Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Custom Cards for Secure Transactions

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

There is something powerful about handing someone a well-made plastic card. It does not get deleted, it does not fade from a notification tray, and it does not end up in a spam folder. Plastic Card ID has spent over 25 years proving that point, one card at a time, serving more than 100,000 businesses across the country with custom-printed plastic cards that get noticed and remembered.

We ship everything nationally, which means no matter where your business is located, we can get your cards to you quickly and professionally. Whether you need magnetic stripe cards for a loyalty program, access control, hotel key systems, or gift card campaigns, we have the experience and the product line to make it happen right the first time.

Our team is easy to reach for new orders, questions, or product guidance. Give us a call today at 800-835-7919 and let us show you why so many businesses trust us year after year. We make the process simple, affordable, and results-driven from start to finish.

What Makes Magnetic Stripe Cards So Effective?

Magnetic stripe cards have been a trusted technology for decades, and for good reason. The stripe on the back of the card holds encoded data that can be read by card readers at point-of-sale terminals, access control systems, and loyalty program kiosks. This makes them one of the most versatile and reliable card formats available to businesses of all sizes.

We offer magnetic stripe cards in multiple track configurations, including Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3, each designed for different data storage needs. Whether you are running a retail loyalty program or a membership system that needs quick check-in capability, our magnetic stripe options are built to perform reliably and consistently across a wide range of reader hardware.

Who Uses Magnetic Stripe Cards?

The short answer is: almost every kind of business. From small coffee shops running simple punch-style loyalty rewards to large hotel chains issuing room key cards, magnetic stripe technology is everywhere. We work with retailers, gyms, universities, casinos, healthcare organizations, and event venues, just to name a few.

When businesses come to us, they are usually looking for a solution that is both professional and practical. Our magnetic stripe cards check both boxes. They look sharp with full-color custom printing, and they work reliably with standard card reader equipment, making them a smart choice for businesses that want a seamless customer experience without a steep tech investment.

Our National Shipping Commitment

We believe that geography should never be a barrier to getting great cards. That is why we ship our magnetic stripe cards, card printers, and all related supplies to every corner of the country. Whether you are in a major city or a small town, our shipping process is designed to be fast, dependable, and trackable from the moment your order leaves our facility.

Businesses that have switched from local print shops to our national service often tell us how refreshing it is to have a single, consistent source they can count on. We handle the logistics so you can focus on running your business. It is that simple, and it is one of the many reasons our clients keep coming back.

The Power of Custom Magnetic Stripe Cards for Business Growth

A magnetic stripe card is not just a tool, it is a brand ambassador that fits right in your customer's wallet. Every time they pull it out, they see your logo, your colors, and your identity. Studies have shown that businesses using custom plastic gift cards can see sales increases of up to 100% compared to paper certificate alternatives, and loyalty programs powered by magnetic stripe cards consistently drive repeat visits and stronger customer relationships.

We have helped businesses across dozens of industries design and produce cards that do real work. From boosting in-store purchases to streamlining member check-ins, the return on investment for a well-executed plastic card program is hard to ignore. Our team brings strategic thinking to every order, not just printing expertise.

Gift Cards That Drive Real Revenue

Gift cards are one of the most proven marketing tools available to any retail or service business. When your gift card is a beautifully printed magnetic stripe plastic card, it elevates the perceived value of the purchase. Customers feel good giving them, and recipients feel good receiving them, which creates a positive brand association that paper alternatives simply cannot match.

Research consistently shows that gift card programs boost overall sales by 35-50% for participating businesses. We help you design cards that align with your brand and encode the magnetic stripe to work with your existing point-of-sale system. This means a smooth, professional experience for both you and your customers every single time.

Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back

Loyalty programs are most effective when they are easy to use. A magnetic stripe loyalty card gives your customers a quick, consistent way to earn and redeem rewards at every visit. No apps to download, no usernames to remember, just a simple swipe that makes the experience feel seamless and valued.

We produce loyalty cards in full color with your branding front and center. The magnetic stripe on the back is encoded to your specifications so it works right out of the box with your reader setup. Businesses using physical loyalty cards report stronger engagement and higher per-visit spending compared to digital-only programs, and we are here to help you capture that advantage.

Membership Cards That Build Community

Whether you run a gym, a club, a professional association, or a nonprofit, membership cards create a sense of belonging that strengthens your community. A magnetic stripe membership card tells your members they are part of something real and established. It is a tangible reminder of the relationship between your organization and the people you serve.

We design and produce membership cards that look professional and feel premium in the hand. The magnetic stripe allows for quick check-in, access control, and attendance tracking, making your staff's job easier while delivering a polished experience to your members. We handle everything from artwork setup to encoding so the process is smooth for your team.

Explore Our Full Range of Plastic Card Types

Our catalog goes well beyond magnetic stripe cards, though that remains one of our most popular product categories. We are a full-service plastic card provider offering dozens of card types, formats, and specialty options to meet the unique needs of businesses in every industry. Our goal is always to match you with the right card for the right purpose.

Here is a look at the wide variety of card types we produce and ship nationally to businesses just like yours. Each one is available with custom printing, and many can be paired with magnetic stripes, barcodes, or other functional features depending on your program's needs.

• Magnetic Stripe Cards (Track 1, 2, and 3)
• Gift Cards with Full-Color Custom Printing
• Loyalty and Reward Cards
• Membership and Club Cards
• Hotel Key Cards
• Access Control and Security ID Cards
• Casino Player Cards
• RFID and Smart Cards (including MIFARE DESFire)
• Alumni and University ID Cards
• Union and Association Credential Cards
• Clear Plastic Cards
• Custom-Shape Cards
• Luxury Metal Cards (Stainless Steel and Gold)
• Plastic Postcard Mailers

Specialty Cards for Unique Brand Experiences

Sometimes a standard card is not enough to capture the attention your brand deserves. That is where our specialty card options come in. Clear plastic cards create a striking visual effect that makes any design look modern and memorable. Custom-shaped cards break the mold entirely, giving your business a unique physical identity that stands out in any wallet or cardholder display.

For businesses that want to make a truly unforgettable impression, our luxury metal cards offer an unmatched level of sophistication. Crafted from materials like stainless steel or gold-toned metal, these cards communicate prestige, exclusivity, and serious brand investment. They are perfect for VIP programs, executive membership tiers, and high-end client gifting strategies.

RFID and Smart Card Technology

When your program needs more than a magnetic stripe, we offer RFID and contactless smart card options that bring cutting-edge functionality to your card program. MIFARE DESFire is one of the most trusted contactless technologies available, offering fast read speeds and strong data security for access control, transit systems, and advanced membership applications.

We help businesses evaluate whether RFID, smart card, or magnetic stripe technology is the best fit for their specific use case. Sometimes a hybrid solution makes the most sense, combining a magnetic stripe on the back with an RFID chip embedded in the card body. Our team can walk you through the options so you get exactly what your program requires.

Plastic Postcard Mailers That Get Results

Direct mail is not dead. In fact, plastic postcard mailers achieve double the response rates of traditional paper mailers, making them one of the highest-performing physical marketing tools available. We produce full-color plastic postcards that stand out immediately in any mailbox, commanding attention from the moment they land in your prospect's hands.

These mailers are durable, waterproof, and vibrant, qualities that paper simply cannot match. We can incorporate magnetic stripes, barcodes, or scratch-off coatings to add interactive elements that drive even higher engagement. If you have been looking for a direct mail solution that actually delivers measurable results, our plastic postcard mailers are worth serious consideration.

Card Printers and Refill Supplies Shipped Nationally

A great card program does not end with the cards themselves. If your business needs the ability to print cards in-house, we offer a full lineup of card printers and all the refill supplies you need to keep printing consistently and professionally. We ship printers and supplies to businesses nationwide, making us a true one-stop shop for everything card-related.

In-house printing gives businesses the flexibility to issue cards on demand, update designs quickly, and manage their programs without waiting on outside vendors. Our card printers are reliable, user-friendly, and well-supported with supplies that are always in stock and ready to ship. Call us at 800-835-7919 to find out which printer is right for your setup.

Popular Card Printer Models We Carry

We carry a carefully selected range of card printers suited for everything from low-volume in-office issuance to high-output production environments. Each printer we offer has been chosen for its reliability, print quality, and ease of use, so your team can get up and running without a steep learning curve.

Whether you need single-sided or dual-sided printing, standard color output or advanced encoding capabilities, we have a printer that fits your workflow. Our team is always available to help match you with the right model based on your expected monthly print volume and feature requirements, so you never overspend on hardware you do not need.

Ribbons, Overlaminates, and Other Supplies

Keeping your card printer running smoothly means having the right supplies on hand at all times. We stock a wide range of printer ribbons, cleaning kits, overlaminates, and blank card stock so you never face an unexpected production halt. Our supplies are compatible with the printers we carry and are stocked to ship fast when you need a reorder.

• YMCKO Full-Color Ribbons
• Monochrome Black Ribbons
• KO Overlaminate Ribbons
• Cleaning Kits and Cleaning Cards
• Blank PVC Card Stock (CR80 Standard Size)
• Magnetic Stripe Blank Cards (HiCo and LoCo)
• Retransfer Film for High-Definition Printing
• Card Printer Trays and Hoppers

HiCo vs. LoCo Magnetic Stripe Cards: What Is the Difference?

When ordering blank magnetic stripe card stock for in-house printing, one of the most important decisions is whether to use High Coercivity (HiCo) or Low Coercivity (LoCo) cards. HiCo cards use a stronger magnetic encoding that is more resistant to accidental erasure, making them ideal for long-term use cards like membership or loyalty cards that get used repeatedly over months or years.

LoCo cards use a softer magnetic encoding and are typically used for short-term applications like hotel key cards or event passes where the card does not need to hold its encoding for an extended period. We stock both formats and can help you determine which is the right choice based on your specific program design and how the cards will be used by your customers or members.

Value-Added Services That Complete the Card Experience

We believe in making the entire card program process as smooth and complete as possible for our clients. That is why we offer a range of value-added services that go beyond just printing. From custom card carriers and sleeves to full-service card affixing and mailing, we handle the details that make a real difference in how your card program is received by your audience.

These added services reflect our commitment to being more than just a printer. We are a strategic partner in your card program's success, and we take that role seriously. Our team works with businesses to design the full customer experience, from the moment the card arrives to the first time it is swiped.

Custom Card Carriers and Presentation Sleeves

First impressions matter. When a customer receives a plastic gift card or loyalty card presented in a branded carrier or sleeve, it instantly elevates the perceived value of the card itself. We produce custom-printed card carriers and protective sleeves that complement your card design and reinforce your brand's professional image.

These presentation pieces are especially important for gift card programs, where the packaging is part of the gift experience. A well-designed carrier makes your gift card look like it belongs on a retail display next to national brands, which builds consumer confidence and encourages purchase. We design and produce carriers that are as attractive as the cards they hold.

Card Affixing and Mailing Services

If your program requires mailing cards directly to customers or members, we offer full-service card affixing and mailing to take that entire process off your plate. We affix your printed plastic cards to the appropriate mailer piece, then handle the preparation for postal delivery. This is a huge time-saver for businesses running large-scale loyalty or membership card distributions.

Our mailing services ensure that your cards arrive in perfect condition and with the professional presentation your brand deserves. We coordinate the print-to-mail workflow so that your timeline is met without any last-minute scrambles. From design approval to delivery, we manage every step with care and precision on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stripe Cards

We get a lot of great questions from businesses exploring magnetic stripe card programs for the first time, and we love answering them. The more informed you are, the better the program you will build. Below we have answered some of the most common questions we receive to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.

If you have a question that is not covered here, our team is always just a phone call away. We are happy to walk through your specific situation and help you find the best solution for your needs. There are no silly questions when it comes to building a card program that works for your business.

How Durable Are Magnetic Stripe Cards?

Standard PVC magnetic stripe cards are built to withstand years of regular use. The card body itself is rigid and resistant to cracking or warping under normal handling conditions. The magnetic stripe is encoded at specific coercivity levels designed to retain the data reliably through many hundreds of swipes without degradation in read accuracy.

To maximize card longevity, we recommend using HiCo magnetic stripe cards for programs where cards are used frequently over long periods. We also offer overlaminate coating options that protect the card surface from scratches and fading, keeping your printed design looking sharp long after the card is first issued to your customer or member.

Can Magnetic Stripe Cards Work with My Existing Equipment?

In most cases, yes. Magnetic stripe cards encoded to standard ISO specifications are compatible with the vast majority of card readers currently in use across retail, hospitality, access control, and loyalty program applications. If you are using a standard point-of-sale system or a common card reader model, our cards will almost certainly work right away without any additional setup.

If you have a proprietary or specialized system, we encourage you to share those details with our team so we can confirm compatibility before production. We have extensive experience working with a wide variety of reader hardware and software platforms, and we are committed to making sure your cards work seamlessly in your environment from day one.

What Is the Typical Turnaround Time for Orders?

Turnaround time depends on the size of your order, the complexity of the design, and the specific card type you are ordering. Most standard magnetic stripe card orders ship within a predictable and reasonable production window that we confirm with you at the time of order placement. We always communicate clearly so you know exactly when to expect delivery.

For businesses with urgent needs, we also offer rush production options that can significantly shorten the timeline. We understand that sometimes a program launch or an event deadline creates time pressure, and we do our best to accommodate those situations. Reach out to our team to discuss your timeline and we will do everything we can to meet your needs.

Case Study: How One Retailer Doubled Sales with Magnetic Stripe Gift Cards

Sometimes the best way to understand the value of a product is to see it in action. One of our retail clients came to us after years of using paper gift certificates, frustrated with how often they were lost, damaged, or counterfeited. They decided to make the switch to custom-printed magnetic stripe gift cards, and the results were remarkable and almost immediate.

Within the first full year of their new plastic gift card program, this retailer saw a 100% increase in gift card sales compared to their best year with paper certificates. Customers responded enthusiastically to the professional look and feel of the new cards, and staff reported far fewer issues with lost or damaged certificates. The program became a cornerstone of their holiday sales strategy.

The Design Phase

We worked closely with this retailer's marketing team to develop a card design that reflected their brand personality and seasonal promotions. The design process was collaborative and thorough, with multiple rounds of proofing to ensure that every element was exactly right before production began. The end result was a card that both the staff and customers were genuinely proud to give and receive.

The card featured the retailer's logo prominently on the front, with a seasonal illustration that made the card feel like a premium gift rather than just a transactional instrument. On the back, the magnetic stripe was cleanly integrated into the layout, and a brief instructional line helped customers understand how to use the card at checkout. The packaging carrier was also designed to complement the card perfectly.

The Encoding and Fulfillment Phase

Once the design was approved, we moved quickly into production and encoding. Each card was encoded to the retailer's point-of-sale system specifications, and a sample batch was tested and confirmed before the full run was completed. This testing step is something we always recommend, and it saved this client from a potential issue that was caught and corrected early in the process.

The completed cards were delivered in custom-printed carriers, ready for display and sale. The entire process from design kickoff to delivery was completed within the agreed timeline, allowing the retailer to launch their gift card program well ahead of the holiday shopping season. Their team described the experience as one of the smoothest vendor relationships they had ever had.

Comparing Card Technologies: A Quick Reference Guide

Industries We Proudly Serve Across the Country

Our client base spans an impressive range of industries, and that breadth of experience is one of our greatest strengths. When you work with us, you are not just getting a card printer, you are getting a team that understands the specific needs and expectations of your industry. We bring that context to every project we take on, large or small.

From independent boutiques to national franchise chains, from community gyms to major casino resort properties, we have worked with organizations of every size and complexity. That range of experience means we have likely solved a challenge very similar to yours before, and we can apply those lessons to help your program succeed faster.

Hospitality and Hotel Industry

Hotels rely on magnetic stripe key cards every single day to deliver a smooth, secure guest experience. We produce hotel key cards that are compatible with the most widely used electronic lock systems in the industry. Our cards are encoded precisely to your property's specifications, and we offer both LoCo options for standard key card use and specialty finishes for premium room tiers or resort branding programs.

Beyond key cards, we also work with hotel brands on loyalty and rewards card programs that encourage repeat stays and drive direct booking behavior. A well-designed hotel loyalty card sits in a guest's wallet long after checkout, serving as a constant reminder of your property and an invitation to return. We understand the hospitality space deeply and deliver cards that reflect that understanding.

Casinos and Entertainment Venues

Casino player cards are a cornerstone of modern gaming floor operations. They track play, reward loyal guests, and power the entire tiered membership structure that keeps players engaged with your brand. We produce casino player cards with the magnetic stripe configurations, design quality, and encoding specifications that the gaming industry demands, and we do it with the reliability that high-volume environments require.

Entertainment venues beyond casinos also benefit enormously from plastic card programs. Concert halls, sports arenas, theme parks, and event centers use plastic cards for season passes, VIP access, and membership programs that generate recurring revenue and deepen fan loyalty. We are proud to serve this exciting sector with the same care and expertise we bring to every client relationship.

Healthcare and Professional Organizations

Healthcare providers and professional associations use plastic ID cards and credential cards to establish identity, control access, and build trust with the people they serve. A professionally printed, encoded ID card tells staff, patients, and visitors that your organization takes security and professionalism seriously, which is a message that matters enormously in these environments.

We produce ID cards, staff access cards, and professional membership credentials for organizations across the healthcare and professional services landscape. These cards are produced with precision and attention to detail, because we understand that in these settings, accuracy and quality are not optional. They are requirements that we meet every single time.

Why Businesses Choose Plastic Card ID Year After Year

We have been doing this for over 25 years, and in that time we have learned that the businesses that stay with us do so for a few consistent reasons. They trust our quality, they value our knowledge, and they appreciate the way we treat them as partners rather than just order numbers. That reputation has been built one satisfied client at a time, and we protect it fiercely.

With more than 50 million cards produced and shipped, we have the scale to handle large orders efficiently and the attention to detail to make every small order feel just as important. Our team genuinely cares about the success of your card program, because when your program works well, it reflects well on everything we stand for as a company.

Our Core Strengths at a Glance

• 25 years of plastic card industry expertise
• Over 100,000 businesses served nationally
• More than 50 million cards produced and shipped
• Full product lineup: cards, printers, and supplies
• Custom encoding for magnetic stripe, RFID, and barcode
• Value-added services including carriers, sleeves, and mailing
• Fast, reliable national shipping to every state
• Responsive, knowledgeable customer support team

Pricing That Fits Your Budget

We believe that high-quality plastic cards should be accessible to businesses of all sizes, not just large corporations with big marketing budgets. Our pricing is competitive and transparent, with options that scale appropriately based on order quantity and customization level. A basic loyalty card program can be launched for a very reasonable investment, while more advanced specialty card runs are priced to reflect the premium materials and encoding work involved.

As a general reference point, most standard custom magnetic stripe card programs fall in the range of $75-$200 per hundred cards depending on design complexity, quantity ordered, and any specialty encoding requirements. We provide detailed quotes so you know exactly what you are investing before any production begins, and we never surprise clients with hidden fees or unexpected charges after the fact.

A Proven Track Record You Can Rely On

Our track record speaks for itself. Over 100,000 businesses have trusted us to produce cards that represent their brand, drive their programs, and deliver results. That kind of sustained trust is not built overnight. It is earned through consistent quality, honest communication, and a genuine commitment to making every client's program a success regardless of the size of their order or organization.

When you partner with us, you are joining a community of businesses that have discovered the tangible, measurable difference that professionally produced plastic cards can make. We are proud of every client relationship we have built, and we look forward to building one with you too. Our team is ready to get started whenever you are, so do not wait to make your move.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Plastic Card ID Today

Call us now at 800-835-7919 and let our team help you design, produce, and ship the perfect magnetic stripe cards for your business. Whether you are starting a brand-new card program or looking to upgrade an existing one, Plastic Card ID has the experience, the products, and the national shipping capability to make it happen efficiently and professionally.

We have helped thousands of businesses just like yours build card programs that drive loyalty, increase revenue, and strengthen brand identity. The process starts with a simple conversation, and our team makes that conversation easy, informative, and pressure-free. We are here to help you find the right solution, not to oversell you on products you do not need.

How to Place Your First Order

Getting started with PCID is straightforward and stress-free. Simply give us a call, share a few details about your business and your goals, and we will walk you through the options that make the most sense for your program. From there, we guide you through the design and proofing process, confirm your encoding specifications, and move your order into production on an agreed timeline.

We accept orders of all sizes, from small starter quantities for businesses just launching a card program to large production runs for established organizations scaling up their operations. No order is too small to receive our full attention and care, because we know that small orders often grow into long-term partnerships, and we value every relationship we start from the very beginning.

Stay Stocked with Ongoing Supply Orders

Once your card program is up and running, keeping it going smoothly means staying stocked with the supplies you need. We make reordering easy with a straightforward process for repeat orders on blank card stock, printer ribbons, and other consumables. Our team keeps records of your previous orders so reorders are quick and accurate every single time you need a refill.

We also offer guidance on optimal stock levels so you never face an unexpected shortage during a busy season or a critical program launch. Think of us as your ongoing supply chain partner, not just a one-time vendor. We are invested in your program's long-term success, and keeping your supplies flowing consistently is a big part of how we deliver on that commitment.

Our Promise to Every Client

Our promise is simple: we will deliver the quality you expect, on the timeline we agree to, with the service and support you deserve throughout the entire process. We stand behind every card we produce and every printer we ship, and we are always just a phone call away if you have a question, a concern, or a new idea you want to explore with our team.

Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable team member who is ready to help you build something great. We ship nationally, we price fairly, and we deliver results. Your next great card program starts with one conversation, and we are ready to have it with you today. Do not wait, great cards and greater results are just one call away.