Access Control Cards: Secure Entry Solutions for Your Facility

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

Every secure facility, every protected doorway, every verified identity starts with one simple but powerful tool - an access control card. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years perfecting the art and science of producing these essential cards, and we ship them directly to businesses nationwide, fast and reliably.

We understand that keeping your people, property, and assets safe is not something you can leave to chance. That is why our access control cards are built with precision, durability, and advanced technology baked right in. Whether you manage a small office or a sprawling corporate campus, we have exactly what you need.

Reaching us is easy. Our team is always ready to help with new orders, product questions, or custom specifications. Just call us at 800-835-7919 and let us get to work for you.

What Are Access Control Cards?

Access control cards are specially programmed plastic cards that allow or restrict entry into secured areas. They work with electronic readers, scanners, and door lock systems to verify a person's identity before granting access. These cards are a cornerstone of modern security infrastructure used across virtually every industry.

Unlike a traditional key, an access control card can be instantly deactivated if it is lost or stolen. This means you never have to rekey a lock or worry about unauthorized copies. The level of control you gain over who goes where - and when - is truly remarkable and worth every penny.

Why Physical Cards Beat Digital-Only Systems

Some businesses try to rely solely on smartphone apps or PIN codes for access control. But physical cards remain the gold standard because they are fast, reliable, and do not depend on a charged battery or cell signal. In high-traffic environments, a quick card swipe keeps people moving without delays or frustrations.

Physical access control cards also create a visible, professional image for your organization. When employees wear or carry a card bearing your company's branding, it reinforces a culture of security awareness. It is a small but powerful statement that your organization takes protection seriously.

Industries That Rely on Access Control Cards Every Day

Access control cards are used across a stunning range of industries, proving just how versatile and essential they truly are. From healthcare facilities protecting patient records to manufacturing plants securing hazardous areas, these cards are everywhere you look. We proudly serve clients in all of these sectors and more.

Here is a snapshot of industries we work with regularly:

• Hospitals and healthcare clinics
• Corporate offices and business campuses
• Hotels and hospitality venues
• Universities and school campuses
• Government and municipal buildings
• Casinos and entertainment facilities
• Manufacturing and industrial plants

Our Impressive Range of Access Control Card Technologies

Not all access control cards are created equal, and that is precisely why we offer such a wide selection. Our product lineup covers everything from basic magnetic stripe cards to advanced RFID smart cards loaded with contactless technology. We match the right card type to your specific security requirements every time.

Technology in this space moves fast, and we stay ahead of the curve so you do not have to. Our team keeps up with the latest developments in card technology so we can recommend the best solution for your budget and security goals. We take pride in making sure every client gets exactly what their situation demands.

Magnetic Stripe Access Cards

Magnetic stripe cards are one of the most widely used and budget-friendly access control options available. They store data on a magnetic band on the back of the card, which is read by a swipe reader. These cards are reliable, easy to program, and compatible with a huge variety of existing reader systems already in use at many facilities.

We produce magnetic stripe cards in high-coercivity (HiCo) and low-coercivity (LoCo) formats, depending on the level of data protection you need. HiCo cards are harder to accidentally erase, making them ideal for high-use environments. They are a practical, cost-effective backbone for any access control setup.

Proximity and RFID Smart Cards

Proximity cards and RFID smart cards represent the modern evolution of access control technology. These cards communicate wirelessly with readers using radio frequency signals, so there is no need to swipe or insert anything. A simple wave of the card near a reader is all it takes - fast, clean, and impressively convenient.

We offer cards built on industry-leading platforms including MIFARE DESFire, one of the most secure contactless card standards available today. These cards support encrypted data transfer, making them extraordinarily difficult to clone or hack. For organizations where security is a top priority, these cards deliver the highest level of protection available.

Dual-Interface and Multi-Technology Cards

Sometimes you need a card that does it all. Our dual-interface and multi-technology cards combine two or more card technologies into a single, sleek card body. This means one card can serve as both a contactless RFID credential and a traditional magnetic stripe card, giving you maximum flexibility across different reader types.

These hybrid cards are ideal for organizations that are upgrading their systems gradually, or that use multiple reader technologies across different locations. Rather than issuing separate cards for different purposes, your employees carry just one card that works everywhere. It is a smart, unified approach to access management.

Custom-Printed Access Control Cards That Represent Your Brand

A card that controls access does not have to look plain or generic. We custom print every card with your logo, colors, employee photos, and any other design elements that reflect your brand identity. Your security credentials can look just as polished and professional as any other piece of your corporate identity.

We have produced over 50 million cards for more than 100,000 businesses, and we bring that enormous depth of experience to every single print run. Our print quality is sharp, vivid, and built to last through years of daily use. When your employees carry our cards, they carry something they can feel proud of.

Full-Color Custom Printing

Our full-color printing capabilities let you put your complete brand identity right on the card. We use dye-sublimation printing technology to produce rich, vibrant colors that do not fade or chip over time. Every detail of your logo and design comes through with crisp clarity that makes a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

You can include employee headshots, department codes, barcodes, QR codes, and more - all printed directly onto the card surface. We work with your design files or our in-house design team can help you create something truly eye-catching. The final product will look like it came straight from a top-tier print studio, because it did.

Security Printing Features

Beyond standard printing, we offer a range of built-in security features that make your access control cards harder to counterfeit. These include UV-reactive inks that are only visible under ultraviolet light, holographic overlaminates, and micro-text printing that is invisible to the naked eye. Adding these layers makes any unauthorized duplication attempts obvious immediately.

Security printing features are especially important for government buildings, healthcare facilities, and any organization that deals with sensitive data or restricted areas. We take the protection of your people and information seriously, and our security printing options give you peace of mind that your credentials are as secure as possible.

Card Carriers, Sleeves, and Accessories

A complete access control card solution includes more than just the card itself. We also produce custom card carriers, protective sleeves, lanyards, badge holders, and card reels that keep your credentials organized and easily accessible. These accessories complete the professional look of your access control program from top to bottom.

Our card carriers can be printed with additional messaging, instructions, or promotional content on the outside. This turns a simple card delivery package into another touchpoint for your brand. Every detail of the experience your employees or guests have with your cards is an opportunity to reinforce your organization's identity and standards.

Card Printers We Offer for On-Site Printing Needs

Sometimes you need the ability to print cards right in your own office or facility. We supply industry-leading card printers that make on-site ID and access card production fast and straightforward. Our printers are matched to your volume needs, from small single-card print jobs to high-volume batch production runs.

Whether you are a small HR department printing a handful of new employee badges each week, or a large organization producing thousands of access cards per month, we have a printer model that fits perfectly. Call us at 800-835-7919 to discuss your volume and we will recommend the right printer for the job.

Entry-Level Card Printers

Our entry-level card printers are designed for organizations that need reliable, quality printing without a large upfront investment. These printers are compact, easy to set up, and simple enough that almost anyone can learn to operate them within minutes. They produce clean, professional results that look great on any access control card.

Entry-level models typically print single-sided cards at a speed of 100-200 cards per hour, which is more than enough for most small to mid-size operations. They are priced in the range of $400-$900, making them accessible even for tight budgets. We provide full setup support and documentation with every printer we ship.

Mid-Range and High-Volume Printers

For organizations with higher card printing demands, our mid-range and high-volume printers deliver speed, durability, and advanced features that take production to the next level. These models support dual-sided printing, lamination overlays, and faster print speeds that can exceed 500 cards per hour in some configurations. They are workhorses built for sustained, demanding use.

High-volume printers are available in the $1,200-$4,500 range depending on features and throughput capacity. Many come with automatic card feeders and output hoppers that let you walk away while a large batch prints itself. These are the machines that busy security offices, universities, and corporate campuses depend on every single day.

Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies

A printer is only as good as the supplies running through it, and we stock a full inventory of ribbons, cleaning kits, overlaminates, and blank card stock for every printer model we carry. We make it easy to restock everything you need in one simple order so your production never slows down unexpectedly. Our supply quality is matched precisely to the printers we sell.

• Full-color YMCKO ribbons for vibrant card printing
• Monochrome ribbons for single-color or black-and-white printing
• Holographic overlaminates for added security
• Cleaning roller kits to maintain print head quality
• Blank PVC card stock in standard CR80 size
• Specialty blank cards with pre-printed security patterns

Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Cards

Our customers ask great questions, and we love answering them. Below are some of the most common things people want to know before placing their first order with us. If you do not see your question here, our friendly team is just a phone call away and always happy to help you find the answers you need.

Understanding your options is the first step toward making a smart purchasing decision. We believe an informed customer is a happy customer, and we are committed to being as transparent and helpful as possible throughout the entire buying process. That is the standard we hold ourselves to every day.

How Long Does Production and Shipping Take?

Most standard orders ship within 3-5 business days after artwork approval and order confirmation. Rush production options are available for time-sensitive needs, and we will always communicate your estimated ship date clearly upfront so you can plan accordingly. We ship to all 50 states with reliable carrier services that get your order there safely and on time.

For large custom orders involving encoding, special printing, or dual-technology cards, lead times may extend to 7-10 business days. We will keep you updated every step of the way and work hard to meet your deadline whenever possible. Our shipping department takes great care with every order, packaging cards to arrive in perfect condition.

What Quantities Can I Order?

We accommodate orders of all sizes, from small starter packs of 25-50 cards all the way up to bulk orders of tens of thousands. Our pricing is structured so that larger quantities come with better per-card pricing, giving you great value as your needs grow. We never impose unreasonably high minimums that price out smaller organizations.

Many of our clients start with a small test order to evaluate quality and then move to larger recurring orders once they see the results. We encourage this approach because we are confident you will love what you receive. Repeat customers and long-term relationships are the foundation of how we have operated for over 25 years.

Can Cards Be Re-Programmed or Deactivated?

Yes, and this is one of the most important advantages of a well-designed access control card system. RFID and smart cards can be reprogrammed or deactivated through your access control software without any physical changes to the card itself. This makes managing employee turnover, lost cards, or security updates fast and completely painless.

Magnetic stripe cards can also be re-encoded if your system supports it, though they are more often simply replaced since card production costs are low. We recommend discussing your specific system setup with our team so we can advise you on the best card format to minimize ongoing administrative headaches. Getting this right from the start saves time and money later.

Case Study: How a Corporate Campus Transformed Its Security Program

One of our long-standing clients - a mid-sized corporate campus with over 800 employees - came to us frustrated with their aging key card system. Cards were being lost regularly, and their old proximity technology was proving easy to exploit. They needed a full upgrade and they needed it fast, without disrupting daily operations.

We worked with their facilities team to design a custom MIFARE DESFire access control card program, complete with full-color employee photos, department color coding, and tiered access levels encoded directly into each card. The result was a seamless transition that immediately improved their security posture and gave their team renewed confidence in their credentials.

The Challenge They Faced

Their old system had no way to differentiate between employee levels, meaning a warehouse worker could theoretically access the executive floor with the same card as a senior manager. They had experienced two security incidents in one year directly related to this vulnerability. Leadership demanded a more sophisticated and layered solution.

In addition to the security gaps, their old cards looked outdated and unprofessional. New hires often commented that the credentials looked cheap, which was not the impression this growing company wanted to project. They needed cards that looked as sharp as they performed securely.

The Solution We Delivered

We designed a tiered card system using MIFARE DESFire technology that assigned each employee to one of five access levels, programmed directly into the card's encrypted chip. The cards featured the company's full brand design, complete with the employee's photo, name, and department designation printed in vibrant full color. Every card was encoded and shipped ready to activate upon delivery.

The client received their full order of 850 cards within eight business days, packed securely with an index of each card's encoded access level for easy distribution. Setup with their existing door reader hardware required only a firmware update, which our tech team guided them through remotely at no additional charge. The project was completed on time and under budget.

The Results They Achieved

Within 30 days of deployment, the client reported zero unauthorized access attempts and a dramatic reduction in lost-card incidents because employees were now more careful with a card they were genuinely proud to carry. Their security director described the upgrade as the single most impactful change they had made to their facilities program in a decade. We were proud to make that happen.

The visual upgrade also had unexpected benefits. Clients and visitors noticed the professional appearance of employee badges during office tours and meetings, and it contributed to a stronger overall impression of the company. Security and branding working together - that is the power of doing access control cards the right way.

Loyalty, Gift, and Membership Cards: Beyond Just Access Control

While access control cards are our focus here, our expertise spans a broad range of plastic card solutions. Many of our access control clients discover that we can also produce their loyalty programs, gift card programs, and membership credentials - all to the same exacting standard. It makes sense to work with one trusted partner for all of your card needs.

Our gift card programs have been shown to boost retail sales by 35-50%, and our loyalty cards keep customers coming back again and again. Pairing these proven marketing tools with the professional credibility of a solid access control program creates a unified, powerful brand presence that customers and employees alike will notice and appreciate.

Gift Cards That Drive Real Revenue

Physical plastic gift cards dramatically outperform paper gift certificates in virtually every measurable way. Retailers who switch from paper to plastic see sales increases of up to 100%, because plastic cards feel more valuable, are harder to lose, and get displayed and gifted more often. We produce gift cards in full custom designs that match your store branding perfectly.

Gift cards also generate revenue even before they are redeemed, since funds are loaded onto the card at the point of sale. Many cards are never fully spent, contributing additional margin to your bottom line. When you factor in the increased foot traffic, new customer acquisition, and brand visibility that gift cards generate, the return on investment is undeniable.

Loyalty Cards That Keep Customers Coming Back

A well-executed loyalty card program is one of the most cost-effective customer retention tools available to any business. When customers carry your card in their wallet, your brand stays top-of-mind every single time they reach for their cards - which is multiple times every day. That kind of constant, low-cost brand exposure is priceless.

We produce loyalty cards in magnetic stripe, barcode, and QR code formats, all custom-printed with your full brand design. Whether you run a coffee shop, a salon, a gym, or a retail chain, a loyalty card program signals to your customers that you value their repeat business. It is a small gesture that pays enormous long-term dividends.

Hotel Key Cards and Casino Player Cards We Produce

The hospitality and gaming industries have some of the most demanding card requirements of any sector, and we have been meeting those demands with excellence for decades. Hotel key cards must work flawlessly across hundreds of room locks for months at a time. Casino player cards must track loyalty points, manage comp balances, and stand up to constant handling by guests and staff alike.

We produce hotel key cards programmed to work with all major door lock systems, including ASSA ABLOY, Dormakaba, Saflok, and others. Our casino player cards are built for durability and can be encoded with your player tracking system's specific data format. Whatever your hospitality or gaming application, we have the experience and the technology to deliver.

Hotel Key Card Features

Our hotel key cards are produced on durable 30-mil PVC card stock that holds up to the rigors of daily guest use without delaminating or bending. We print them in full color with your hotel branding, room information, or a promotional message on the back. Some clients include Wi-Fi login details or checkout information on the card back to add extra value for guests.

We also produce key card envelopes and carriers that are custom-printed with your hotel's branding, creating a polished, premium first impression at check-in. This small detail signals to guests that your hotel cares about every aspect of the experience, right down to the key card package. First impressions matter enormously in hospitality, and we help you nail them every time.

Casino Player Card Capabilities

Casino player cards are a critical part of guest engagement and loyalty in the gaming industry. Our cards are produced to support magnetic stripe encoding for player tracking systems, with optional RFID chips for contactless applications at slot machines and table games. We work with your tracking system specifications to ensure every card is encoded exactly right.

The visual design of a casino player card is also a major brand statement. We produce striking, full-color designs that reflect the energy and excitement of your gaming floor. VIP tier cards can be produced in specialty formats including metal or clear plastic to visually distinguish top-tier players. Your best guests deserve credentials that match their status.

Specialty Cards: Metal, Clear Plastic, and Custom Shapes

When a standard card simply will not do, our specialty card options deliver a jaw-dropping impression that no recipient will ever forget. Metal cards crafted from stainless steel or gold-toned materials communicate luxury, exclusivity, and status in a way that no paper or standard plastic card ever could. They are heavy, beautiful, and genuinely unforgettable.

Clear plastic cards offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that stands out in any wallet. Custom-shaped cards die-cut to match your logo or product shape create a truly unique piece of branded collateral. These specialty options are perfect for VIP programs, exclusive memberships, or high-end client gifting campaigns where you want to make an extraordinary impression.

Metal Cards for Premium Programs

Our metal cards are available in stainless steel, brushed gold, and matte black metal finishes, with laser engraving for text and logo elements. They are weighted and substantial in the hand - which immediately communicates premium quality to anyone who receives one. For luxury brands, high-end clubs, or executive membership programs, a metal card is a statement piece.

Metal access control and VIP cards are priced in the range of $8-$25 per card depending on material and customization, which is a very reasonable investment when you consider the impression they make. Recipients are far less likely to discard or lose a metal card, meaning your brand stays in their possession and top of mind far longer than any other card format.

Clear and Translucent Card Options

Clear plastic cards have a cool, contemporary look that stands out from the sea of standard white cards. They can be printed with full-color designs where the transparent card body creates a unique layered visual effect that simply cannot be replicated on opaque stock. Businesses in tech, design, fashion, and entertainment love this option for its modern aesthetic appeal.

We offer fully clear, frosted translucent, and semi-opaque card options depending on the visual effect you are looking for. These cards are produced to the same durable CR80 standard dimensions as all of our other cards, so they work in standard wallets, badge holders, and card readers without any compatibility issues. Beautiful design and practical function, combined in one impressive package.

How to Place Your Order With Plastic Card ID

Ordering from Plastic Card ID is a smooth, straightforward process from start to finish. We have refined our ordering workflow over 25 years of working with clients of all sizes and across every industry. Whether you are ordering 50 cards or 50,000, we guide you through every step with clarity and expertise that makes the experience easy and even enjoyable.

We ship to businesses, organizations, and institutions nationwide, so no matter where you are located, getting our cards into your hands is simple. Our packaging protects every order during transit, and we provide tracking information as soon as your order ships. From the moment you place your order to the moment it arrives at your door, we are with you the whole way.

Step-by-Step Ordering Process

Our ordering process is designed to be clear and efficient so you can get what you need without any unnecessary back-and-forth. Here is how it works from start to finish:

1. Call us at 800-835-7919 or submit your order inquiry online
2. Discuss your card type, technology, quantity, and design needs with our team
3. Receive a detailed quote and approve your artwork proof
4. Confirm your order and submit payment
5. We produce and quality-check your cards
6. Your order ships nationwide with full tracking provided

Most clients find that the initial consultation call is the most valuable part of the process. Our team asks the right questions to make sure you get exactly what you need, and we often identify options or cost savings that clients had not considered on their own. It is a no-pressure conversation focused entirely on what is best for your situation.

Custom Design Support

Not every client comes to us with a finished artwork file ready to go, and that is completely fine. Our in-house design support team can help you develop a card design that captures your brand identity beautifully. We work from your logo files, brand guidelines, and design preferences to create a proof you will love before anything goes to print.

We accept design files in all standard formats including AI, EPS, PDF, and high-resolution PNG or JPEG files. If you are starting from scratch, we can work with you on basic design concepts at very reasonable rates. Our goal is to make sure every card we produce is something you are genuinely proud to distribute to your employees, clients, or members.

Bulk Orders and Ongoing Supply Agreements

Many of our clients need cards on an ongoing basis - new employee onboarding, membership renewals, seasonal gift card replenishment, and similar recurring needs. We offer convenient ongoing supply agreements that lock in pricing, streamline reorder timelines, and ensure you never run out of cards at a critical moment. It is a smart way to manage your card supply program.

Bulk pricing kicks in at various quantity thresholds, and the savings can be significant for high-volume users. We are happy to discuss pricing structures that reward your commitment and volume. Building a long-term relationship with our clients is how we have grown to serve over 100,000 businesses, and it starts with making sure the value we provide is always clear and undeniable.

Why Businesses Across America Choose Plastic Card ID

There are plenty of places to buy plastic cards online, so what makes Plastic Card ID worth choosing? The answer is a combination of depth of experience, product quality, technology range, and genuine customer care that most competitors simply cannot match. We have been doing this for over 25 years, and that experience shows in every single card we produce.

We have earned the trust of over 100,000 businesses by consistently delivering on our promises and treating every client relationship as a long-term partnership rather than a one-time transaction. Our reputation is built on results, and our results speak for themselves in every order we ship and every client who comes back to us again and again.

Our Commitment to Quality

Every card that leaves our facility goes through a thorough quality inspection process before it is packed and shipped. We check print quality, encoding accuracy, card dimensions, and surface finish on every batch. Our standards are exacting because we understand that these cards represent your organization every single day they are in use.

We use only high-quality PVC card stock and professional-grade printing consumables that produce results far superior to what you would get from a low-cost online print service. The difference is immediately visible and tangible. When you hold one of our cards, you feel the quality instantly - and so does every person you hand one to.

Nationwide Shipping and Fast Turnarounds

We ship to every state in the country, and we work hard to turn orders around as quickly as possible without ever sacrificing quality. Standard production and shipping timelines are clearly communicated with every order, and rush options are available when you are working against a tight deadline. We respect your time and your schedule.

Our shipping partners are reliable national carriers that provide full tracking and on-time delivery rates we are proud of. Cards are packaged securely to prevent damage during transit, and we include a packing slip with every order for easy verification upon arrival. Getting your order right and getting it there on time is a commitment we take very seriously.

Dedicated Customer Support Team

Behind every order we process is a team of real people who genuinely care about your experience and your results. Our customer support representatives are knowledgeable about every product we offer and can answer technical questions about card technologies, printer compatibility, encoding specifications, and design requirements with confidence and clarity.

We pride ourselves on being easy to reach and quick to respond. You will never be shuffled through an endless automated phone system when you call us. A real, helpful person picks up and gives you the attention your question deserves. That kind of responsive, human support is increasingly rare today, and it is something we will never stop providing.

Ready to Secure Your Facility? Contact Plastic Card ID Today

There has never been a better time to upgrade your access control card program. Whether you are building a new system from scratch or replacing outdated credentials, we have the products, the technology, and the expertise to make your upgrade seamless and successful. We are ready to start working on your order today.

From basic magnetic stripe cards to cutting-edge MIFARE DESFire smart cards, from entry-level card printers to high-volume production machines, from card design to nationwide shipping - everything you need is available right here at Plastic Card ID. We are your complete, one-stop source for access control cards and everything that goes with them.

Call us now at 800-835-7919 - our team is standing by and ready to help you get exactly what you need.

Get a Free Quote Today

Getting a quote from PCID is fast, free, and completely without obligation. Just call us at 800-835-7919, tell us what you need, and we will have a detailed quote back to you in no time. Our pricing is competitive, transparent, and designed to give you the best possible value for your investment in access control cards and equipment.

We work with organizations of every size and budget, from startups issuing their first round of employee ID badges to enterprise corporations managing thousands of credentials across multiple locations. Whatever your scale, we bring the same level of care and professionalism to every order. Your security and your satisfaction are always our top priority.

What to Have Ready When You Call

To make your first call with us as productive as possible, it helps to have a few pieces of information ready before you dial. Knowing your approximate card quantity, your technology needs, whether you have an existing access control system, and any design assets you might have will help our team give you the most accurate and useful recommendations right away.

Do not worry if you are not sure about the technical details - that is what we are here for. Just tell us what you are trying to accomplish and we will ask the right questions to figure out the best solution together. Our team loves helping clients navigate their options, and we have a knack for making complex technology decisions feel simple and approachable.

Your Access Control Card Partner for the Long Term

Choosing Plastic Card ID means choosing a partner who will be there for you today, tomorrow, and years down the road. We are not interested in one-time transactions - we are interested in building lasting relationships that help your organization grow, stay secure, and project the professional image you work so hard to build every day.

With over 25 years of experience, more than 50 million cards produced, and a nationwide shipping network that gets your products where they need to go on time, Plastic Card ID is the access control card partner your organization deserves. Do not wait another day to upgrade your security and your brand. Call 800-835-7919 right now and let us get started.