Magnetic Stripe Cards: Reliable Encoding for Any Application

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

Some tools in business are so effective, so dependable, that they quietly power entire industries without ever getting the credit they deserve. Magnetic stripe cards are exactly that kind of unsung hero. From hotel check-ins to retail loyalty programs, these versatile cards do the heavy lifting behind the scenes, and we at Plastic Card ID have spent over 25 years making sure businesses like yours have access to the very best.

We ship plastic cards, card printers, and all the refill supplies you need directly to your door, no matter where you are in the country. Our team is passionate about helping businesses make a lasting impression through high-quality, custom-printed plastic cards that people actually hold onto. When you work with us, you are not just placing an order, you are starting a partnership built around your success.

Whether you are a small boutique launching your first loyalty program or a large hotel chain needing thousands of key cards per month, we have the experience, the technology, and the dedication to deliver exactly what you need. Reach out to us anytime at 800.835.7919 and let us show you what a difference the right card program can make for your brand.

What Are Magnetic Stripe Cards?

Magnetic stripe cards, often called mag stripe cards, are plastic cards embedded with a thin band of magnetic material on the back. This stripe stores data that can be read by a card reader, making it easy to access information quickly and reliably. These cards are used every single day in businesses of all shapes and sizes across the country.

The magnetic stripe itself can hold encoded data such as account numbers, membership IDs, access codes, or loyalty point balances. When a customer swipes the card through a compatible reader, the system instantly retrieves that stored information. It is a simple, fast, and proven technology that has stood the test of time in a world flooded with digital alternatives.

Why Magnetic Stripe Technology Still Matters

You might wonder why so many businesses still rely on magnetic stripe cards when digital options exist. The answer is straightforward: they work. They are affordable to produce, easy to use, and widely compatible with existing reader systems around the world. No app download, no battery life worry, no connectivity required.

Businesses that invest in mag stripe card programs consistently see measurable returns. Customers who carry a physical card are far more likely to return to use it. That small piece of plastic in a wallet is a constant, quiet reminder of your brand, working for you every single day without any ongoing cost.

Our Nationwide Shipping Promise

One of the things we are most proud of is our ability to serve businesses from coast to coast. We ship plastic cards, card printers, and all related supplies to every corner of the country quickly and reliably. No matter your location, we make sure your order arrives on time and in perfect condition so your program never misses a beat.

Our logistics are built around your convenience. From the moment you place your order to the moment it lands at your door, our team is tracking every detail. We believe that great service does not stop at the product itself, it extends all the way through delivery and beyond. Call us at 800.835.7919 and we will walk you through the entire process.

The Power of Plastic: Why Magnetic Stripe Cards Outperform Paper

Paper cards tear, fade, and fall apart. Plastic cards endure. When a customer pulls out a magnetic stripe loyalty card that still looks sharp after two years of use, that is a reflection of your brand's quality and commitment. The physical durability of a plastic card sends a message that no paper punch card ever could.

Businesses that have made the switch from paper certificates or punch cards to professional plastic magnetic stripe cards have reported significant boosts in customer engagement. Some retailers have seen sales increases of up to 100% after upgrading their gift card programs from paper to plastic. That kind of return is hard to ignore.

We have seen this transformation happen hundreds of times across dozens of industries. The shift from paper to plastic is not just aesthetic, it is strategic. It changes how customers perceive your brand and how often they choose to come back. Our cards are built to make that kind of impact every single time.

Durability That Represents Your Brand

Every card we produce is made from high-quality PVC material designed to withstand daily use without cracking, fading, or losing its magnetic encoding. When your card looks great after months of use, that durability reflects directly on your business. Customers notice when you invest in quality, and they respond with loyalty.

We print your branding, colors, and design details with precision so that every card that leaves our facility is something you can be proud of. Our cards do not just carry data, they carry your identity. That matters more than most businesses realize until they see the difference it makes with their own customers.

Real Results from Real Businesses

One of our longtime clients, a mid-sized spa chain, switched from paper gift certificates to our custom magnetic stripe gift cards. Within six months, their gift card redemption rate climbed by over 40%, and their average transaction value increased noticeably. Customers were buying more, returning more often, and referring friends more frequently.

Another client, a regional gym network, used our membership mag stripe cards to streamline check-ins and track visit frequency. They were able to build a targeted retention campaign around that data, resulting in a measurable drop in membership cancellations. These are the kinds of wins that keep our clients coming back to us year after year.

Gift Cards That Drive Real Revenue

Magnetic stripe gift cards are one of the most powerful revenue tools available to any retail or service business. Studies consistently show that gift card programs boost sales by 35-50% and that recipients often spend more than the card's face value. A well-designed magnetic stripe gift card is not just a purchase, it is a referral engine.

When someone buys one of your gift cards to give to a friend, they are essentially vouching for your business. That new customer comes in already trusting your brand. With a professional plastic card in hand, the experience feels premium from the very first swipe. We make sure your gift cards deliver that experience every time.

Our Full Range of Magnetic Stripe Card Types

We offer one of the most comprehensive selections of magnetic stripe card products in the industry. Whether you need something sleek and simple or bold and custom-shaped, we have a solution that fits your vision and your budget. Our team works closely with every client to make sure the final product matches exactly what they had in mind.

From loyalty cards and gift cards to access control cards and membership credentials, our magnetic stripe options span an impressive range of applications. Each card type is engineered to perform reliably with standard card readers while looking outstanding in your customer's hand. Below is a look at some of the most popular types we produce:

Loyalty and rewards cards for retail, dining, and service businesses
Gift cards with custom denominations and branding
Hotel key cards with magnetic access encoding
Membership and club ID cards with stripe data storage
Employee access and time-tracking cards
Casino player tracking cards
Library and student ID cards
Gym and fitness center membership cards

Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back

A well-executed loyalty card program is one of the most cost-effective customer retention strategies a business can run. When customers know they are earning rewards with every visit or purchase, they are significantly more likely to choose you over a competitor. Our magnetic stripe loyalty cards make it easy to track points, visits, or spending with any standard card reader system.

We design loyalty cards that look as good as they perform. Bold colors, crisp logos, and clean layouts make sure your card stands out in a wallet full of competitors. The magnetic stripe on the back handles all the behind-the-scenes data work seamlessly, giving both you and your customers a smooth and rewarding experience every time.

Hotel Key Cards Built for Reliability

Hotel key cards are one of the most frequently used magnetic stripe card applications in the world. Guests swipe in and out multiple times a day, which means your cards need to be durable, reliable, and consistently encoded. We produce hotel key cards that meet the highest standards of magnetic encoding quality so that guest access works flawlessly every single time.

Beyond functionality, hotel key cards are also a branding opportunity. A beautifully printed card with your property's logo and design creates a positive first impression that sets the tone for the entire guest experience. We help you strike the perfect balance between practicality and presentation in every batch we produce.

Membership and ID Cards for Every Organization

From alumni associations and professional unions to fitness clubs and co-working spaces, membership cards serve a dual purpose: they verify identity and they build community. A well-crafted magnetic stripe membership card tells its holder that they belong to something worth being part of. That sense of belonging is genuinely powerful.

Our membership cards are customized with your organization's branding and encoded with the data your system needs. Whether you use a simple swipe-to-verify setup or a more complex database-linked system, our cards integrate smoothly with your existing infrastructure. We make the process easy so your organization can focus on what it does best.

Card Printers and Supplies Delivered Nationwide

Product Category	Popular Options	Best For
Card Printers	Single-sided, Dual-sided, Retransfer	On-demand card printing
Printer Ribbons	YMCKO, KO, Monochrome	Full-color or single-color printing
Cleaning Kits	Cleaning cards, rollers, swabs	Printer maintenance
Blank Card Stock	PVC, Composite, Mag Stripe	In-house card production

Having the right cards is only part of the equation. If you print cards in-house, you also need a reliable card printer and a steady supply of ribbons, cleaning kits, and blank card stock to keep operations running smoothly. We carry a full line of card printing equipment and supplies from industry-leading brands, all available to ship directly to your location nationwide.

Our team can help you choose the right printer for your volume and card type. Whether you print a few dozen cards a week or several hundred a day, we have a machine that fits your workflow and your budget. And because we ship supplies nationally, restocking is never a hassle no matter where your business is located.

Choosing the Right Card Printer for Your Needs

Not all card printers are created equal. The right machine depends on your print volume, the level of detail in your card design, and whether you need features like magnetic stripe encoding built right into the printer. We help businesses evaluate these factors and match them with a printer that will serve them reliably for years to come.

Entry-level printers are perfect for small businesses printing fewer than 500 cards per month. Mid-range and high-volume printers handle larger batches with faster output speeds and more advanced encoding capabilities. We stock options across all tiers and can walk you through the pros and cons of each so you make a confident, informed purchase.

Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies That Keep You Running

Running out of printer ribbons at the wrong moment can bring your card program to a grinding halt. That is why we make it easy to order refill supplies in advance and keep a healthy stock on hand. We carry YMCKO full-color ribbons, monochrome black ribbons, overlay-only ribbons, and specialty options for various printer models and card types.

Our cleaning kits are just as important as the ribbons themselves. Regular cleaning extends the life of your printer, maintains print quality, and prevents costly jams or errors. We offer complete cleaning kit bundles that include everything you need to keep your machine running at peak performance week after week and month after month.

Blank Magnetic Stripe Card Stock

For businesses that encode and personalize their own cards in-house, our blank magnetic stripe card stock is the foundation of the entire operation. We offer blank PVC cards pre-loaded with either low-coercivity (LoCo) or high-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic stripes, ready to be run through your printer and encoder. Choosing the right coercivity level for your application is critical, and we are happy to help guide that decision.

HiCo cards are ideal for applications where the card will be used frequently and may be exposed to magnetic fields, such as hotel key cards or access control badges. LoCo cards work well for shorter-term uses like event passes or promotional gift cards. We stock both in a range of quantities so you can order exactly what your operation requires without overcommitting.

Specialty Card Options: Beyond the Standard Mag Stripe

Sometimes a standard card is not enough. For brands that want to truly stand out and leave an unforgettable impression, we offer a range of specialty card options that combine magnetic stripe functionality with extraordinary materials and finishes. These cards are not just tools, they are statements.

From frosted clear plastic cards that give a sleek, modern look to luxury metal cards crafted from stainless steel or gold-finish materials, our specialty lineup lets you elevate your brand in a way that paper and standard plastic simply cannot match. These cards are especially popular for VIP membership programs, exclusive loyalty tiers, and premium gift card offerings.

Clear Plastic Cards with Magnetic Stripes

Clear plastic cards offer a visually striking alternative to standard white card stock. The transparent background allows your design elements to pop in a completely unique way, and the magnetic stripe can be integrated seamlessly into the card's layout. Businesses in fashion, hospitality, and entertainment industries love the modern, high-end look these cards deliver.

We print on clear cards with the same precision and color accuracy as our standard cards, ensuring your branding looks exactly as intended. Customers who receive a clear plastic card consistently remark on how premium it feels compared to what they expected. That reaction is exactly what a great card experience should produce every single time.

Luxury Metal Cards for VIP Programs

If you want your best customers to feel truly special, nothing does that job quite like a metal card. Our luxury metal cards are crafted from materials like stainless steel, brushed aluminum, and gold-finish alloys, and they can be combined with magnetic stripe technology for full functionality. Handing someone a metal loyalty card is an experience they will remember and talk about.

Metal cards are especially effective for tiered loyalty programs where your top-tier members receive a card that visually communicates their status. The weight alone sets the tone before the customer even reads their name on it. We work with you to design a metal card that reflects the prestige of your brand and the value you place on your most loyal customers.

Custom Shapes and Sizes for Unique Brands

Standard CR80 card size is not always the right choice for every application. Sometimes a unique shape or a slightly different dimension makes a card far more memorable and effective as a marketing tool. We offer custom die-cutting options that allow you to create cards in virtually any shape that fits your brand identity and marketing goals.

Custom-shaped cards are particularly effective as promotional tools, event passes, or novelty gift cards for seasonal campaigns. When a card is shaped like your product or logo, it becomes a conversation piece that naturally drives word-of-mouth marketing. We have helped brands create some truly creative card shapes that became mini marketing campaigns all on their own.

Access Control and Security Cards

Security and access management are critical functions for many organizations, and magnetic stripe cards play a central role in both. From office buildings and gated communities to casinos and government facilities, mag stripe access cards provide a reliable, cost-effective way to control who goes where and when. We supply high-quality access cards with the encoding specifications your system requires.

Our access control cards are produced to the exact technical standards your infrastructure demands. We work with your facility's existing reader system specifications to make sure every card encodes and reads correctly from day one. Reliable access control starts with a reliable card, and that is something we take very seriously in every order we fulfill.

Casino Player Tracking Cards

Casino player tracking is one of the most data-intensive applications for magnetic stripe card technology. Every swipe records valuable information about player activity, preferences, and visit frequency, data that fuels everything from personalized promotions to loyalty tier management. We produce casino player cards built to withstand heavy, daily use in a high-volume gaming environment.

Our casino cards are printed with sharp, vibrant graphics that represent your property's brand while the magnetic stripe handles all the behind-the-scenes tracking reliably. Casinos that invest in high-quality player cards consistently see better engagement with their loyalty programs and stronger guest retention across all their properties and amenity offerings.

Employee and Facility Access Badges

Keeping track of who has access to what areas of your facility is not just a matter of policy, it is a matter of safety. Our magnetic stripe employee access badges integrate seamlessly with most commercial access control systems, giving your security team reliable, easy-to-manage tools for protecting your space. We can produce these cards in bulk with consistent encoding quality across every single card in the batch.

Beyond security, employee badges with magnetic stripes can also serve as time-tracking tools, allowing staff to clock in and out with a simple swipe. This dual-purpose functionality makes our access badges a smart investment for businesses looking to streamline both security and HR operations at the same time without adding extra complexity.

Contact Us for Access Card Specifications

Every access control system has its own specific encoding requirements, and getting those specifications right is essential for smooth operation. Our team has deep experience working with a wide variety of access control platforms and can help you confirm the correct encoding standards before production begins. We want to make sure your cards work perfectly from the very first swipe.

Do not hesitate to reach out before placing your order if you have technical questions about encoding formats, magnetic stripe coercivity, or card compatibility. Call us directly at 800.835.7919 and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to walk you through every detail until you feel completely confident in your order specifications.

Custom Carriers, Sleeves, and Mailing Services

A great card deserves a great presentation. That is why we offer a full line of custom card carriers, protective sleeves, and poly-bag packaging options to make sure your cards arrive in your customers' hands looking exactly the way you intended. Presentation matters enormously in how a card program is received, and we help you nail that first impression every time.

For businesses that want to mail cards directly to their customers, we also offer full-service card affixing and mailing. We can attach your cards to custom-designed carriers and mail them on your behalf, saving you time and operational complexity. This end-to-end service turns card distribution into a completely hands-off process for your team.

Custom Card Carriers and Packaging

A custom card carrier does double duty: it protects the card during handling and gives you additional real estate to communicate your brand message, terms, instructions, or promotional offers. We design and produce carriers that complement your card's look and feel while adding practical value for the recipient. Every element of the package works together to reinforce your brand identity.

We offer carriers in a range of sizes and formats, from simple fold-over mailers to multi-panel brochure-style pieces that tell a more complete brand story. Whether you are launching a new loyalty program or distributing seasonal gift cards, our packaging solutions help you make the most of every customer interaction from the moment they open the envelope.

Protective Sleeves for Long-Term Card Quality

Magnetic stripe cards that are stored loosely in a bag or drawer can pick up scratches, dust, and static that gradually degrade the stripe's readability over time. Our protective sleeves are a simple, affordable way to extend the life of your cards and ensure consistent performance throughout their intended use period. We offer sleeves in clear, frosted, and printed options.

Providing a sleeve with each card is also a subtle but effective way to communicate quality and care to your customers. When someone receives a card tucked neatly in a branded sleeve, it elevates the perceived value of the entire program. It is a small touch that makes a surprisingly big difference in how your customers respond to your card offering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stripe Cards

We talk to businesses every day that have great questions about magnetic stripe cards, and we love answering them. If you are new to card programs or just looking to upgrade what you already have, this section covers the most common questions we hear so you can move forward with confidence. And of course, we are always just a phone call away for anything not covered here.

Understanding the basics of mag stripe technology helps businesses make smarter decisions about their card programs. From choosing the right stripe type to understanding encoding options, a little knowledge goes a long way in setting up a program that performs exactly as you expect it to from day one.

What Is the Difference Between HiCo and LoCo Cards?

High-coercivity (HiCo) and low-coercivity (LoCo) refer to the magnetic strength of the stripe. HiCo stripes require a stronger magnetic field to encode and are therefore more resistant to accidental erasure from everyday magnetic sources like speakers or magnetic clasps. LoCo stripes encode more easily but are more susceptible to corruption from those same sources.

For most business applications, HiCo cards are the recommended choice. They are more durable, more reliable, and perform better over the long lifespan of an active card program. LoCo cards are best reserved for short-term or limited-use applications where longevity is less of a concern. Our team can help you decide which option is right for your specific use case and budget.

How Many Cards Should I Order?

Order quantities depend on several factors: your current customer base, how quickly you expect to distribute cards, and whether you want to keep backup stock on hand. Most businesses find that ordering in larger quantities reduces their per-card cost significantly, making it smart to think ahead about your six-to-twelve month needs rather than ordering just enough for immediate distribution.

We work with businesses of all sizes and can accommodate orders ranging from small runs to very large bulk quantities. Our team will help you find the right balance between upfront investment and per-unit savings so that your card program is financially efficient from the very first order you place with us.

Can I Reorder the Same Card Design Later?

Absolutely. We keep your design and card specifications on file so that reordering is fast and effortless. Simply call us or reach out online, confirm your quantity, and we will get your reorder into production right away. There is no need to go through the entire design process again unless you want to update or refresh your card's look.

Many of our long-term clients reorder on a regular schedule, and we make that process as streamlined as possible. Some businesses set up recurring orders tied to seasonal campaigns or membership renewal cycles so they never have to worry about running out of cards at a critical moment. We love building those kinds of long-term relationships with our clients.

Case Study: How a Retail Boutique Transformed Their Business with Magnetic Stripe Gift Cards

One of the most compelling stories we have from our client base involves a small but growing retail boutique that had been using handwritten paper gift certificates for years. Their redemption rate was inconsistent, their tracking was unreliable, and gift certificate fraud was a real and frustrating problem. They came to us looking for a better solution.

We set them up with a custom magnetic stripe gift card program, including beautifully designed cards, a compatible card reader for their point-of-sale system, and a starter supply of blank HiCo stock for future encoding. The transformation in their business was immediate and measurable, and their story is one we are genuinely proud to share with other businesses in similar situations.

The Challenge They Faced

Paper gift certificates were costing this boutique more than just money, they were costing credibility. Customers would sometimes present certificates with altered values, and the staff had no reliable way to verify authenticity at the register. The process was slow, awkward, and damaged the boutique's carefully cultivated reputation for premium service and attention to detail.

Beyond fraud, the paper system made it impossible to track redemption patterns or identify which customers were using gift certificates most often. That data gap meant the boutique was missing out on opportunities to re-engage their best customers with targeted promotions. They needed a system that was both secure and smart, and that is exactly what we delivered.

The Solution We Provided

We designed a stunning set of magnetic stripe gift cards that matched the boutique's brand aesthetic perfectly. The cards felt premium in hand, which immediately elevated the gifting experience for both buyers and recipients. The magnetic stripe allowed each card's balance to be tracked electronically, eliminating fraud and making the checkout process fast and effortless for staff and customers alike.

Within the first three months after launching the new card program, the boutique reported a 47% increase in gift card sales compared to the same period the prior year. Their average transaction value also climbed, as recipients consistently spent more than their card's balance. The upgrade from paper to plastic magnetic stripe cards was, by every measure, one of the best business decisions they ever made.

Long-Term Results and Ongoing Partnership

That boutique has now been a client of ours for several years. They reorder cards seasonally, expanding their designs for holidays and special events throughout the year. The data they collect through their card program has helped them launch a successful loyalty tier system, further deepening customer relationships and driving repeat business year after year.

Their story is not unique. We have helped hundreds of businesses across dozens of industries achieve similar results by making the move to professional magnetic stripe card programs. If their experience resonates with something you are facing in your own business, we would love to have a conversation about how we can help you achieve the same kind of turnaround.

Why Businesses Across the Country Choose Plastic Card ID

There are plenty of places to buy plastic cards. What sets us apart is not just the quality of our products, though that matters enormously. It is the depth of our expertise, the consistency of our service, and the genuine commitment we bring to every single client relationship we build. We have been doing this for over 25 years, and that experience shows in every card we produce.

We have served over 100,000 businesses and produced more than 50 million cards. Those numbers are not just statistics, they represent decades of trust earned one great card program at a time. When you choose to work with us, you are choosing a team that understands what is at stake for your brand and takes that responsibility seriously every single day.

Our Expertise Across Industries

One of the things that makes us uniquely valuable to our clients is the breadth of industries we serve. From retail and hospitality to healthcare, education, and entertainment, we understand the specific demands and expectations that come with each market. That cross-industry knowledge helps us bring perspective and creative problem-solving to every project we take on.

Here is a look at just some of the industries we proudly serve with our magnetic stripe card solutions:

Retail stores and boutiques
Restaurants and cafes
Hotels and resorts
Fitness centers and gyms
Casinos and gaming facilities
Libraries and educational institutions
Professional associations and unions
Corporate offices and enterprise facilities

A Partnership Built on Long-Term Results

We do not think of ourselves as just a vendor. We think of every client relationship as a genuine partnership with shared goals and mutual investment in long-term success. When your card program performs well, we succeed together. That mindset shapes how we approach every conversation, every order, and every follow-up interaction we have with the businesses we serve.

Our team stays current on the latest developments in card technology, printing capabilities, and industry applications so we can always bring you the most relevant and effective solutions available. We are constantly learning and improving so that what we offer you today is always better than what we offered a year ago. That is a commitment we make to every client, every time.

Getting Started Is Easy

Starting a new card program or upgrading an existing one does not have to be complicated. We make the process simple, clear, and stress-free from your very first call. Our team will ask the right questions, understand your goals, and put together a recommendation that fits your needs and your budget without any pressure or confusion.

All it takes is one conversation to get the ball rolling. Call PCID today at 800.835.7919 and let our team show you how easy and rewarding it can be to launch a professional magnetic stripe card program for your business. We are ready to help you make it happen right now.

Take the Next Step with Plastic Card ID: Start Your Magnetic Stripe Card Program Today

The businesses that thrive are the ones that invest in tools that build real, lasting connections with their customers. A well-designed magnetic stripe card program is one of those tools, and we are here to make sure yours is everything it should be. From design and printing to supplies and shipping, we handle every aspect of the process so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

We have the experience, the products, and the passion to help you create a card program that drives loyalty, boosts revenue, and elevates your brand in the eyes of every customer you serve. Hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country have trusted us with their card programs, and we are ready to earn that same trust from you starting today.

Do not wait to give your customers the premium card experience they deserve. Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800.835.7919 and let us build something great together. Our team is standing by, eager to help you take your brand to the next level with high-quality magnetic stripe cards shipped directly to your door, anywhere in the nation.