Magnetic Stripe Cards: Secure Reliable Card Solutions

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

There is something powerful about handing someone a card. It is solid, real, and stays in a wallet long after a conversation ends. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years turning that simple moment into a lasting business advantage for companies across the country. From magnetic stripe cards to full card printer systems, we deliver everything you need, shipped directly to your door, no matter where you are located.

We have helped more than 100,000 businesses build stronger connections with their customers through high-quality plastic cards. Whether you run a small boutique, a large hotel chain, or a membership organization, our team understands what it takes to create a card that works hard for your brand. Every order we ship reflects our deep commitment to quality, accuracy, and fast turnaround.

Ready to get started or have a question? Our team is easy to reach. Call us today at 800-835-7919 and let us help you find the perfect card solution for your business needs.

What Makes Magnetic Stripe Cards So Effective?

Magnetic stripe cards have been a cornerstone of business operations for decades, and for good reason. The stripe on the back of these cards can store important data, allowing businesses to quickly swipe and access customer accounts, track loyalty points, manage access, and much more. This simple technology remains one of the most trusted and widely used card formats in the world.

When we produce magnetic stripe cards, we use high-coercivity (HiCo) and low-coercivity (LoCo) options to match your exact application. HiCo stripes are more durable and harder to accidentally erase, making them ideal for frequent-use cards like loyalty programs and employee badges. LoCo stripes work well for short-term or controlled-use applications such as hotel key cards or event access passes.

The versatility of magnetic stripe technology means it fits into almost every industry and business model. We are proud to offer this dependable technology as part of our broader lineup of plastic card products, helping our clients get real value from every single card we print and ship.

Industries That Rely on Magnetic Stripe Cards Every Day

Magnetic stripe cards are not limited to one type of business. We serve a wide range of industries that depend on this technology to run smoother operations and deliver better customer experiences. Retail stores use them for gift and loyalty programs. Hotels use them as key cards. Gyms and clubs use them for member check-in. The applications are nearly endless.

Healthcare clinics use magnetic stripe cards for patient identification, while universities and schools rely on them for student ID systems and library access. Casinos have long trusted magnetic stripe technology for player tracking and rewards programs. Even corporate offices use these cards for secure employee access to buildings and systems.

No matter what your industry looks like, we have the experience and the tools to produce magnetic stripe cards that match your needs perfectly. Our nationwide shipping means that wherever your business operates, we can get your order to you on time and in excellent condition.

How We Personalize Every Magnetic Stripe Card Order

Personalization is at the heart of what we do. When you order magnetic stripe cards from us, you are not just getting a generic product off a shelf. We work with you to design a card that reflects your brand identity, including your logo, colors, card layout, and any custom text or numbering you require. Every detail matters to us because every detail matters to your customers.

We also offer encoding services, meaning we can program your magnetic stripe cards with the specific data your system needs right out of the box. This saves you time and ensures your cards are ready to use the moment they arrive. Our encoding capabilities cover Tracks 1, 2, and 3, giving you full flexibility across different reader systems and software platforms.

Magnetic Stripe Card Types We Offer

Our product lineup covers a wide spectrum of magnetic stripe card applications. Whether you need a card for customer-facing programs or internal business operations, we have a solution that fits. We take pride in offering one of the most complete selections available, all backed by our experience serving tens of thousands of satisfied clients nationwide.

Below is a look at the different types of magnetic stripe cards we produce and ship to businesses across the country. Each type can be fully customized to meet your specific branding and functional requirements.

• Gift cards with magnetic stripe encoding for retail and restaurant use
• Loyalty and rewards program cards for customer retention
• Hotel key cards with LoCo magnetic stripe technology
• Employee ID and access control cards with HiCo magnetic stripes
• Membership cards for gyms, clubs, and associations
• Casino player tracking and rewards cards
• Student and staff ID cards for schools and universities
• Event access and admission cards for short-term use

Gift Cards That Drive Real Revenue

Gift cards are one of the most powerful sales tools a business can have, and when they are built on magnetic stripe technology, they become even more functional. Research consistently shows that businesses switching from paper gift certificates to plastic gift cards see sales increases of up to 100%. That kind of result speaks for itself, and we are here to help you capture that opportunity.

Our magnetic stripe gift cards are fully encoded and ready for use with most popular point-of-sale systems. We handle the design, printing, and encoding so that all you need to do is activate and sell. Customers love the professional look and feel of a well-designed plastic gift card, and that premium impression reflects directly on your brand.

Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back

Building customer loyalty is one of the smartest investments a business can make. Our magnetic stripe loyalty cards give your customers a tangible reason to return again and again. Studies show that loyalty programs using physical cards generate 35-50% more repeat sales than those relying solely on digital alternatives. That is a significant difference worth acting on.

We design loyalty cards that are visually striking and functionally reliable. The magnetic stripe allows seamless point tracking and account lookup at the register, keeping checkout fast and frustration-free for both your staff and your customers. A well-executed loyalty card program builds genuine relationships, and we are proud to be the company that helps make it happen.

Employee and Access Control Cards for Workplace Security

Security matters in every workplace, and magnetic stripe cards offer a reliable, cost-effective way to manage access and identification. We produce high-quality employee ID and access control cards that integrate smoothly with most card reader systems. Our HiCo magnetic stripe ensures the data on each card remains stable and readable even with daily use over a long period of time.

From small offices to large corporate campuses, we have helped businesses across the country build smarter, more secure access systems. Our cards can include photo ID printing, barcodes, sequential numbering, and encoded access data, all printed and prepared in one efficient order.

Card Printers: Everything You Need In-House

Sometimes the best solution is to bring card printing in-house. We offer a strong selection of card printers that let you print and encode magnetic stripe cards right at your location, on demand. This is a game-changer for businesses that need to issue cards quickly, manage variable data, or simply want more control over their card production process.

Whether you need a compact desktop printer for occasional use or a high-volume model for large organizations, we have options that match your needs and budget. Our team can help you choose the right printer and make sure you have everything you need to get started right away.

Card Printer Comparison Overview

Printer Type	Best For	Magnetic Stripe Encoding	Approx. Price Range
Single-Sided Desktop	Small offices, low volume	Optional add-on	$400-$900
Dual-Sided Desktop	Mid-size businesses	Built-in or optional	$900-$1800
High-Volume Industrial	Hospitals, universities, large corps	Standard included	$2000-$5000

Choosing the Right Card Printer for Your Needs

Selecting the right card printer comes down to how many cards you print, how often you print them, and what features you need. A small retail shop issuing a handful of new loyalty cards each week has very different needs than a university issuing thousands of student IDs each semester. We help you sort through the options and find the right fit without overspending.

Our card printers support magnetic stripe encoding, allowing you to print and encode cards in one smooth, efficient process. This eliminates the need for a separate encoding station and simplifies your workflow considerably. We make sure the printer you choose is fully compatible with your existing card management software and reader hardware.

Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies We Ship Nationwide

A great printer is only as good as the supplies that keep it running. We stock and ship a full range of printer ribbons, cleaning kits, blank card stock, and other consumables to keep your in-house card printing operation running smoothly. We carry supplies compatible with all major card printer brands so you are never left searching for hard-to-find items.

Our ribbon options include full-color YMCKO panels, single-color monochrome ribbons, and specialty overlay ribbons that add a protective layer to extend card life. We also offer HiCo and LoCo magnetic stripe blank cards in bulk quantities so you always have what you need on hand. Ordering refill supplies from us is simple, fast, and reliable.

• YMCKO full-color ribbons for vibrant card designs
• KO overlay ribbons for added card durability
• Monochrome ribbons for fast, single-color printing
• Cleaning kits to maintain print quality and extend printer life
• HiCo blank magnetic stripe card stock in bulk
• LoCo blank magnetic stripe card stock for short-term applications

Getting the Most Out of Your Card Printer Investment

When you bring card printing in-house, you gain speed, flexibility, and cost savings over time. We support our clients beyond the initial sale by making sure they understand how to use their equipment effectively and how to keep it maintained for the long haul. A well-maintained card printer can serve your business for many years, delivering excellent results on every card it produces.

Regular cleaning is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your printer and maintain print quality. Our cleaning kits are designed for each specific printer model and include simple step-by-step instructions. When you order your printer through us, we make sure you have the right cleaning supplies included so you are set up for success from day one.

Specialty Magnetic Stripe Cards That Stand Out

Standard cards work great, but sometimes a business wants something that truly turns heads. We offer specialty magnetic stripe card options that combine advanced technology with premium materials and unique formats. These are cards that people notice, keep, and talk about, and that kind of impression is priceless for brand recognition and customer engagement.

Our specialty options range from clear plastic cards that show off a see-through design, to custom-shaped cards that break away from the standard rectangle. We also offer luxury metal cards crafted from stainless steel or gold-finish materials for premium brands that want to make an unforgettable statement. All of these can be produced with fully functional magnetic stripes.

Clear Plastic Magnetic Stripe Cards

Clear plastic cards offer a striking visual effect that immediately sets your brand apart from the crowd. When someone pulls a transparent card out of their wallet, it gets noticed. We produce clear magnetic stripe cards with crisp, high-quality printing that allows your design to shine through the card material in a way that is genuinely eye-catching and memorable.

These cards are just as durable as standard white PVC cards and support all standard magnetic stripe encoding options. Clear cards work beautifully for VIP membership programs, premium gift card lines, and any brand that wants to project a modern, upscale image. The reaction from customers when they receive one is almost always immediate and positive.

Custom-Shaped Cards for Unique Brand Experiences

Who says a card has to be a rectangle? Our custom-shaped magnetic stripe cards are cut to match your brand identity, whether that means a rounded badge format, a keychain card, or a shape that reflects your logo or product. Custom shapes create a novelty factor that makes your card far more likely to be kept, shown to others, and remembered long after it is issued.

We work with your design team or our in-house specialists to create a shape that makes sense for your brand and your use case. The magnetic stripe is integrated seamlessly into the card regardless of shape, ensuring full functionality without any compromise on performance or reliability. This is one of our most popular specialty options for creative brands looking to break the mold.

Luxury Metal Cards with Magnetic Stripe Technology

For businesses that want to deliver a truly premium brand experience, our luxury metal cards are in a class of their own. Crafted from materials like stainless steel, brushed aluminum, or gold-finish alloys, these cards feel substantial and impressive the moment someone holds one. They convey exclusivity and quality in a way that no paper or standard plastic card can match.

Yes, metal cards can be produced with functional magnetic stripes, and we have the expertise to do it correctly. Whether you are outfitting a VIP club, a high-end rewards program, or a luxury retail brand, a metal card sends a message that your business takes its customer relationships seriously. These cards are kept, treasured, and shown off, giving your brand ongoing visibility that is truly remarkable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stripe Cards

We hear a lot of great questions from customers who are exploring magnetic stripe cards for the first time or looking to upgrade their current card program. We have pulled together some of the most common questions we receive and answered them honestly and clearly. If you have a question that is not covered here, our team is always just a phone call away.

Understanding the technology behind your cards helps you make smarter decisions for your business. We believe an informed customer is a happy customer, and we are always happy to take the time to explain how things work and why they matter for your specific situation and goals.

What Is the Difference Between HiCo and LoCo Magnetic Stripes?

This is one of the most common questions we receive, and it is an important one. HiCo, or high-coercivity, magnetic stripes use a stronger magnetic field to store data, making them much more resistant to accidental erasure from everyday magnets found in wallets, purses, and pockets. We recommend HiCo for any card that will be used frequently over an extended period of time.

LoCo, or low-coercivity, stripes are encoded using a weaker magnetic field and are less expensive to produce. They are perfectly suitable for short-term applications where the card will not need to last for months or years. Hotel key cards are the classic example of a LoCo application. If you are unsure which type is right for your program, our team will walk you through it clearly and help you decide.

Can My Existing Card Readers Work with Your Magnetic Stripe Cards?

In most cases, yes. Our magnetic stripe cards are produced to ISO standard specifications, which means they are compatible with the vast majority of card readers currently on the market. Whether you use a standard swipe reader, a USB card reader, or a full point-of-sale terminal, our cards are designed to work seamlessly with your existing setup without any modifications required.

If you have a specialized or older reader system, we are happy to discuss your setup before your order is placed. Our team has worked with an enormous variety of card systems over the years and can quickly determine whether any adjustments are needed to ensure perfect compatibility. We want every card we produce to work perfectly the first time it is swiped.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Order?

We ship nationwide and work hard to get your order to you as quickly as possible. Standard production times vary depending on the complexity of your order and the quantity involved, but we are always upfront about timelines before you commit. Rush production options are available for customers who are working against a deadline and need their cards fast.

Once your order ships, we provide tracking information so you always know exactly where your cards are. We package all orders carefully to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready to use. Our goal is to make the entire process from order placement to delivery as smooth and stress-free as possible for every single customer we serve.

Magnetic Stripe Card Accessories and Add-Ons

A great card program does not stop at the card itself. We offer a full range of accessories and add-ons that complete your card experience and make distribution and presentation even more professional. From custom card carriers to protective sleeves, we have everything you need to present your cards in a way that reflects the quality of your brand.

These extras might seem like small details, but they make a big difference in how your cards are received by customers. A beautifully designed carrier or sleeve turns a card handoff into a branded moment, adding perceived value and reinforcing the professionalism of your business in the customer's eyes.

Custom Card Carriers and Sleeves

Our custom card carriers are designed to hold and present your magnetic stripe cards in style. Whether you want a simple paper sleeve with your logo or a fully printed folded carrier with a personalized message, we have options to match any budget and brand standard. Carriers are especially popular with gift card programs, where the presentation is part of the overall gifting experience.

Protective sleeves keep cards looking newer for longer by shielding them from scratches, scuffs, and wallet wear. We offer both clear sleeves and printed sleeves in standard card sizes. Many of our clients use branded sleeves as an additional touchpoint to reinforce their messaging every time a customer reaches for their card, turning a functional accessory into a mini marketing tool.

• Printed folded card carriers with full-color branding
• Simple paper sleeves for budget-friendly presentation
• Clear protective sleeves for long-term card preservation
• Custom envelope mailers for card mailing campaigns
• Keychain card holders for loyalty and membership cards

Card Affixing and Mailing Services

We go beyond printing and shipping by offering full-service card affixing and mailing. If you need your magnetic stripe cards attached to a printed carrier and mailed directly to your customers, we can handle the entire process from start to finish. This saves you significant time and eliminates the need to coordinate between multiple vendors for a single campaign.

Our mailing services are especially valuable for businesses launching new loyalty programs, seasonal gift card campaigns, or membership renewal outreach efforts. We handle the logistics so you can focus on what you do best, running your business and serving your customers. The results speak for themselves, with direct mail campaigns using physical plastic cards achieving double the response rates of traditional paper mailers.

Why Businesses Choose Plastic Card ID Over the Competition

There are a lot of companies that claim to print plastic cards, but very few have the depth of experience, the product range, and the commitment to service that we bring to every order. We have been doing this for more than 25 years, and in that time we have built a reputation that speaks for itself. Our clients come back to us because we consistently deliver what we promise, on time and at a great value.

We are not just a vendor. We are a strategic partner that genuinely cares about the success of your card program. When you call us, you get real answers from real people who know this industry inside and out. We take the time to understand your goals and recommend solutions that actually make sense for your business, not just the most expensive option we carry.

Our National Reach Means We Are Always There for You

No matter where your business is located, we can serve you. We ship magnetic stripe cards, card printers, ribbons, and supplies to customers in all 50 states, from major metropolitan areas to rural communities. Our shipping process is streamlined and reliable, ensuring that your orders arrive when you need them without unnecessary delays or complications.

Our national shipping capability also means that if you have multiple locations across different states, we can coordinate deliveries to make your life easier. Many of our clients operate multi-location businesses and appreciate being able to work with a single, trusted vendor for all of their card program needs. We make it simple to manage everything in one place with one point of contact.

Over 25 Years of Expertise at Your Service

Experience is not something you can fake in this industry. Over the past quarter century, we have printed more than 50 million cards and served over 100,000 businesses of every size and type imaginable. That track record gives us a level of insight and capability that simply cannot be replicated by newer or less specialized providers. When you work with us, you are drawing on all of that accumulated knowledge.

We have seen the industry evolve dramatically, from the early days of basic magnetic stripe technology to today's world of RFID smart cards, custom-shaped metal cards, and fully encoded on-demand printing. Through it all, we have stayed at the forefront of what is available and what works best for our clients. That is not something we take lightly, and it is reflected in every card we produce.

Real Results for Real Businesses

Our clients do not just like working with us, they see real, measurable results from the card programs we help them build. Retailers who switch to magnetic stripe plastic gift cards consistently report dramatic increases in gift sales and average transaction values. Loyalty program operators see higher visit frequency and stronger emotional connections with their customer base when they use professionally produced plastic cards.

We have helped gyms grow memberships, restaurants sell more gift cards during the holidays, hotels streamline check-in with reliable key cards, and corporations secure their facilities with dependable access control solutions. These are not just nice stories, they are the natural outcomes of using a high-quality product backed by a team that knows how to help you succeed. Call us at 800-835-7919 and let us help write your success story too.

Case Study: How Magnetic Stripe Cards Transformed a Local Retail Chain

One of our long-term clients is a regional retail chain that came to us several years ago struggling with a paper gift certificate program that was difficult to manage and easy to counterfeit. They needed something more professional, more secure, and more effective at driving repeat business. We recommended a transition to magnetic stripe plastic gift and loyalty cards, and the results were remarkable.

Within the first year of launching their new plastic card program, the retailer saw gift card sales double compared to their paper certificate program. Their loyalty program enrollment increased by 60%, and average customer spend per visit climbed measurably as loyalty cardholders returned more frequently and spent more per trip. The cards also dramatically reduced fraud, protecting revenue that had previously been lost to counterfeit paper certificates.

The Program Details That Made the Difference

The success of this program was not accidental. It was the result of careful planning, the right card specifications, and a design that reflected the brand beautifully. We produced HiCo magnetic stripe gift cards in a vibrant, full-color design that matched the store's branding guidelines precisely. The cards were encoded and ready to activate upon delivery, making the rollout smooth and fast for the client's team.

We also supplied matching loyalty cards and custom branded card carriers that made the gift cards even more giftable and attractive at point of purchase. The carriers included a brief explanation of the loyalty program, turning a simple card transaction into an enrollment moment. That combination of smart design and solid magnetic stripe functionality was the foundation of a program that continues to perform strongly today.

Lessons Other Businesses Can Apply Right Now

The takeaway from this case study is straightforward: physical magnetic stripe cards work, and they work better than digital alternatives or paper certificates in a wide range of real-world scenarios. The key is choosing the right card type, the right encoding, and the right design partner to bring it all together. That is exactly what we do every day for businesses like yours across the country.

If your business is still relying on paper certificates, manual punch cards, or a loyalty app that customers rarely download, it may be time to consider what a professionally produced magnetic stripe card program could do for your bottom line. The investment is modest, the setup is fast, and the results are proven. We are here to make it easy for you to take that step with confidence.

Get Started with Plastic Card ID Today

We have made it incredibly easy to get started with a magnetic stripe card program that delivers real results for your business. Whether you need a small batch of gift cards, a large run of membership cards, a new card printer, or a full supply of refill ribbons and accessories, we are ready to help you get exactly what you need, shipped directly to your location anywhere in the country.

Our team is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to help you find the right solution. We do not believe in pushy sales tactics or one-size-fits-all packages. We listen to what you need, ask the right questions, and recommend the products that will serve your business best. It is a simple approach, and our clients love us for it.

Call Plastic Card ID now at 800-835-7919 to speak with a card specialist and get your order started today!

What to Have Ready When You Call

To make your first call as efficient and productive as possible, it helps to have a few pieces of information ready before you reach out. Knowing roughly how many cards you need, what type of program you are running, and whether you have an existing design or need help creating one will allow our team to give you accurate information and a fast, reliable quote right over the phone.

Do not worry if you do not have all the details figured out yet. Our team is experienced at helping businesses think through the specifics of their card programs and arrive at the right answers together. Even if you are just exploring your options at this stage, we are happy to walk you through everything we offer and help you understand what would work best for your unique situation.

Custom Design Support Included

Not sure where to start with your card design? We have you covered. Our in-house design support helps clients create cards that look professional, represent their brand accurately, and stand out in a wallet. We work with your existing brand assets, including logos, colors, and fonts, to create a card that feels like a natural extension of your marketing materials and store identity.

Design proofs are provided before any card goes to print, giving you the chance to review and approve the final look with complete confidence. We will not produce a single card until you are completely happy with how it looks. That commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is one of the many reasons businesses return to us order after order, year after year.

Ongoing Support After Your Order Ships

Our relationship with our clients does not end when an order ships. We are here for reorders, supply replenishment, printer maintenance questions, and anything else that comes up as your card program grows and evolves. Building a long-term partnership with each client is something we genuinely value, and we work hard to earn that trust with every interaction and every order we fulfill.

When you are ready to expand your program, add new card types, upgrade your printer, or explore specialty options like metal cards or clear plastic, we will be right here to help you take the next step. PCID is your long-term card partner, and we look forward to growing with you as your business continues to thrive and succeed for years to come.

Connect with Plastic Card ID: Your Nationwide Magnetic Stripe Card Partner

Magnetic stripe cards remain one of the most powerful, reliable, and cost-effective tools a business can use to drive loyalty, manage access, and create memorable customer experiences. We have dedicated over 25 years to mastering this product category and helping businesses of every size harness its potential. The results we have delivered for our clients across the country speak louder than any marketing claim we could make.

From the first phone call to the last card that ships from our facility, everything we do is guided by a commitment to quality, accuracy, and genuine care for the success of your business. We ship nationwide, we offer a complete product lineup from cards to printers to supplies, and we back everything with the kind of personalized service that is increasingly rare in today's marketplace.

Do not let another day go by without a card program that truly works for your business. Call 800-835-7919 right now and let Plastic Card ID show you what a difference the right magnetic stripe card solution can make. We are ready, we are experienced, and we genuinely cannot wait to help you succeed.