Magnetic stripes, barcodes, and signature panels can all be added to clear cards, making them just as functional as they are eye-catching and impressive for any brand.

Luxury Metal Cards That Set You Apart

Metal cards are the ultimate status symbol in the world of plastic card printing. Made from stainless steel, gold-plated, or brushed aluminum materials, these cards feel substantial and luxurious in the hand. Handing someone a metal card says something powerful about your brand without speaking a single word.

We offer laser engraving and precision cutting for metal cards, allowing for intricate designs and sharp logos that hold up beautifully over time. Metal cards are popular with high-end restaurants, VIP clubs, luxury brands, and executive membership programs. They are an investment that pays off in prestige and perceived value every single time they are used.

Custom Shapes That Break the Mold

Who says a card has to be a rectangle? Custom-shaped cards are a creative and memorable way to reinforce your brand identity through a unique physical form. A pizza shop might offer a card shaped like a pizza slice. A car dealership might use a card shaped like a key. The possibilities are truly limited only by your imagination.

We use precision die-cutting to create custom card shapes that are smooth, professionally finished, and sized to fit standard wallets and card holders. Custom shapes spark conversation and make your card impossible to forget. They are especially effective as promotional tools, event passes, and collectible membership rewards for loyal customers.

Access Control and Security Card Solutions

Security is a top concern for businesses of all kinds, and the right card technology can make managing access both simple and reliable. We offer a full range of access control cards designed to work with proximity readers, magnetic stripe systems, and advanced RFID technology. Our security cards help organizations protect their people, property, and assets every day.

From basic barcode access cards to cutting-edge RFID smart cards, we have solutions that fit a wide range of security applications and budgets. We work with businesses to understand their access needs and recommend the card technology that provides the best combination of security, convenience, and affordability.

RFID Smart Cards for Contactless Access

RFID smart cards allow users to gain access to secured areas simply by holding their card near a reader, without any physical contact or swiping required. This contactless technology is fast, hygienic, and highly reliable in high-traffic environments such as office buildings, hospitals, universities, and hotels.

We offer RFID cards using popular technologies including MIFARE DESFire, which is widely regarded as one of the most secure contactless formats available today. These cards support encrypted data transfer, making them extremely difficult to clone or tamper with. If security is your priority, RFID smart cards are often the best solution available.

Hotel Key Cards: A Staple of the Hospitality Industry

Hotel key cards are one of the most common uses for magnetic stripe and RFID card technology. Guests expect a smooth, fast check-in experience, and the right key card system delivers exactly that. We supply hotel key cards in both low coercivity magnetic stripe and RFID formats, depending on the property's lock system requirements.

Our hotel key cards are fully customizable with your property's branding, colors, and room information. Many hotels use this space to reinforce their brand identity and even include promotional messaging for their amenities. A well-designed hotel key card is a small but meaningful part of a guest's overall experience and impression of your property.

Casino Player Cards and Loyalty Tracking

Casino player cards serve a dual purpose: they provide secure, trackable identification for players, and they are the cornerstone of loyalty reward programs that keep guests coming back to the casino floor. A well-designed player card program can dramatically increase guest retention and average spending per visit over time.

We produce casino player cards with magnetic stripes, barcodes, and RFID technology, depending on the casino management system in use. Our cards are designed to be durable enough to withstand frequent daily use while still looking attractive and brand-consistent throughout the lifetime of the card.

Custom Card Accessories and Mailing Services

A great card program is about more than just the card itself. The way a card is presented, packaged, and delivered to your customers matters enormously. We offer a full suite of custom accessories and mailing services designed to complete the experience from start to finish, so your customers receive something that feels special from the moment they open the envelope.

Our accessories include custom card carriers, cardboard sleeves, vinyl card holders, lanyards, and badge clips. Whether you are mailing cards to thousands of customers or handing them out at a store location, the right packaging makes your program feel polished and professional in ways that customers genuinely notice and appreciate.

Custom Card Carriers and Sleeves

A card carrier is the folded paper or cardboard holder that accompanies a card when it is mailed or distributed to customers. A well-designed card carrier is an opportunity to communicate your brand message, explain how the card works, and invite customers to start using it right away. We design and print custom carriers that match your card's branding perfectly.

Our card sleeves are available in paper, cardboard, and vinyl materials in a range of sizes to fit standard and custom card formats. We print full-color graphics on all our sleeves, giving your card presentation a finished, retail-quality look. The details matter, and a custom sleeve signals to your customer that your business cares about quality in everything it does.

Full-Service Card Affixing and Mailing

For businesses that need to send cards directly to their customers without handling the logistics themselves, our full-service card affixing and mailing solution is the perfect answer. We can affix cards to custom carriers, stuff them into envelopes, apply address labels, and mail them directly to your customer list on your behalf.

This turnkey service saves our clients enormous amounts of time and labor, particularly for large-scale loyalty program launches or annual membership card renewals. Simply provide us with your mailing list and card design, and we handle everything else from printing to delivery. It is truly one of the most convenient services we offer to our clients nationwide.

Why Thousands of Businesses Choose Us Year After Year

We are proud of the relationships we have built with businesses across the country over more than 25 years. Our clients return to us year after year not just because our cards look great, but because we deliver on our promises consistently and genuinely care about helping each business succeed. That kind of trust is earned one card program at a time, and we never take it for granted.

From small local retailers to national chains and large institutions, our clients share one thing in common: they want a card partner they can rely on. We bring experience, dedication, and a passion for quality to every single order we fulfill, whether it is for 100 cards or 100,000 cards.

Benefits of Partnering With Us

• Over 25 years of experience in the plastic card industry
• More than 100,000 businesses served nationwide
• Over 50 million cards printed and delivered with pride
• Full-color custom printing on a wide range of card types
• Card printers and supplies shipped to every corner of the country
• Dedicated customer support team available to answer your questions
• Fast turnaround times designed to meet tight business deadlines
• Competitive pricing for orders of all sizes, large and small

Case Study: Gift Card Program Doubles Retail Sales

One regional gift boutique came to us frustrated with their paper gift certificate program. Certificates were being lost, damaged, and duplicated at an alarming rate, and their redemption tracking was a nightmare. After switching to our custom plastic gift cards with magnetic stripe encoding, the results were remarkable and immediate for them.

Within six months, the boutique reported a 94% increase in gift card revenue and a significant reduction in fraudulent redemptions. Their customers loved the professional look of the new cards, and many mentioned the cards specifically as a reason they recommended the store to friends and family. That is the kind of real-world impact we love to help our clients achieve through thoughtful card solutions.

Case Study: University ID Badge Upgrade

A mid-sized university contacted us because their old ID card program was producing cards that faded quickly and jammed their card readers regularly. Students were frustrated, and the security team was overwhelmed with reprints. We recommended a dual-sided card printer with a YMCKO ribbon and a UV overlaminate to protect every card produced by the system.

The result was a dramatic improvement in card durability and print quality that impressed students, faculty, and administrators alike. The new cards lasted the full academic year without fading, and reader errors dropped to nearly zero. The university was so satisfied that they ordered additional printer units for their satellite campuses across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Card Products

We get a lot of great questions from businesses that are exploring plastic card solutions for the first time. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we receive to help you understand our products and feel confident in your decision to work with us. If you do not see your question here, please reach out to our team directly anytime.

We believe that an informed client is a happy client. The more you know about our products and processes, the better equipped you will be to choose the right card solution for your specific needs and goals. We are always happy to walk you through your options in detail.

What Is the Minimum Order Quantity?

We work with businesses of all sizes, which means we are flexible on order quantities. Whether you need a small batch of 100 cards to test a new loyalty program or a large run of 50,000 cards for a national rollout, we can accommodate your order without any trouble or inconvenience on your end.

For custom-printed cards, we recommend larger quantities to take advantage of lower per-unit pricing. However, if you are just getting started or testing a new card concept, we are happy to work with smaller quantities so you can evaluate the results before scaling up your program confidently and cost-effectively.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Cards?

Turnaround times vary depending on the card type, order quantity, and any special features you require. Standard plastic cards with full-color printing typically ship within five to seven business days after design approval. Specialty cards such as metal cards or custom shapes may require additional production time due to their unique manufacturing processes.

We always communicate estimated timelines clearly upfront so you know exactly what to expect. If you have a deadline, let us know right away and we will do everything we can to meet it. Rush production options are available for certain card types, so never hesitate to ask us about expedited service when time is tight.

Can I Use My Existing Card Reader Equipment?

In most cases, yes. Our magnetic stripe cards are encoded to industry-standard specifications that are compatible with the vast majority of card readers currently in use across North America. If you are using a standard point-of-sale magnetic stripe reader, our cards will very likely work with your existing setup without any modifications required.

For RFID and smart card applications, compatibility depends on the specific reader technology your system uses. We recommend consulting with our team to confirm compatibility before placing a large order. We would rather take a few extra minutes to verify everything upfront than have you encounter surprises once your cards arrive at your location.

Plastic Postcard Mailers That Demand Attention

Direct mail is far from dead. In fact, plastic postcard mailers consistently outperform traditional paper mailers by achieving double the response rates in head-to-head comparisons. The reason is simple: plastic postcards feel different, look premium, and are virtually impossible to accidentally throw away without noticing them first.

We design and produce custom plastic postcard mailers that get delivered, get noticed, and get results. From promotional announcements to event invitations, our plastic mailers stand out in any mailbox and give your message the premium presentation it deserves. This is marketing with a physical punch that digital ads simply cannot replicate.

Why Plastic Mailers Outperform Paper Mailers

When your plastic mailer lands in a customer's mailbox alongside a stack of paper envelopes and flyers, it immediately stands out as something different and worth a closer look. The weight, texture, and visual clarity of a plastic mailer signal quality and importance before the recipient even reads a single word of your message.

Plastic mailers are also more durable than paper alternatives, which means they survive the mail delivery process looking pristine rather than crumpled, torn, or water-damaged. A message delivered in perfect condition is far more likely to be read and acted upon than one that arrives looking worn and unimpressive to the recipient.

Combining Mailers With Card Programs

One of the most powerful strategies we have seen our clients use is combining a plastic postcard mailer with an enclosed plastic card in a single direct mail campaign. The mailer grabs attention and communicates the offer, while the enclosed card serves as the physical tool the recipient needs to take action immediately at your location or online storefront.

This combination approach works exceptionally well for loyalty program launches, gift card promotions, and membership recruitment campaigns. Customers receive something tangible and useful in the mail, which increases both open rates and redemption rates significantly compared to traditional single-piece direct mail campaigns without a card component included.

Comparing Plastic Card Options at a Glance

Card Type	Best For	Technology Options	Typical Use
Gift Cards	Retail, Restaurants	Magnetic Stripe, Barcode	Store Value
Loyalty Cards	Any Business	Magnetic Stripe, RFID	Reward Tracking
ID Badges	Offices, Schools	Barcode, Mag Stripe, RFID	Identity and Access
Hotel Key Cards	Hospitality	LoCo Mag Stripe, RFID	Room Access
Metal Cards	Luxury Brands, VIP Programs	Laser Engraving	Premium Membership
Casino Player Cards	Gaming Industry	Magnetic Stripe, RFID	Player Tracking

Our Nationwide Shipping Makes It Easy for Every Business

No matter where your business is located, we have you covered. We ship our plastic cards, card printers, and refill supplies to businesses in every state across the country. From a small boutique in rural Montana to a large corporation in downtown New York, we make sure our products arrive quickly and in perfect condition every time.

Our nationwide shipping capability means you never have to worry about whether we can reach you. We have built our logistics process around reliability and speed, because we know that your card programs often have launch deadlines and your printers need supplies before they run out. We take that responsibility seriously every single day.

Ordering Is Quick and Simple

Placing an order with us is designed to be as straightforward as possible. You can call our team directly at 800-835-7919 and speak with a knowledgeable representative who will guide you through every step of the process. We ask a few questions about your needs, discuss design options, confirm quantities and pricing, and then get to work on your order right away.

We understand that business owners are busy, and the last thing you need is a complicated ordering process that takes up half your day. Our team is trained to make the process efficient and pleasant. Most clients tell us that placing an order with us is one of the easiest vendor interactions they experience in their entire business operation.

Reordering Supplies Has Never Been Easier

Once you have a card printer up and running, keeping it stocked with the right supplies is essential. Running out of ribbon mid-project or discovering you are low on cleaning cards on a busy day is frustrating and costly. We make reordering supplies as painless as possible so that never becomes a problem for your team.

We keep a large inventory of ribbons, cleaning kits, overlaminate film, and blank card stock ready to ship at a moment's notice. Many of our clients set up regular supply reorder schedules with us so they always have what they need on hand. Consistent supply means consistent card quality, and consistent quality keeps your customers happy and your programs running smoothly.

Ready to Elevate Your Card Program? Contact Plastic Card ID Today

There has never been a better time to invest in a professional plastic card program for your business. Whether you are launching a brand-new loyalty program, upgrading your ID badge system, or looking for a striking gift card solution that drives real revenue, we have the products, the expertise, and the passion to help you succeed in a meaningful way.

We have spent more than 25 years helping businesses just like yours make a powerful impression with physical cards that customers value and use. Our team is ready to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you design a card program that delivers real results for your business goals.

Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 and let's get started on something great together. Our friendly team is standing by to help you every step of the way, from your very first card design to your thousandth reorder. Do not wait - your customers are ready for something extraordinary, and we are ready to help you deliver it.

What to Have Ready When You Call

To help us serve you as quickly and efficiently as possible when you call, it helps to have a few basic details in mind before you pick up the phone. Knowing your approximate order quantity, the type of card you are interested in, and whether you need any special technology like magnetic stripes or RFID will allow us to give you accurate pricing and turnaround estimates right away on the call.

If you already have a logo or brand assets ready, even better. Our design team can get started on your card artwork very quickly once we understand your vision and have your brand materials in hand. The sooner you call, the sooner your new card program can be up and running for your business and delighting your customers.

Our Promise to You

We promise to treat every order with the same level of care and attention, whether you are ordering 250 cards or 250,000 cards. Your success is our success, and we never lose sight of that fact. From the moment you call us to the moment your cards arrive at your door, we are committed to delivering a five-star experience from start to finish.

We also promise to be honest and transparent about pricing, timelines, and what is possible with your card program. If something is not a good fit for your needs, we will tell you so and help you find a better solution. That kind of integrity is rare, and it is one of the reasons why so many businesses have trusted us with their card programs for over 25 years and continue to do so today.

Join Thousands of Happy Businesses Nationwide

Every day, businesses across the country trust PCID to deliver the cards, printers, and supplies that keep their programs running strong. From local coffee shops to national retailers, from small clinics to large universities, our clients span every industry and every corner of the map. We are proud to serve each and every one of them with the same dedication and enthusiasm we brought to our very first order.

When you work with us, you are not just buying a product. You are gaining a knowledgeable partner who genuinely cares about your success and wants to see your card program thrive for years to come. Call 800-835-7919 now and experience the Plastic Card ID difference for yourself. We cannot wait to hear from you and start building something remarkable together for your brand.