Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Custom Cards for Secure Access
Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your Trusted Source for Magnetic Stripe Cards and More
What if a single card could unlock more sales, stronger loyalty, and a brand identity your customers never forget? That is exactly what we deliver every day at Plastic Card ID. We have spent over 25 years helping businesses of all sizes get the right plastic cards, card printers, and supplies shipped directly to their doors - anywhere in the country.
Our team understands that every business is different. Whether you need a handful of magnetic stripe cards for a small boutique or thousands of custom-printed cards for a national chain, we make the process simple, affordable, and fast. We are more than just a printer - we are a partner who helps you grow.
Reaching us is easy. New orders, product questions, or just a quick chat about what cards are right for you - we are always ready. Call us at 800-835-7919 and let us help you find the perfect solution for your business today.
Why Physical Cards Still Matter in a Digital World
It might surprise you, but plastic cards are more powerful today than ever before. In a world flooded with emails and pop-up ads, a well-made physical card cuts through the noise. Customers hold it, feel it, and remember it - and that memory turns into repeat business for you.
Studies show that businesses switching from paper gift certificates to plastic gift cards often see sales jump by as much as 100%. That is not a small bump - that is a transformation. The professional look and durable feel of a plastic card tells your customers that your brand is serious, polished, and worth coming back to.
A Legacy Built on Trust and Results
We have worked with over 100,000 businesses and have produced more than 50 million cards. Those are not just numbers - they represent real companies that trusted us with their brand and saw real results in return. Our track record speaks for itself, and we are proud of every single card we have shipped.
Our clients range from small family-owned shops to large organizations with complex card programs. No matter the size or scope of your needs, we bring the same level of care, quality, and commitment to every order. That consistency is what keeps our clients coming back year after year.
One Call Gets It All Started
Getting started with us is genuinely that simple. You do not need to navigate a confusing website or wait days for a quote. One conversation with our team at 800-835-7919 can point you in the right direction, walk you through your options, and get your order moving quickly.
We handle everything from design guidance and card selection to printing, packaging, and shipping - all under one roof. Our goal is to take the complexity off your plate so you can focus on running your business while we take care of the cards.
What Are Magnetic Stripe Cards and Why Do Businesses Love Them?
Magnetic stripe cards are plastic cards with a dark band on the back that stores data electronically. When swiped through a card reader, that data is read instantly - making transactions fast, reliable, and incredibly convenient. From gift cards to loyalty programs to access control, magnetic stripe technology is everywhere because it works.
Businesses love magnetic stripe cards because they are versatile and proven. The technology is well-understood, readers are widely available, and the cards themselves are durable enough to last years of regular use. Whether you are running a gym membership program or a retail rewards system, magnetic stripe cards deliver dependable performance every time.
How Magnetic Stripe Cards Work
The magnetic stripe on the back of a card contains tiny magnetic particles that are arranged in a specific pattern to represent data. When a card is swiped, a reader detects that pattern and translates it into usable information - like a member ID number, account balance, or access code. It is a simple but remarkably effective technology that has stood the test of time.
There are different tracks on a magnetic stripe, each capable of storing different types of data. Most business applications use tracks one and two, which are sufficient for loyalty programs, gift card balances, and membership data. We can help you determine the right configuration for your specific use case.
Common Uses for Magnetic Stripe Cards
Magnetic stripe cards are used across nearly every industry imaginable. Here are some of the most popular applications we support for our clients every day:
- Gift cards for retail shops, restaurants, and spas
- Loyalty and rewards cards that keep customers coming back
- Membership cards for gyms, clubs, and associations
- Hotel key cards and room access systems
- Employee ID and time-tracking cards
- Library cards and student identification
- Casino player cards and gaming rewards programs
Each of these applications benefits from the speed, reliability, and low cost of magnetic stripe technology. If your business involves tracking customers, managing access, or rewarding loyalty, there is a strong chance a magnetic stripe card can make your system work better and look more professional at the same time.
Magnetic Stripe Encoding Options We Offer
Not all magnetic stripes are the same, and we make sure you get exactly the right encoding for your needs. We offer low-coercivity (LoCo) and high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic stripe cards, each designed for different environments and levels of data security. HiCo cards are more resistant to accidental data loss from exposure to magnets, making them ideal for cards that will see heavy daily use.
Our encoding services are built right into our production process, so your cards arrive ready to use. We work with your existing card reader systems to make sure everything is compatible before a single card is printed. That kind of attention to detail is what makes working with us different from simply ordering cards from a generic supplier.
Our Complete Card Portfolio: More Than Just Magnetic Stripe Cards
While magnetic stripe cards are one of our most popular products, our catalog goes far beyond that. We offer a wide range of card types designed to meet the unique needs of virtually any business. Our product lineup is built to give you options - because the right card for a luxury hotel is not the same as the right card for a neighborhood coffee shop.
We take pride in offering solutions that match your brand, your budget, and your goals. From simple printed cards to high-tech RFID smart cards, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver outstanding results. Explore just a portion of what we offer below.
Card Types We Produce and Ship Nationally
Our printing capabilities cover a wide spectrum of card styles and technologies. Here is a look at the card types we regularly produce for clients across the country:
- Magnetic stripe gift cards and loyalty cards
- RFID and contactless smart cards (including MIFARE DESFire)
- Clear and frosted transparent plastic cards
- Custom-shaped cards for unique brand presentations
- Luxury metal cards in stainless steel or gold finish
- Barcode and QR code cards
- Employee and visitor ID badges
- Alumni and membership credentials
- Union cards and organizational credentials
- Plastic postcard mailers
Every card we produce is custom-printed to your specifications. That means your logo, your colors, your design - printed sharply and accurately on a durable plastic canvas that represents your brand with confidence. We do not do cookie-cutter, and neither should you.
Specialty and Luxury Card Options
Sometimes a standard card is not enough to make the impression you need. For premium brands, high-end clients, or exclusive membership programs, our specialty card options deliver a level of sophistication that truly sets you apart. A metal card, for example, has a weight and texture that feels remarkable the moment a customer holds it in their hand.
Clear plastic cards are another fan favorite - they have a sleek, modern look that works beautifully for tech companies, boutiques, and any brand that wants to signal innovation and style. Custom shapes take things even further, giving your card a silhouette that matches your brand identity in a way no standard rectangle can match.
Card Printers and Refill Supplies - Everything You Need, Shipped to You
Buying cards from us is only one part of what we offer. We also sell professional-grade card printers and all the refill supplies you need to keep your operation running smoothly. Whether you want to print cards in-house or rely on us for pre-printed stock, we have you covered either way.
Our card printer lineup includes models for businesses of every size - from compact desktop units for low-volume needs to high-speed, dual-sided printers for busy organizations. We make sure you get the right printer for your volume, your card type, and your budget, and we back that up with expert guidance every step of the way.
| Supply Type | Common Use | Approximate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Color YMCKO Ribbon | Full-color card printing | $40-$120 per ribbon |
| Monochrome Ribbon | Single-color printing | $20-$60 per ribbon |
| Cleaning Kits | Printer maintenance | $15-$45 per kit |
| Blank PVC Card Stock | In-house printing base | $25-$75 per box |
Choosing the Right Card Printer for Your Business
Selecting a card printer is not one-size-fits-all, and we take that seriously. A small business printing 50 employee badges per year has very different needs from a hotel printing thousands of key cards every month. We help you evaluate your volume, card type, and workflow before recommending any specific model, so you never end up with more - or less - machine than you need.
Some of the printer features we help our clients evaluate include single-sided versus dual-sided printing, built-in magnetic stripe encoding, lamination modules for added card durability, and connectivity options that fit your existing setup. Our team speaks plain language - no confusing technical jargon - so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Refill Supplies and Consumables We Stock
Running out of printer ribbon at the wrong moment is a headache no business needs. That is why we stock a full range of refill supplies and ship them fast to keep your operation moving. From color and monochrome ribbons to cleaning kits and blank PVC card stock, we carry everything your printer needs to keep producing sharp, professional cards.
We stock supplies for all major card printer brands, so no matter what equipment you already own, there is a good chance we have exactly what you need. Our team can help you identify the right ribbon model, cleaning schedule, and card stock type to get the longest life and best print quality from your equipment.
Fast, Reliable National Shipping on All Orders
We ship our cards, printers, and supplies to businesses all across the country. No matter where you are located - a major city or a rural town - we make sure your order arrives safely and on time. Our shipping process is streamlined, trackable, and built around getting you what you need when you need it.
Urgent order? We offer expedited shipping options to make sure a tight deadline does not slow you down. When your business depends on having the right cards ready to go, you can count on us to deliver - literally. Call us at 800-835-7919 to discuss rush options or any shipping questions.
Gift Cards and Loyalty Programs: Magnetic Stripe Cards That Drive Real Revenue
If you are not offering a gift card program yet, you may be leaving a significant amount of money on the table. Businesses that switch from paper gift certificates to professional plastic gift cards with magnetic stripes regularly report sales increases of up to 100%. That is a staggering difference, and it comes down to one thing: presentation builds trust, and trust drives purchases.
Loyalty card programs are equally powerful. Research consistently shows that loyalty programs can increase sales by 35-50% by encouraging repeat visits and higher spending per visit. A well-designed magnetic stripe loyalty card gives customers a tangible reason to choose your business over the competition every single time.
How Gift Cards Boost Your Bottom Line
Gift cards do something magical for businesses - they bring in money before a product or service is even delivered. When someone buys a gift card, you receive the payment immediately. And here is the bonus: many gift cards are never fully redeemed, which means that remaining balance becomes pure profit for your business without any additional work on your part.
Beyond that, gift card recipients almost always spend more than the card's value when they visit. A $25 gift card often leads to a $40 or $50 purchase. That means every gift card you put into circulation is essentially a guaranteed sales driver, not just for the person who receives it, but for future visits as well. This is the power of a well-executed gift card program.
Building a Loyalty Program That Keeps Customers Coming Back
A loyalty card program is one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available to small and mid-sized businesses. Rather than spending heavily on advertising to attract new customers, a loyalty program rewards the customers you already have - and keeps them coming back more often. That is smart marketing at its most efficient.
With a magnetic stripe loyalty card, you can track customer purchases automatically, apply rewards at the point of sale, and even gather data that helps you understand your best customers better. We help you design cards that look as great as the program behind them, reinforcing your brand every time a loyal customer pulls one out of their wallet.
Membership Cards, ID Badges, and Organizational Credentials
Beyond retail and hospitality, we serve a wide range of organizations that need professional, secure identification solutions. From employee ID badges to alumni cards and union credentials, our cards help organizations establish identity, build community, and maintain security - all with a durable, professionally printed card that lasts.
We understand that for many organizations, a membership card is more than just plastic - it is a symbol of belonging. It says, "You are part of something." That emotional connection is powerful, and a beautifully designed card reinforces it every time a member reaches for their wallet.
Employee and Visitor ID Badges
Security starts with knowing who is in your building. Our ID badge cards are designed with both function and professionalism in mind. Whether you need simple photo ID cards for a small office or access-controlled badges for a large facility, we produce cards that meet your needs and match your brand standards.
We can include magnetic stripe encoding for time-tracking or access control, making your ID badges work harder than a simple name tag ever could. Smart ID programs reduce security risks and improve operational efficiency in ways that quickly justify their cost. Our team will help you design a solution that fits your specific facility and workforce.
Alumni, Membership, and Union Cards
Schools, professional associations, trade unions, and clubs all rely on us to produce the membership credentials their members are proud to carry. An alumni card from a well-regarded university or a union card from a respected trade organization carries real meaning - and that meaning deserves to be reflected in the quality of the card itself.
We produce these cards with the same care and attention to detail that we bring to every product we print. Full-color printing, magnetic stripe encoding for membership databases, and durable PVC construction that holds up to years of everyday use - these are the standards we apply to every organizational credential we produce.
Casino and Gaming Player Cards
The gaming and hospitality industries have unique demands, and we are well-equipped to meet them. Casino player cards are a critical part of any rewards and tracking program, connecting players to their accounts, recording play activity, and delivering personalized rewards that keep guests engaged and coming back. A poorly made card in this environment reflects badly on the entire brand.
Our casino player cards are built to withstand constant swiping and heavy daily use without fading, cracking, or losing magnetic data. We understand the technical requirements of gaming systems and work to ensure our cards are fully compatible with your existing card readers and software platforms from day one.
RFID and Contactless Smart Cards for Advanced Access and Security
For businesses that need the next level of security and convenience, we offer RFID and contactless smart card solutions. These cards use radio frequency technology to communicate with readers without requiring a swipe - a simple tap or wave is all it takes. This makes them ideal for fast-paced environments where speed and security are both priorities.
We work with advanced RFID technologies including MIFARE DESFire, one of the most secure contactless card platforms available today. Whether you need cards for building access, event management, transit systems, or corporate security, our smart card solutions are built to perform reliably and securely in demanding real-world conditions.
How Contactless Cards Improve Security and Speed
Contactless cards reduce friction at every access point. Instead of fumbling for a card and carefully aligning a magnetic stripe with a reader, an employee simply taps their badge on a reader and moves on. That small convenience adds up to real time savings across an entire organization, especially in high-traffic environments like hospitals, schools, and corporate campuses.
From a security standpoint, RFID cards can be programmed with multiple layers of encrypted data, making them significantly harder to clone or compromise than a basic magnetic stripe card. For facilities where security is a top priority, this technology upgrade is often well worth the investment and pays dividends in peace of mind alone.
Hotel Key Cards and Hospitality Applications
Hotel key cards are perhaps the most familiar contactless card application in everyday life, and for good reason - they work beautifully. Our hotel key cards are engineered to pair seamlessly with the most commonly used door lock systems, delivering reliable room access for guests throughout their stay without fading or losing their encoding.
Beyond just opening doors, hotel key cards are a branding opportunity. A well-designed card with your hotel's logo and color scheme reinforces your brand in a guest's hand from check-in to check-out. We help hospitality businesses make that everyday touchpoint a memorable part of the guest experience rather than an afterthought.
Plastic Postcard Mailers: Direct Mail That Gets Noticed
Most direct mail gets glanced at for a second and tossed. Plastic postcard mailers are different. They feel different in the hand, they look different in the mailbox, and they get held longer - which means your message gets more attention. Our plastic postcard mailers achieve double the response rates of traditional paper mailers, and that difference is significant when you are running a marketing campaign.
We design and produce plastic postcards that carry your brand message with authority. These are not flimsy paper flyers - they are substantial, professional pieces of marketing that command attention and convey a sense of value that paper simply cannot match. If you want your next mailer to actually work, plastic is the way to go.
Why Plastic Postcards Outperform Paper
The reason plastic postcards outperform paper comes down to psychology. When people receive something that feels solid and premium in the mail, they pay more attention to it. The physical weight and smooth texture of a plastic mailer signals to the recipient that whatever is inside - whatever the offer, message, or promotion - is worth reading. That elevated perception translates directly into higher response rates.
Additionally, plastic postcards do not wrinkle, tear, or get soggy in transit the way paper can. They arrive at their destination looking exactly as sharp and professional as the day they were printed, which protects the impression your brand makes on every single recipient. First impressions in direct mail are everything, and plastic gives you an immediate advantage.
Combining Plastic Mailers with Magnetic Stripe Cards
Here is a powerful marketing idea that many businesses overlook: attaching a magnetic stripe card to a plastic postcard mailer. Imagine a prospective customer receiving a mailer in the mail that already has their loyalty card, gift card, or VIP membership card attached. They do not have to visit your store first - the card is already in their hands, and now they have a compelling reason to use it.
We offer full-service card affixing and mailing, which means we can produce the postcards, print and encode the magnetic stripe cards, attach them to the mailers, and ship everything directly to your target list. That kind of end-to-end service is rare, and it is one of the things that makes working with us a genuinely different experience from working with a generic print shop.
Value-Added Services: Custom Carriers, Sleeves, and Mailing Solutions
A great card deserves a great presentation. That is why we offer a full range of value-added services designed to make your cards look and feel their very best from the moment they are received. Custom card carriers, protective sleeves, and professional packaging all contribute to the impression your brand makes - and we handle all of it for you.
Our full-service mailing capabilities mean you can hand off your entire card campaign to us and trust that everything will be handled professionally. From printing and encoding to packaging and mailing, we are a true one-stop shop for businesses that want a polished, professional card program without managing a dozen different vendors.
Custom Card Carriers and Packaging
A card carrier is the first thing your customer sees when they receive a card, and it sets the tone for the entire experience. We design and produce custom card carriers that match your brand's aesthetic, reinforce your messaging, and make the unboxing moment feel intentional and premium. Whether it is a simple folded carrier or a more elaborate branded envelope, we make sure the packaging reflects the quality of the card inside.
Custom packaging is especially important for gift card programs, where the card is often given as a present. When the packaging looks great, the perceived value of the gift goes up - and so does the likelihood that the recipient will actually use it. It is a small investment with a meaningful return, and we make it easy to execute beautifully.
Full-Service Card Affixing and Mailing
Our full-service affixing and mailing capabilities are a game-changer for businesses running large card campaigns. Instead of ordering cards, carriers, and mailers separately and then assembling everything in-house, you let us handle the entire process. We print, encode, affix, package, and mail - and you receive confirmation that everything went out exactly as planned.
This service is particularly valuable for seasonal promotions, membership renewals, and loyalty program launches where timing and presentation both matter enormously. We manage the logistics so you can stay focused on serving your customers rather than managing a complex production and mailing workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Cards and Services
We hear a lot of great questions from businesses exploring card programs for the first time - and from experienced card users looking to level up their current setup. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we receive to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Of course, no FAQ section can replace a real conversation with our team. If you have a question that is not answered here, or if you just want to talk through your options, we are always happy to help. Do not hesitate to reach out - we love talking about cards.
What Is the Minimum Order Quantity?
Minimum order quantities vary depending on the card type and any special features like magnetic stripe encoding or RFID chips. However, we work hard to accommodate businesses of all sizes, and we can often work with smaller quantities for businesses that are just getting started with a card program. Our team will give you an honest answer based on your specific requirements.
For businesses expecting to grow their card program over time, we also offer flexible ordering structures that make it easy to scale up as your needs increase. Starting small does not mean staying small, and we are here to grow with you every step of the way.
How Long Does Production and Shipping Take?
Standard production times vary based on order complexity, card type, and volume - but we always work to get your cards to you as quickly as possible. For most standard orders, production takes just a few business days before shipping. Rush options are available for urgent needs, and our team will always be transparent with you about realistic timelines before you commit to an order.
Once your cards are produced and shipped, we provide tracking information so you always know exactly where your order is. We take the guesswork out of the process because we know your business depends on having the right cards ready at the right time. Reliability is not optional for us - it is a core part of what we promise.
Can You Match Our Existing Brand Colors and Design?
Absolutely - and we take color accuracy seriously. We work with your existing brand guidelines, logo files, and color specifications to ensure that your cards look consistent with everything else in your brand toolkit. Whether you need Pantone color matching or have a detailed style guide, our production team follows your specifications with precision.
We also offer design assistance for clients who need help creating or refining their card artwork. Our goal is to deliver a card that makes you proud every time a customer holds one in their hand - and that means getting the details right, from the layout and typography to the exact shade of your brand's signature color.
Why Businesses Across the Country Choose Plastic Card ID
The list of reasons businesses come to us - and more importantly, the reasons they stay with us - is a long one. It starts with quality. Every card we produce is printed to exacting standards using materials and equipment that deliver sharp, vivid results that hold up over time. But quality alone is not enough, which is why we also deliver on service, speed, and value in ways that competitors simply cannot match.
We have served over 100,000 businesses across virtually every industry, which means we bring a depth of experience to every conversation that is genuinely hard to find elsewhere. We have seen what works, what does not, and what makes the difference between a card program that thrives and one that falls flat. That knowledge is yours when you work with us.
Real Results for Real Businesses
Consider a regional restaurant group that came to us after struggling with a paper-based gift certificate program. Their certificates were getting lost, duplicated, and were difficult to track. After switching to our magnetic stripe gift cards with full encoding and back-end support, they reported a 90% increase in gift card sales within the first holiday season - and virtually eliminated fraud in their gift program entirely.
Or think about the mid-sized gym chain that replaced their paper punch loyalty cards with our magnetic stripe loyalty cards linked to a simple tracking system. Member retention improved measurably in the first six months, and the cards became a point of pride for members who showed them off to friends. The right card can change the way customers feel about your brand - and we have seen it happen again and again.
Our Commitment to Long-Term Partnerships
We do not think of ourselves as a one-time vendor. We see every client as a long-term partner whose success reflects directly on us. That means we pay attention to how your card programs are performing, check in when it is time to reorder, and proactively suggest improvements or new options when they make sense for your business and your customers.
This partnership mindset is what has kept clients with us for five, ten, and even fifteen years or more. When your business grows and your card needs evolve, we evolve right alongside you - bringing new technologies, fresh design ideas, and smarter solutions to the table as they become available. That is the kind of relationship that actually helps you move forward.
Industry-Wide Expertise Across Every Card Type
From retail and hospitality to healthcare, education, manufacturing, and entertainment, we have produced cards for virtually every business category you can imagine. That cross-industry experience gives us a unique perspective that helps us serve you better - because we can draw on solutions that have worked in other industries and apply them creatively to your specific situation.
Whether you are a seasoned professional who knows exactly what you need or someone exploring plastic cards for the very first time, our team has the knowledge to guide you to the right solution. We ask the right questions, listen carefully to your answers, and recommend options that genuinely fit your goals and budget rather than just pushing the most expensive product.
Get Started Today with Plastic Card ID - Your Nationwide Card Partner
There has never been a better time to invest in a professional plastic card program. Whether you are launching a brand-new loyalty program, upgrading your ID badge system, ordering magnetic stripe gift cards for the holiday season, or finally making the move from paper to plastic, we are ready to help you do it right - and we make the entire process straightforward and stress-free.
We ship cards, printers, and supplies to businesses everywhere in the country. No matter your location, your industry, or the size of your order, Plastic Card ID is your dependable, experienced partner for everything plastic card-related. Our team is standing by, eager to help you find the perfect solution and get your order moving quickly.
Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 to place your order, ask questions, or simply explore what is possible for your business. We are here, we are ready, and we cannot wait to help you make a lasting impression.
What to Expect When You Call Us
When you call PCID, you will speak with a knowledgeable, friendly team member who genuinely wants to help you find the right solution. We do not use pushy sales tactics or confusing upsells - we ask about your business, listen to your needs, and recommend products that make real sense for you. It is a refreshingly straightforward experience that our clients appreciate every time.
From that first call, we guide you through design, encoding options, quantities, and pricing in plain terms that are easy to understand. We provide clear quotes, realistic timelines, and honest answers to every question you bring to us. By the time we hang up, you will have a clear picture of exactly what you are getting and what to expect next.
Ready to Place Your Order? Here Is How Easy It Is
Ordering from us is genuinely simple. Call us at 800-835-7919, tell us what you need, and we take it from there. If you have artwork ready, great - if not, we can help with that too. We confirm your order details, walk you through the proof process, and begin production as soon as you give the green light.
Your cards are then printed, encoded, packaged, and shipped directly to your door - or to any address you specify. We handle the entire chain from production to delivery so you can stay focused on your business. Ordering professional plastic cards has never been this easy or this satisfying.
Join the Thousands of Businesses That Trust Plastic Card ID
Over 100,000 businesses have trusted us with their card programs, and we take that trust seriously every single day. When you work with PCID, you are joining a community of smart, successful businesses that understand the power of a great plastic card - and who rely on us to deliver that power consistently, reliably, and affordably.
We invite you to experience the difference that working with a true card industry expert can make for your business. Call Plastic Card ID today at 800-835-7919 and let us show you what we can do. Your customers are waiting for a card worth carrying - and we are ready to produce it for you right now.
