Access Control Cards: Secure Entry Solutions for Your Facility

Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your Trusted Source for Access Control Cards

Every secure facility, gated community, corporate campus, or restricted area has one thing in common: the need for reliable access control cards. We have spent over 25 years helping businesses, institutions, and organizations take command of who gets in and who stays out. Our solutions are built to last, built to impress, and built to work.

What sets us apart is simple. We do not just print cards. We craft security tools that protect your people, your property, and your peace of mind. From basic proximity cards to advanced RFID smart cards with contactless technology, our lineup covers every access need imaginable. And because we ship nationally, no matter where your business operates, we are ready to serve you.

Whether you are outfitting a small office or managing access across a multi-site enterprise, our team is ready to help you find the right card solution. Reach us anytime at 800-835-7919 and let us show you what over two decades of card expertise truly looks like in action.

What Are Access Control Cards?

Access control cards are physical cards used to grant or restrict entry to buildings, rooms, systems, or equipment. They work by storing encoded data that readers recognize, allowing or denying access in a split second. These cards replace old-fashioned lock-and-key systems with a smarter, more scalable approach.

Modern access control cards come in several formats, including magnetic stripe, proximity (prox), smart chip, and RFID-enabled types. Each format offers a different level of security and functionality. We help you decide which type fits your specific environment, your budget, and your long-term goals.

Who Needs Access Control Cards?

The answer might surprise you. Access control cards are used across nearly every industry. Hospitals use them to protect patient areas. Schools use them to keep campuses safe. Hotels issue them as room keys. Corporate offices rely on them to protect sensitive data and restricted zones. Even gyms and fitness centers use them to manage member access 24 hours a day.

We have produced access control cards for over 100,000 businesses spanning dozens of industries. Our experience means we understand the unique needs of each sector. When you come to us, you get solutions informed by real-world knowledge, not guesswork.

Why Physical Cards Still Rule Access Management

In a world of apps and digital keys, the physical access card remains a gold standard. Cards are fast, reliable, and easy to replace when lost. They do not require a charged battery, a working smartphone, or an internet connection. They simply work, every single time, in rain or shine.

Physical cards also carry a sense of authority and professionalism. When an employee swipes or taps a card, there is no ambiguity. That tangible transaction builds trust in your security system and confidence in your organization. Plastic cards remain vital because they combine durability with simplicity.

Our Access Control Card Technology Lineup

We offer a diverse and robust selection of access control card technologies. Whether your facility uses older legacy readers or cutting-edge contactless systems, we have cards designed to integrate smoothly. Our goal is always to match the right card to the right reader and the right environment.

From basic swipe cards to sophisticated RFID smart cards equipped with MIFARE DESFire encryption, we cover the full spectrum of access card technology. We also offer cards that combine multiple technologies on a single card, giving you flexibility in multi-zone environments where different readers may be in use across a single campus.

Magnetic Stripe Access Cards

Magnetic stripe cards, often called mag stripe cards, are among the most widely used access control cards in the world. They store data on a magnetic strip that runs along the back of the card. A reader swipes the card and reads that data to grant or deny access. They are cost-effective, easy to encode, and compatible with a huge range of existing reader systems.

We print and encode magnetic stripe access cards in high coercivity (HiCo) and low coercivity (LoCo) formats. HiCo cards are more durable and better suited for high-traffic environments. LoCo cards are ideal for short-term use, such as hotel keycards or event passes. Whatever your need, we have the right magnetic stripe card for the job.

Proximity and RFID Access Cards

Proximity cards use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate with a reader without any physical contact. The cardholder simply holds the card near the reader, and access is granted in milliseconds. This contactless approach is faster, more hygienic, and more convenient than swipe or insert methods.

We offer proximity cards in 125 kHz (standard prox) and 13.56 MHz (high-frequency) formats. High-frequency cards, including MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire variants, offer stronger encryption and are ideal for high-security environments. These are the cards used in corporate headquarters, government facilities, and data centers where security is non-negotiable.

Smart Chip and Hybrid Access Cards

Smart chip cards contain an embedded microprocessor that can store and process complex data. Unlike magnetic stripe cards, smart chip cards are extremely difficult to duplicate, making them a top choice for environments requiring enhanced security. They can also store multiple applications on a single card, combining access control with identification, time and attendance tracking, and more.

Hybrid cards take things further by combining two or more technologies on a single card. For example, a card might include both a proximity chip and a magnetic stripe, allowing it to work with two different types of readers across one facility. This flexibility makes hybrid cards an exceptionally smart investment for growing organizations.

Card Printers: Print Your Access Cards In-House

For organizations that need to issue access cards on demand, an in-house card printer is a game-changer. We supply a full range of professional-grade card printers that let you print, encode, and issue cards right from your own office. No waiting on outside vendors, no minimum order quantities, and no delay when a new employee needs access on day one.

We carry card printers from industry-leading brands, and we also supply all the refill materials you need to keep printing going smoothly. Ribbons, cleaning kits, blank card stock, and more are all available from us and shipped nationally right to your door.

Types of Card Printers We Offer

Our printer selection covers everything from compact desktop models perfect for small offices to high-volume printers built for enterprise-level demands. Single-sided and dual-sided printing options are available, as are printers with built-in encoding for magnetic stripes, smart chips, and proximity technology. We help you find the printer that fits your workflow perfectly.

Some of the most popular printer categories we carry include direct-to-card (DTC) printers and retransfer printers. DTC printers print directly onto the card surface and are great for everyday use. Retransfer printers print onto a clear film that is then fused to the card, producing edge-to-edge, photographic-quality images that are ideal for high-end ID and access card programs.

Printer Supplies and Refill Ribbons

A printer is only as good as its supplies. We stock a comprehensive range of refill ribbons, including full-color YMCKO ribbons, monochrome black ribbons, and specialty ribbons for printing on white or clear cards. Our supplies are matched to the printers we sell, ensuring compatibility and consistent print quality every time.

We also carry cleaning kits, cleaning cards, and card stock in a variety of finishes. Matte, glossy, and frosted card surfaces are all available. Keeping your printer clean and stocked is essential for sharp, professional-looking access cards, and we make restocking simple with easy national shipping right to your facility.

When to Choose In-House Printing vs. Custom Orders

In-house printing is ideal when you need to issue cards frequently, in small batches, or on short notice. If your organization hires regularly, experiences card loss or damage often, or operates across multiple locations, having a printer on-site keeps operations moving without delays. It puts the power of card issuance directly in your hands.

Custom orders through us are perfect when you need large quantities of cards with consistent, high-quality design elements such as holographic overlaminates, embossed numbering, or specialty printing. Many organizations use both approaches: ordering custom-printed cards in bulk for base design and using in-house printers for personalization and encoding. We support both strategies with equal enthusiasm.

Security Features That Make Our Access Cards Stand Out

Not all access control cards are created equal. Security features built into the card itself provide an additional layer of protection beyond the electronic access system. We offer a wide range of optional security enhancements that make our cards significantly harder to counterfeit, duplicate, or alter in any way.

When your card carries visible security features, it also acts as a deterrent. People attempting to gain unauthorized access are less likely to try if they can see that the card contains advanced protections. Visible security is a powerful first line of defense.

Holographic Overlaminates and UV Printing

Holographic overlaminates are clear protective layers applied over a printed card that feature a shimmering, light-refracting holographic pattern. These overlaminates are extremely difficult to replicate with ordinary equipment and are a strong visual indicator of card authenticity. They also protect the card's surface from scratching and general wear, extending the card's useful life considerably.

UV printing adds hidden security elements that are invisible to the naked eye but glow brightly under ultraviolet light. Security personnel can verify a card's authenticity quickly with a small UV light device. Combined with holographic overlaminates, UV printing creates a two-layer security system that is both practical and impressive.

Sequential Numbering and Barcodes

Sequential numbering assigns a unique number to each card, making it easy to track individual cards within your access control system. If a card is lost or stolen, that specific number can be deactivated in the system immediately, preventing unauthorized use. This is a simple yet powerful tool for managing large card programs across complex organizations.

Barcodes add another layer of trackability and can be scanned by standard barcode readers as a secondary authentication method. We offer 1D barcodes (traditional linear barcodes) and 2D barcodes such as QR codes, which can store significantly more data and link to digital resources when scanned with a smartphone or dedicated reader.

Signature Panels and Photo ID Integration

For access cards that double as employee ID badges, a signature panel on the back of the card adds a personal verification element. If a card is ever questioned, the holder's signature can be compared on the spot. This is a common feature in healthcare, education, and government access card programs where identity verification is a daily necessity.

Photo ID integration turns your access card into a full identification credential. We print crisp, high-resolution photos directly onto the card surface. The result is a professional, all-in-one card that grants access and confirms identity at the same time, reducing the need for separate badge programs and streamlining security checkpoint processes significantly.

Card Type	Technology	Best Use Case	Security Level
Magnetic Stripe	HiCo / LoCo	Hotels, Events, Offices	Standard
Proximity Card	125 kHz RFID	Corporate, Schools	Medium
MIFARE DESFire	13.56 MHz RFID	Government, Data Centers	High
Smart Chip	ISO 7816 Chip	Multi-App, Enterprise	Very High
Hybrid Card	Prox Mag Stripe	Multi-Reader Environments	High

Industries We Serve with Access Control Card Solutions

Our access control card solutions reach across an incredibly wide range of industries. We have served hospitals, corporate campuses, universities, retail chains, government agencies, fitness centers, hotels, and more. Each industry has unique needs, and our deep experience means we understand those needs before you even have to explain them.

Over 100,000 businesses have trusted us with their card programs. That number represents a breathtaking diversity of industries, organization sizes, and security challenges. We bring the same commitment to quality to every single client, no matter how large or small.

Healthcare and Hospital Access Cards

Hospitals and medical facilities require strict access control to protect patients, sensitive medical records, and controlled substances. Our cards help healthcare facilities manage access to operating rooms, pharmacies, records rooms, and staff-only areas with precision and reliability. We understand that in a healthcare setting, security is not optional, it is a matter of life and safety.

We produce photo ID access cards for hospital staff, proximity cards for hands-free access in sterile environments, and smart chip cards for multi-application use across large hospital campuses. Many of our healthcare clients also appreciate the speed and convenience of our national shipping, which keeps their card programs running without interruption regardless of location.

Corporate and Office Building Access

Corporate environments depend on access control to protect intellectual property, secure IT infrastructure, and keep unauthorized visitors out of restricted areas. Our corporate access cards combine professional design with advanced technology, creating badges that are both functional security tools and polished brand statements that reflect well on your organization every day.

We produce everything from basic employee access cards to sophisticated multi-technology cards that integrate with time and attendance systems, elevator controls, and visitor management platforms. Our design team helps create cards that match your brand standards while meeting your security specifications with no compromise on either front.

Education and Campus Security

Schools, colleges, and universities face unique security challenges. They need to protect students and staff while maintaining an open, welcoming environment for learning. Access control cards help educational institutions strike that balance by securing dormitories, labs, faculty offices, and server rooms without turning a campus into a fortress.

We produce student ID cards with built-in proximity technology, faculty access cards with photo ID and signature panels, and visitor day passes with barcode tracking. Campus card programs often need frequent updates as student populations change each semester, and our fast production and national shipping keep programs current without the headaches of long lead times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Cards

We hear a lot of great questions from clients exploring access control card options for the first time. Below, we have gathered the most common questions and answered them thoroughly so you can make a confident, informed decision about your card program. If you have a question we did not cover here, please call us at 800-835-7919 anytime.

Understanding your options is the first step to making the right choice. We believe an informed client is a happy client, and our team loves walking people through the details of access card technology, printing, and program management from start to finish.

How many cards do I need to order at minimum?

We offer flexible order quantities to suit businesses of all sizes. Whether you need 25 cards for a small office or 25,000 cards for a large enterprise deployment, we can accommodate your order. There is no one-size-fits-all minimum, and we are happy to discuss your specific volume needs to find the most cost-effective solution for your organization.

Ordering in larger quantities typically reduces the per-card cost significantly, which is why many clients order a larger initial batch and then use in-house card printers to handle personalization and encoding. We can help you plan a hybrid strategy that saves money without sacrificing quality or flexibility in your daily operations.

How long does production and shipping take?

Production timelines depend on the complexity of your card design and the technology features included. Standard proximity and magnetic stripe cards can often be produced and shipped within a few business days. Cards with advanced features like RFID encoding, holographic overlaminates, or multi-technology configurations may require additional production time, which we always communicate upfront and clearly.

Because we ship nationally, clients from coast to coast receive their orders through fast, reliable carrier services. We provide tracking information so you always know where your order is. Reliability and transparency in our shipping process are things we take seriously because we know your card program has deadlines that matter to your business operations.

Can I reorder the same card design easily?

Absolutely. We store your card design and specifications on file, making reorders fast and seamless. When you need more cards, simply reach out with your reorder request and the quantity you need. Because your artwork and technical specifications are already saved, we can move your reorder into production quickly without requiring you to start the design process over again from scratch.

Many of our long-term clients place recurring reorders as their teams grow or cards are replaced over time. We make this process as effortless as possible because we know that managing a card program is just one of many responsibilities on your plate. Our goal is to be the easiest vendor you work with, bar none.

Custom Design Options for Access Control Cards

An access control card does not have to look boring or generic. In fact, a well-designed access card does double duty: it secures your facility and reinforces your brand identity every single time it is used. Our design capabilities let you create cards that are as visually impressive as they are functionally secure.

We work with your existing brand guidelines or help you develop a card design from scratch. Our design team understands color management, bleed zones, and print specifications, so your finished cards match what you approved on screen with exceptional accuracy every time they roll off the press.

Full-Color Custom Printing

We print access control cards in full color, allowing you to incorporate your logo, brand colors, employee photos, department labels, and any other visual elements your program requires. Full-color printing transforms a plain card into a professional credential that communicates authority and belonging from the moment it is handed to a cardholder for the first time.

Our printing process produces sharp, vibrant results on both sides of the card. Whether your design calls for bold graphic elements, subtle textures, or intricate patterns, our production equipment handles it with precision. We also offer matte and gloss finishes to match the look and feel your brand demands.

Specialty Card Materials and Formats

Beyond standard white PVC cards, we offer specialty materials that can make your access cards truly unforgettable. Clear plastic cards, for example, create a sleek, modern appearance that many corporate clients love. Frosted cards offer a softer, more premium look that pairs beautifully with minimalist branding and sophisticated design aesthetics.

For organizations that want the ultimate in prestige and durability, we also offer metal card options crafted from materials such as stainless steel or gold-toned metals. Metal access cards are extraordinarily durable, incredibly distinctive, and make a powerful statement about the value your organization places on quality. Custom shapes are also available for clients who want truly one-of-a-kind credentials.

• Standard CR80 PVC cards (most common size, fits all wallets)
• Clear or frosted transparent plastic cards
• Matte finish cards for a premium, glare-free look
• Metal cards in stainless steel, gold-tone, or brushed finishes
• Custom die-cut shapes for unique card programs
• Dual-sided full-color printing with optional UV coating

Card Accessories: Carriers, Sleeves, and Lanyards

A great card program includes more than just the cards themselves. We offer a full range of card accessories including custom-printed card carriers, protective sleeves, lanyards, badge reels, and cardholders. These accessories reinforce your brand every time a card is displayed, stored, or carried, extending your brand's visibility far beyond the card itself.

Custom card carriers are particularly popular for welcome kits and new employee onboarding packages. A beautifully designed card tucked into a matching branded carrier makes a memorable first impression on new team members and clients alike. We handle everything from card design to carrier production and can even manage the affixing and mailing process for you, creating a truly seamless card fulfillment experience from start to finish.

Why Businesses Choose Us Over Other Card Suppliers

There are many card suppliers out there. So why do over 100,000 businesses come to us and keep coming back year after year? The answer is a combination of product quality, technological expertise, customer service, and the kind of long-term partnership mindset that is increasingly rare in today's fast-moving marketplace.

We have shipped more than 50 million cards over our 25-plus years in business. That number represents decades of refining our processes, learning from our clients, and pushing our capabilities forward. That depth of experience is something you simply cannot fake, and it shows in every card we produce.

Nationwide Shipping, No Matter Where You Are

One of our most valued advantages is our ability to ship nationally to any address across the country. It does not matter if your headquarters is in a major metropolitan area or a rural community. Our production facility ships reliably to all 50 states, and our logistics partnerships ensure your cards arrive on time and in perfect condition, ready to issue immediately upon arrival.

National shipping also means we serve clients with multiple locations. If you manage access card programs for offices in several different states, we can coordinate shipments to each location simultaneously, or ship to a central hub for internal distribution. We adapt to your logistics structure without requiring you to adapt to ours.

Competitive Pricing Across All Product Categories

We believe that world-class access control cards should be accessible to organizations of every size and budget. Our pricing is structured to reward volume purchases while still offering fair, competitive pricing for smaller orders. Typical access card programs range from $75-$200 or more depending on card type, quantity, and features selected, and we always provide detailed quotes upfront with no hidden fees or surprise charges at billing time.

When you compare the cost of a professionally managed access card program to the potential cost of a security breach, the value equation becomes crystal clear. Investing in quality access control cards is one of the most cost-effective security decisions any organization can make, and our competitive pricing makes that decision even easier to justify to budget committees and decision-makers at every level.

Dedicated Support From Real Experts

When you have a question or need guidance, you will speak with a real person who knows access control cards inside and out. Our team has deep product knowledge and a genuine desire to help you find the best solution for your specific situation. We do not route you through endless automated menus or leave you waiting days for an email response when your program is on a deadline.

Our client relationships extend far beyond the initial order. Many of our clients have worked with us for years, returning for reorders, adding new card types as their organizations grow, and consulting us on technology upgrades as the access control landscape evolves. That kind of ongoing relationship is something we cultivate with every client from the very first conversation onward.

Call us now at 800-835-7919 and speak with one of our card experts today. Your next access control solution is just a phone call away.

Case Study: How a Mid-Size Corporate Campus Transformed Security with Our Cards

One of our most instructive client success stories comes from a mid-size technology company operating across three buildings on a single campus. They had been using a basic key fob system that was difficult to manage, expensive to replace, and offered no real branding opportunity. They came to us looking for a smarter solution that could grow with their organization.

After consulting with their facilities and IT teams, we designed a comprehensive hybrid card program using cards with both 13.56 MHz RFID proximity technology and magnetic stripe encoding. This allowed their cards to work with both their existing legacy readers and the new high-security readers they planned to install at sensitive areas including the server room and executive floor.

The Card Design and Features Selected

The company chose full-color dual-sided printing with their brand logo prominently displayed on the front, along with the employee's photo, name, and department. The back of the card featured a magnetic stripe for secondary reader compatibility, a signature panel, and a barcode for integration with their visitor management platform. A holographic overlaminate was added to the front for additional security and to give the cards a polished, professional finish.

They also ordered matching custom-printed card carriers for new employee welcome kits, which made onboarding feel more intentional and brand-consistent from day one. The combination of a beautiful card and a matching carrier elevated the entire new hire experience in a way that their previous key fob system never could have achieved regardless of budget or effort.

Results After Six Months

Six months after launching the new card program, the company reported a significant reduction in unauthorized access attempts, a faster average access time at entry points (cards are quicker to process than fobs at their specific readers), and overwhelmingly positive feedback from employees who felt the new cards gave them a stronger sense of professional identity within the organization.

The IT department also praised the ease of deactivating lost cards in their access management system compared to reprogramming fobs. Overall, the company described the switch as one of the most seamless technology upgrades they had undertaken in recent memory, and they have since expanded the program to include temporary visitor cards and contractor credentials using the same design language and card platform we established together from the beginning.

• Reduced unauthorized access incidents by a measurable margin in the first quarter
• Faster entry processing at all three building entrances during peak hours
• Improved employee satisfaction scores related to onboarding and workplace identity
• Simplified card deactivation for lost or terminated employee credentials
• Expanded the program to include visitor and contractor card tiers

What This Means for Your Organization

This case study illustrates something we have seen repeated across dozens of industries and hundreds of clients: the right access control card program does more than just open doors. It strengthens security, reinforces your brand, improves the employee experience, and simplifies the work of your facilities and IT teams simultaneously. These are compounding benefits that grow more valuable over time as your organization scales upward.

If you are still relying on an outdated or underperforming access system, now is an excellent time to explore what a modern card-based program could do for your organization. We are ready to walk you through the options, build a custom proposal, and get your program launched faster than you might expect. The process is simpler than most clients anticipate, and the results consistently exceed expectations in every meaningful way.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Access Control Card Program Today

Upgrading an access control card program might feel like a significant undertaking, but the benefits arrive quickly and continue compounding long after the initial rollout is complete. Organizations that make the switch from outdated systems consistently report improvements in security, efficiency, and employee satisfaction within the first few months of launching their new card programs.

We make the upgrade process as smooth as possible. From initial consultation and design through production, shipping, and ongoing support, we handle every step with precision and care. You focus on running your organization. We focus on making sure your cards work perfectly.

Top Reasons to Upgrade Your Access Card System

Many organizations continue using outdated access systems simply because the process of upgrading seems daunting. But the reality is that staying with an ineffective system carries its own costs: security vulnerabilities, operational inefficiencies, and a poor experience for employees and visitors alike. Upgrading addresses all of these pain points at once with a single, well-executed card program.

1. Stronger security with encrypted RFID and smart chip technology that is extremely difficult to duplicate or clone by unauthorized parties
2. Faster access processing that reduces bottlenecks at building entrances during peak hours and high-traffic events
3. Instant card deactivation in your management system when a card is lost, stolen, or an employee departs
4. Brand-reinforcing design that makes every card an extension of your professional identity
5. Scalability to add new employees, locations, and access tiers without overhauling the entire system from scratch
6. Integration with time and attendance, visitor management, and other enterprise software platforms

The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing

Every day an organization operates with an inadequate access control system is a day it accepts unnecessary risk. A single security incident, whether a data breach, a theft, or an unauthorized access event, can cost an organization far more in recovery costs, reputational damage, and lost productivity than a comprehensive card program would have cost to implement in the first place. Prevention is always more affordable than response.

Beyond security costs, outdated systems also create hidden operational inefficiencies. Staff time spent managing lost fobs, resetting PIN codes, or dealing with reader malfunctions adds up quickly. A modern card program streamlines these processes dramatically, freeing your team to focus on higher-value activities that move your organization forward instead of managing preventable daily frustrations.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Plastic Card ID Today

Plastic Card ID is ready to help you build the access control card program your organization deserves. Whether you are starting from scratch or upgrading an existing system, our team of card experts will guide you through every decision with clarity, patience, and deep product knowledge built over more than 25 years of serving businesses just like yours nationwide.

We ship everywhere in the country, carry a full inventory of card printers and refill supplies, and offer a product lineup that covers every access control card technology on the market today. From your first question to your first card delivery, we are with you every step of the way, committed to making your card program a success that you will be proud of for years to come.

The next step is simple. Pick up the phone and call PCID at 800-835-7919. Our team is standing by and ready to answer your questions, build your quote, and get your order into production quickly. Do not wait another day to upgrade your access control card program. Great security, beautiful design, and expert support are just one phone call away.

Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 and take the first step toward a smarter, stronger, and more professional access control card program for your organization. We look forward to earning your trust and delivering results that exceed every expectation you bring to us on that very first call.