Magnetic Stripe Cards: Custom Printed with Reliable Stripe Encoding

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

There is something powerful about handing someone a card. It is solid, professional, and it stays in their wallet long after a digital message disappears from a screen. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years helping businesses of every size create that lasting impression. We ship plastic cards, card printers, and refill supplies to customers across the entire country.

Our specialty in magnetic stripe cards is one of the many reasons businesses keep coming back to us. These cards store real data on a reliable magnetic strip, making them perfect for loyalty programs, access control, hotel key systems, and so much more. We know this product category inside and out, and we bring that deep expertise to every single order we fulfill.

Whether you are just getting started or you are ready to upgrade your existing card program, we are here to guide you. Our team is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help you find exactly what you need. Reach us anytime at 800-835-7919 and let us show you what we can do for your brand.

What Makes Magnetic Stripe Cards So Effective?

Magnetic stripe cards have been a cornerstone of business operations for decades, and for very good reason. They work reliably with card readers, point-of-sale terminals, and access systems worldwide. When a customer swipes a card, they are engaging with your brand in a physical, tactile way that builds trust over time.

The data stored on a magnetic stripe can include account numbers, loyalty points, membership IDs, and access codes. This versatility makes them useful across nearly every industry imaginable. From retail stores to health clubs to hotel chains, magnetic stripe cards deliver consistent, dependable performance every single day.

Industries That Rely on Magnetic Stripe Cards

We work with an enormous range of industries, and magnetic stripe cards show up in more places than most people realize. Hotels use them as room key cards. Gyms use them to track member check-ins. Retailers build entire loyalty programs around them. Casinos use them to reward their best players and manage access to exclusive areas.

Schools and universities issue magnetic stripe student ID cards that work with cafeteria systems and library terminals. Even small businesses find powerful uses for these cards, like creating a simple punch-replacement loyalty card or a branded gift card that customers will carry with pride.

How We Support Your Card Program From Start to Finish

We do not just print cards and ship them out the door. We act as a true partner in your card program. We help you choose the right card specifications, the right magnetic stripe encoding type, and the right design approach to make your card stand out in any wallet.

From first-time buyers who need a small run of cards to large companies placing ongoing national orders, we handle it all. Our nationwide shipping means your order arrives quickly and reliably, no matter where your business is located. Call us at 800-835-7919 to get your program started today.

Why Magnetic Stripe Cards Are Still the Smart Choice

In a world full of apps and digital passes, magnetic stripe cards remain one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions for businesses that need reliable data storage and easy card reader compatibility. They work with systems that businesses already have in place, which means no expensive upgrades or new equipment investments are required right away.

We have seen businesses boost their customer retention significantly simply by introducing a well-designed magnetic stripe loyalty card. When a customer carries your card, your brand is always with them. That kind of ongoing visibility is something that a text message or email simply cannot replicate over the long term.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Businesses that switch from paper punch cards or digital-only programs to physical plastic loyalty cards often report sales increases ranging from 35 to 50 percent. That is a remarkable return for a relatively small investment in a quality card program.

Magnetic Stripe Tracks: Understanding Your Options

Magnetic stripes come in different track configurations, and understanding which one you need is important for compatibility with your card reading equipment. The three main track types serve different purposes and store different types of data in different formats.

• Track 1 - Stores alphanumeric data including names and account numbers, up to 79 characters
• Track 2 - Numeric data only, most commonly used for financial and loyalty applications, up to 40 characters
• Track 3 - Rewritable track used for specific applications like stored value cards

We help you identify which track configuration is right for your specific application. Our team understands the technical details so you do not have to become an expert overnight. Just tell us what your card readers require, and we will make sure your cards are encoded correctly from the very first batch.

Comparing Magnetic Stripe Cards to Other Card Technologies

There are several card technologies available today, and each one has its place. Magnetic stripe cards shine when simplicity, affordability, and broad compatibility are the top priorities. They are easy to produce, easy to reorder, and easy to use with existing infrastructure that most businesses already own.

Smart cards and RFID cards offer higher data capacity and contactless convenience, but they also come with higher costs. For many businesses, a magnetic stripe card delivers everything they need at a price point that makes scaling their program straightforward and financially sensible.

Long-Term Value of a Magnetic Stripe Card Program

A well-run magnetic stripe card program does not just serve customers once. It creates a recurring relationship between your brand and the people who carry your card. Every time they pull it out of their wallet, your logo, your colors, and your message are right there in front of them.

We have helped more than 100,000 businesses build card programs that stand the test of time. Our expertise means we can help you avoid common mistakes and design a program that grows with your business. The investment you make today in a strong magnetic stripe card program pays dividends for years to come.

Our Full Range of Plastic Card Types and Solutions

While magnetic stripe cards are a major focus, we offer a broad and impressive lineup of card types to meet every business need imaginable. Our catalog has been built over 25 years of listening to what businesses actually need, and the result is one of the most comprehensive card product offerings you will find anywhere in the country.

We have shipped more than 50 million cards to businesses across virtually every industry. That experience means we understand what works, what lasts, and what impresses. When you order from us, you benefit from all of that accumulated knowledge and expertise.

Plastic Card Types We Offer

• Magnetic stripe cards for loyalty, hotel keys, and access control
• Gift cards with custom designs and optional activation encoding
• Membership cards for clubs, gyms, and associations
• ID and employee badge cards
• Student and alumni cards
• Casino player cards and rewards cards
• RFID and smart card options for contactless applications
• Clear plastic cards for a sleek, modern look
• Custom shape cards for unique brand presentations
• Luxury metal cards in stainless steel or gold finishes

Custom Design Options That Make Your Card Stand Out

Your card is often the first physical branded item a customer places in their wallet. That makes the design of your card incredibly important. We offer full custom printing with vibrant colors, sharp images, and professional finishes that reflect the quality of your brand.

We can incorporate spot UV coating, embossed numbers, signature panels, and a wide variety of other design features that make your card look and feel premium. A beautiful, well-made card communicates that your business takes quality seriously, and that message resonates with customers at every level.

Card Accessories That Complete Your Program

A great card program is more than just the card itself. We also supply the accessories that make distribution, storage, and presentation seamless. Custom card carriers, protective sleeves, and card mailers help you deliver your cards to customers in a polished and professional way.

We can even handle card affixing and mailing services on your behalf, turning your card program into a fully managed solution that saves you time and effort. This full-service approach is one of the many reasons businesses choose to build long-term relationships with us.

Card Printers and Refill Supplies Shipped Nationwide

We are not just a card company. We are also a full-service supplier of professional card printers and all the refill supplies needed to keep your card printing operation running smoothly. Whether you want to print cards in-house or need supplies for your existing equipment, we have you covered from coast to coast.

Printing cards in-house gives businesses flexibility and speed, especially for applications like employee ID badges or membership cards that need to be personalized on demand. We supply the printers and all the consumables required to do that printing professionally and efficiently.

Card Printer Brands and Models We Support

• Zebra card printers - known for durability and reliability in high-volume environments
• Fargo card printers - popular for ID badge printing and color quality
• Matica card printers - excellent for enterprise-level card issuance
• Evolis card printers - sleek design and user-friendly operation
• Entrust card printers - trusted for government and financial-grade card production

Our team can help you select the right printer model based on your volume, card type, and specific requirements. Call us at 800-835-7919 and we will walk you through the best options for your budget and goals.

Ribbons, Overlaminates, and Cleaning Kits

A card printer is only as good as the supplies you put into it. We carry a full selection of printer ribbons in YMCKO, monochrome, and specialty formulations. The right ribbon choice affects print quality, durability, and cost per card, and our team knows exactly which ribbon works best for each application.

Overlaminates add a protective layer to printed cards that dramatically extends their lifespan. Cleaning kits keep your printer running at peak performance and help you avoid costly maintenance issues down the road. We make it easy to reorder all your supplies in one convenient place.

Blank Card Stock for In-House Printing

We carry high-quality blank plastic card stock in standard CR80 size and a variety of thicknesses. Whether you need plain white cards, pre-colored cards, or cards with a magnetic stripe already embedded and ready for in-house encoding, we have the inventory to meet your needs quickly.

Ordering blank card stock in bulk is a smart strategy for businesses with ongoing card printing needs. It keeps your per-unit cost low while ensuring you always have materials on hand when you need them. We ship nationwide, so restocking is always fast and simple.

Loyalty Programs Powered by Magnetic Stripe Cards

A loyalty program built around a physical magnetic stripe card creates a connection that digital alternatives simply cannot match. When a customer carries your loyalty card, your brand travels with them everywhere they go. That constant presence builds familiarity, trust, and repeat business over time.

We have helped businesses across the retail, restaurant, hospitality, and service industries design and launch loyalty card programs that actually work. The data is clear - businesses that implement well-designed physical loyalty programs see measurable increases in customer visit frequency and average transaction value.

Designing a Loyalty Card Program That Works

The most successful loyalty card programs combine a great-looking card with a simple, rewarding program structure. Customers should be able to understand how the program works immediately, and every swipe should feel like a step toward a meaningful reward. We help you think through all of these elements before a single card is printed.

We can encode your magnetic stripe cards with unique account numbers during production, making each card individually identifiable in your loyalty database. This encoding process is precise and accurate, ensuring your system works correctly from the very first card you hand to a customer.

Gift Cards as a Loyalty and Revenue Tool

Gift cards are one of the most powerful marketing tools available to any business. Retailers who switch from paper gift certificates to professional plastic gift cards routinely see sales increases of up to 100 percent. A plastic gift card looks more valuable, lasts longer, and reinforces your brand with every use.

We produce custom gift cards with magnetic stripe encoding that works with most popular point-of-sale systems. The card becomes both a currency and a marketing piece, carrying your brand into new households when purchased as a gift for a friend or family member.

Membership Cards That Build Community

Membership cards serve a purpose beyond just granting access. They signal belonging. When someone carries your membership card, they feel like part of something exclusive and worthwhile. That emotional connection is valuable, and a well-designed magnetic stripe membership card helps create it immediately.

We produce membership cards for gyms, professional associations, alumni organizations, unions, clubs, and more. Each card is custom-printed with your branding and encoded with the specific data your membership management system requires. We make the entire process simple and stress-free.

Hotel Key Cards and Hospitality Solutions

The hospitality industry has relied on magnetic stripe hotel key cards for many years, and with good reason. They are reliable, affordable, and compatible with the door lock systems found in hotels around the world. Our hotel key cards are produced to the exact specifications required by the most common hospitality lock systems on the market today.

We work with hotels of all sizes, from boutique properties to large national chains. Whether you need a few hundred cards for a small inn or a standing order of thousands of cards per month for a full-service resort, we have the production capacity and shipping capability to serve you reliably and consistently.

Key Card Specifications and Customization

Hotel key cards produced with a high-coercivity magnetic stripe offer excellent compatibility with most electronic lock systems. We produce these cards in standard CR80 size and encode them to the specifications required by your specific lock system vendor, ensuring seamless operation right out of the box.

Custom printing on hotel key cards gives you a powerful branding opportunity. Every guest who checks in receives a card that carries your hotel's logo, imagery, and messaging. That branded touchpoint reinforces your identity throughout their entire stay and often travels home with them as a subtle reminder of their experience.

Bulk Ordering and Ongoing Replenishment Programs

Hotels go through key cards constantly. Cards get demagnetized, guests take them home, and cards simply wear out over time with daily use. We make it easy to set up a recurring order schedule that keeps your supply stocked at all times without requiring you to place new orders manually every few weeks.

Our nationwide shipping network means your key card orders arrive quickly and predictably. We work with your timeline to make sure you never face a shortage, even during your busiest seasons. Reliable supply is just one more reason why hospitality businesses trust us with their key card programs year after year.

Access Control and Security Cards

Controlling who enters your building, your parking area, or your secure zones is a critical responsibility for any organization. Magnetic stripe access control cards provide a simple, cost-effective solution for managing entry with accuracy and accountability. We produce access control cards that integrate with a wide range of access management systems used by businesses today.

From small office buildings to large corporate campuses, physical access control cards remain one of the most trusted security tools in use. They can be deactivated instantly when an employee leaves, reissued quickly when a card is lost, and tracked in your system to create an accurate log of building access events.

Employee ID Badges with Magnetic Stripe Functionality

An employee ID badge does two important things at once. It identifies the person carrying it and it carries the data needed to control their access to specific areas of your facility. Combining a professional photo ID with a magnetic stripe creates a dual-purpose card that is both a security tool and a professional credential.

We produce employee ID cards with full-color printing, photo ID capability, and magnetic stripe encoding. We can supply the blank card stock and ribbons for in-house printing with one of our ID card printers, or we can produce finished, ready-to-use cards for you and ship them directly to your location.

Casino Player Cards and VIP Access Cards

The casino and gaming industry has a unique relationship with magnetic stripe cards. Player cards track gaming activity, reward loyal players, and grant access to exclusive amenities. These cards are an essential part of how casinos build customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits from their best customers.

We produce casino player cards and VIP access cards with the encoding specifications required by the gaming management systems used by casinos and gaming facilities across the country. Our cards are durable, professionally printed, and ready to perform reliably in the high-demand casino environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Magnetic Stripe Cards

We hear a lot of great questions from businesses that are considering a magnetic stripe card program for the first time or looking to improve an existing one. We have gathered some of the most common questions here to help you make confident, informed decisions before you place your first order with us.

If you have a question that is not covered below, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to provide clear, honest answers without any sales pressure. We want you to feel completely confident in every decision you make about your card program.

What Is the Difference Between High-Coercivity and Low-Coercivity Stripes?

High-coercivity (HiCo) magnetic stripes are harder to erase and are best for long-lasting applications like loyalty cards, membership cards, and employee badges. Low-coercivity (LoCo) stripes are more easily rewritten and are commonly used for hotel key cards that need to be reprogrammed frequently for new guests.

Choosing the right coercivity level depends entirely on your specific application. If your cards are going to be used and swiped many times over a long period, HiCo is almost always the better choice. If your application involves frequent reprogramming of the card data, LoCo may be more appropriate. We help you make the right call every time.

How Many Cards Should I Order at One Time?

Ordering in larger quantities almost always reduces your cost per card significantly. We offer tiered pricing that rewards larger orders, and many businesses find that ordering a full year's supply at once delivers the best overall value. We can work with you to forecast your card usage and recommend an order quantity that makes financial sense.

For first-time orders, some businesses prefer to start with a smaller quantity to test their card program before committing to a large inventory. We support orders of various sizes and will always help you think through the best approach for your specific situation and budget.

Can I Reorder the Same Card Design Easily?

Absolutely. We keep your card design on file so that reordering is fast and simple. Once your card design is approved, future orders go straight into production without requiring you to go through the design process again. This makes ongoing replenishment straightforward and efficient for busy businesses.

Many of our customers set up regular reorder schedules that keep their card supply at a consistent level throughout the year. We make it easy to manage your card inventory without the stress of running low at an inconvenient time. Just call us or reach out when you are ready to reorder, and we will take care of the rest.

Case Studies: Real Businesses, Real Results

Nothing tells the story of our impact better than the experiences of real businesses that have used our magnetic stripe card programs to achieve meaningful results. We have gathered a few representative examples here to illustrate what is possible when a quality card program is thoughtfully designed and professionally executed.

These examples reflect the kinds of outcomes we see regularly across the industries we serve. The specific numbers may vary, but the core pattern is consistent - businesses that invest in a well-designed physical card program see real, measurable improvement in customer loyalty, visit frequency, and overall revenue.

Retail Loyalty Card Success Story

A mid-sized retail boutique came to us after years of running a paper punch card loyalty program. Customer participation was low, cards were easily lost or damaged, and the business had no data on customer purchasing behavior. We helped them transition to a magnetic stripe loyalty card program with account tracking built in from the start.

Within six months of launching the new card program, the boutique reported a 40 percent increase in repeat customer visits. Average transaction values among loyalty cardholders were measurably higher than non-cardholders. The physical card gave customers a tangible reason to return, and the magnetic stripe tracking gave the business the data it needed to make smarter marketing decisions.

Hotel Key Card Efficiency Improvement

A regional hotel group with multiple properties was struggling with inconsistent key card quality from their previous supplier. Cards were demagnetizing too quickly, leading to frustrated guests and extra work for front desk staff. They reached out to us, and we supplied HiCo magnetic stripe hotel key cards with superior durability specifications.

The improvement was immediately noticeable. Guest complaints about non-functioning key cards dropped significantly, and front desk staff spent far less time reissuing cards during each shift. The hotel group now relies on us for ongoing key card supply across all of their properties, and they consistently receive high satisfaction scores from guests on their room access experience.

Membership Organization Growth Through Card Programs

A professional trade association was looking for a way to increase the perceived value of membership and improve attendance at member-exclusive events. We designed a custom magnetic stripe membership card for them with a premium look and feel that reflected the professional nature of the organization and encoded it for use with their event check-in system.

Member feedback on the new cards was overwhelmingly positive. The cards communicated seriousness and professionalism in a way that a digital membership confirmation simply could not. Event attendance improved, and the association reported that new member acquisition increased noticeably after photos of the premium membership card began appearing in their marketing materials.

Ordering Is Simple and Shipping Is Nationwide

We have worked hard to make the ordering process as easy as possible for businesses of every size. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur setting up your first card program or a purchasing manager at a large national company, our process is designed to be clear, quick, and stress-free from the very first conversation.

We ship to every corner of the country. No matter where your business is located, we can get your cards, printers, and supplies to you in a timely fashion. Our shipping partners are reliable, and we track every order to make sure it arrives when expected.

Order Type	Typical Turnaround	Shipping
Standard Card Orders	5-7 Business Days	Nationwide
Card Printer Orders	3-5 Business Days	Nationwide
Refill Supplies	2-4 Business Days	Nationwide
Rush Orders	Call for Availability	Nationwide

How to Place Your First Order

Placing your first order with us starts with a simple phone call or inquiry. We will ask a few questions about your business, your goals, and the type of card program you are interested in. From there, we guide you through the card specifications, design options, and quantity decisions that make the most sense for your situation.

Once we have all the details confirmed, we send you a proof of your card design for approval before production begins. This ensures your finished cards look exactly the way you want them to. We do not go to press until you are completely satisfied with the design, and our team is available throughout the process to answer any questions that come up.

Reorders and Ongoing Supply Management

Our best customers are the ones who order from us again and again, year after year. We make reordering effortless by keeping your design files, encoding specifications, and order history on file. When it is time to reorder, you simply reach out and tell us the quantity you need, and we take it from there.

We also offer ongoing supply programs for businesses with predictable card usage patterns. These programs ensure you always have inventory when you need it, often at preferred pricing levels that reward your ongoing commitment to working with us. It is one of the many ways we invest in the long-term success of our clients.

Contacting Our Team for Questions or Custom Requests

We genuinely enjoy talking to businesses about their card programs. Whether you have a simple question about pricing or a complex custom request that requires a detailed conversation, our team is ready to help. No question is too small, and no project is too challenging for us to explore with you.

The fastest way to reach us is by phone at 800-835-7919. We answer promptly and take the time to understand your needs before making any recommendations. That commitment to listening first is one of the reasons so many of our clients stay with us for years and refer their colleagues and partners to us as well.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Plastic Card ID Today

Your business deserves a card program that works as hard as you do. Whether you need magnetic stripe loyalty cards, hotel key cards, employee ID badges, membership cards, or any other type of plastic card, Plastic Card ID has the expertise, the products, and the nationwide shipping capability to deliver exactly what you need.

We have been doing this for over 25 years, and we have helped more than 100,000 businesses build card programs that create real results. Our team combines deep product knowledge with a genuine commitment to your success. When you work with us, you are not just buying cards. You are partnering with a team that cares about your program performing at its very best.

We also supply card printers and all the refill supplies you need to keep your in-house printing operation running smoothly. From ribbons and overlaminates to blank card stock and cleaning kits, we are your single source for everything related to plastic cards and card printing. Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 and let us show you how easy it is to get your card program up and running.

Call PCID today at 800-835-7919 - our friendly team is standing by, ready to help you build a card program that delivers real, lasting results for your business. Do not wait - every day without a great card program is a missed opportunity to build loyalty and drive growth.