Access Control Cards: Secure Reliable Cards for Any Facility
Welcome to Plastic Card ID: Your Trusted Source for Access Control Cards
There is something powerful about a card that opens a door, grants access, or identifies who you are. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent over 25 years helping businesses of every size take control of who goes where, who belongs, and how brands are remembered. Our access control cards are built to perform, built to last, and built to impress.
We ship high-quality plastic cards, card printers, and refill supplies to businesses all across the country. Whether you need 50 cards or 50,000, we have the experience, the equipment, and the passion to deliver exactly what you need. Every order we handle is treated with the same care and precision that has made us the go-to partner for over 100,000 businesses nationwide.
Our team is ready to help you choose the right card solution for your needs. New orders and questions are always welcome, so do not hesitate to reach out to us at 800.835.7919. We love what we do, and it shows in every card we produce.
What Are Access Control Cards?
Access control cards are plastic cards that allow or restrict entry into buildings, rooms, or secure areas. They are used by schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, warehouses, and many other places that need to manage who can go where at any given time.
These cards communicate with electronic readers using technology like magnetic stripes, barcodes, smart chips, or RFID signals. When the card is presented to a reader, the system either grants or denies access based on pre-set rules. This makes access control cards both convenient and highly secure for everyday use in your business or organization.
Why Physical Cards Still Lead the Way
Digital keys and smartphone apps have their place, but a physical card remains the gold standard for most access control environments. Cards do not run out of battery, they do not require a data connection, and they can be quickly deactivated if lost or stolen. This combination of reliability and security is hard to beat.
We have seen businesses dramatically improve their internal security simply by upgrading to a well-designed access control card system. The professional appearance of a branded card also reinforces your company's identity every time an employee or visitor holds one in their hand. It is a small thing that makes a big impression every single time.
Our Nationwide Shipping Promise
No matter where your business is located, we deliver directly to your door. Our national shipping network ensures that your cards, printers, and supplies arrive quickly and safely. We package every order with care so that your products reach you in perfect condition and ready to use right away.
We understand that timing matters. Delays in access control card delivery can slow down your operations or leave a facility vulnerable. That is why we work hard to process and ship every order as efficiently as possible, giving you peace of mind that your supply chain is in reliable hands with our experienced team.
| Card Technology | Best Use Case | Security Level |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Stripe | Hotels, Gyms, Offices | Standard |
| Barcode | Libraries, Events, Retail | Basic |
| Smart Chip (Contact) | Corporate ID, Banking | High |
| RFID / Contactless | Hospitals, Casinos, Secure Facilities | Very High |
| MIFARE DESFire | Government, High-Security Campus | Maximum |
The Many Types of Access Control Cards We Offer
Not every door needs the same key, and not every business needs the same card. That is why we offer a wide variety of access control card technologies and formats. Our goal is to match you with the exact solution that fits your security needs, your budget, and your brand identity without compromise.
From simple magnetic stripe hotel key cards to advanced RFID smart cards used in high-security facilities, our product range covers the full spectrum. We work with organizations ranging from small businesses to large institutions, and we bring the same level of dedication to every single project we take on for our valued clients.
Magnetic Stripe Access Cards
Magnetic stripe cards are one of the most popular and affordable access control options available. They store data on a magnetic band on the back of the card and are read by swiping through a compatible card reader. These cards are ideal for hotels, fitness centers, and office environments where medium-level security is sufficient.
We produce magnetic stripe cards with crisp, full-color printing on both sides so your brand looks sharp and professional. Stripe encoding options include low coercivity (LoCo) and high coercivity (HiCo) depending on your reader setup and how long you need the data to remain stable on the card for daily use.
RFID and Contactless Smart Cards
Contactless technology has changed the game for access control systems. RFID cards allow users to simply tap or wave their card near a reader for instant access, with no swiping required. This is faster, more hygienic, and significantly more secure than older card technologies used in many environments today.
We offer RFID cards compatible with many popular access control platforms, including those using MIFARE DESFire technology. These cards are favored by hospitals, universities, government facilities, and casinos because they offer multi-layer encryption and are extremely difficult to duplicate or tamper with by unauthorized persons.
Proximity Cards and Key Fobs
Proximity cards use low-frequency radio signals to communicate with card readers without physical contact. They are highly durable, easy to use, and extremely reliable in high-traffic environments. Many facilities prefer prox cards because they last for years without wearing out from daily use.
We also supply matching key fobs for clients who prefer a more compact access credential. Key fobs carry the same technology as proximity cards but attach easily to a keychain, making them popular with employees who prefer not to carry a wallet full of access credentials. Ask us about our custom printing options for fobs too.
Combo Cards with Multiple Technologies
Some organizations need a single card that does more than one job. Our combo cards can combine magnetic stripes, smart chips, and RFID technology all in one card. This means one card can unlock a door, log an employee's time, store ID information, and even carry loyalty program data all at once.
Combo cards are especially popular with large corporate campuses, hospitals, and universities where a single credential needs to serve many different purposes across various departments and systems. We help our clients design and produce these multi-functional cards with ease, saving them time, money, and administrative headaches.
Card Printers and Supplies for Your Access Control Program
Printing your own access control cards in-house gives your organization speed, flexibility, and control over your credentials. We offer a full selection of professional-grade card printers and the refill supplies you need to keep your printing program running smoothly every single day without interruption.
Whether you print a few cards per month or hundreds per week, we have a printer model that fits your volume and your workflow. Our team can help you choose the right printer, the right ribbons, and the right blank card stock so that you always have exactly what you need when you need it most.
Popular Card Printer Brands and Models
We carry printers from the most trusted brands in the industry. These printers are designed to produce sharp, vibrant, durable card prints every time. Some of the leading printer categories we supply include single-sided printers for basic ID cards, dual-sided printers for full-featured access cards, and high-volume models for large organizations with demanding printing schedules.
- Single-sided desktop card printers for small offices
- Dual-sided printers for professional ID and access cards
- High-volume retransfer printers for large institutions
- Printers with built-in encoding for magnetic stripe and RFID cards
- Portable card printers for on-site event or field credentialing
Printer Ribbons and Refill Supplies
A printer is only as good as the supplies that feed it. We stock a comprehensive range of printer ribbons in full-color YMCKO format, monochrome black for simple text printing, and specialty options like overlay ribbons that add a protective coating to finished cards. Using the right ribbon for your printer extends both the printer's life and the quality of every card you produce.
In addition to ribbons, we carry cleaning kits, blank PVC card stock, and replacement print heads for many popular printer models. Keeping your printer clean and well-supplied is the single best way to ensure consistent, professional output day after day without unexpected downtime slowing your operations.
How to Choose the Right Printer Setup
Choosing the right printer depends on a few key factors: how many cards you print per month, whether you need single or dual-sided printing, and whether your cards require encoding. We help businesses evaluate their needs and match them with a cost-effective solution that does not require overspending on features they will never use.
Our knowledgeable team walks you through every option and answers your questions honestly. We are not here to upsell you on equipment you do not need. We are here to build a long-term relationship by making sure you get exactly the right setup the first time, and we stand behind that commitment with every recommendation we make.
Industries That Rely on Our Access Control Cards
Access control cards are used across a remarkable range of industries, and we are proud to serve clients in virtually every sector. From small retail shops to sprawling medical campuses, the need for controlled access and secure identification is universal. Our cards help organizations protect their people, their property, and their assets every day.
Over the years, we have built deep expertise in several key industries. This means we understand the unique requirements of each sector and can provide cards that meet those specific demands. No matter what industry you are in, we have a solution that will work perfectly for your organization's needs.
Healthcare and Hospital Access Cards
Hospitals and medical facilities have strict requirements for access control. Staff members need to quickly and securely access sensitive areas like pharmacies, labs, and patient wards. Our high-security RFID and smart chip cards integrate seamlessly with hospital access control systems to ensure only authorized personnel can enter restricted zones.
We also produce staff ID cards for healthcare organizations that combine photo identification with access control technology in a single professional credential. These cards help staff quickly verify who belongs in a given area and give patients and visitors greater confidence in the safety and security of the facility they are visiting.
Corporate and Office Building Access
Office buildings rely heavily on access control cards to manage employee entry, secure executive floors, and monitor building traffic. Our corporate access cards are printed with sharp logos, employee photos, and job titles so that every card serves both a security function and a brand representation function simultaneously for the organization.
We work with corporate clients to design cards that reflect their company culture and professional standards. A well-designed corporate access card sends a message to employees, visitors, and partners that the organization takes security seriously and invests in quality credentials that reflect the company's values and attention to detail in everything it does.
Hotels and Hospitality Access Solutions
Hotel key cards are one of the most recognized forms of access control cards in everyday life. We produce hotel key cards that are encoded for popular door lock systems and printed with beautiful full-color branding that reinforces the guest experience from the moment check-in begins. First impressions matter enormously in hospitality.
Beyond room keys, we also produce staff access cards, parking access cards, and VIP access credentials for hotels and resorts. Our hospitality clients appreciate that we can produce all of these different card types in one place, ensuring consistent quality and branding across every credential used throughout their property.
Education and Campus ID Cards
Schools and universities use access control cards to protect students, manage dormitory entry, and control access to labs and restricted facilities. Our campus cards are designed to be durable, tamper-resistant, and visually distinctive so that they are easy to recognize and difficult to forge or duplicate without proper authorization.
We help educational institutions design cards that serve multiple purposes, such as combining student ID information, meal plan access, library checkout, and building entry all onto one card. This kind of multi-function credential simplifies daily life for students and staff while giving administrators greater control over campus security systems overall.
Security Features That Set Our Cards Apart
Security is not just a feature we add at the end, it is built into every card we produce from the very beginning of the design process. Our access control cards are available with a range of advanced security features that make them difficult to copy, alter, or misuse in any way. We take your security seriously so that you can focus on running your business.
When you invest in a high-quality access control card, you are investing in the protection of your people and your property. Cutting corners on card security can lead to costly breaches, unauthorized access, and serious liability. That is why we offer premium security options that give you confidence in every card we ship to your door nationwide.
Encoding and Encryption Options
Data encoding is what transforms a plain plastic card into a secure access credential. We offer magnetic stripe encoding, smart chip encoding, and RFID encoding depending on your specific access control system requirements. Each encoding type offers different levels of data storage and security appropriate for various access environments.
For the highest level of security, we recommend encrypted smart chip or MIFARE DESFire RFID cards. These cards store data in encrypted form that is nearly impossible to read or copy with standard equipment. They are the preferred choice for government agencies, financial institutions, and any organization that handles sensitive personal or operational data on a daily basis.
Visual Security Features
Beyond electronic security, our cards can be produced with a variety of visual security features that make counterfeiting extremely difficult. These features serve as a first line of defense and allow security personnel to quickly verify a card's authenticity with a simple visual check rather than needing a card reader device every single time.
- UV ink printing visible only under ultraviolet light
- Holographic overlaminates that shift color when tilted
- Microtext printing readable only under magnification
- Signature panels for signed identity verification
- Sequential numbering and barcodes for tracking and audit trails
Durable Card Materials for Long Lasting Security
A security card is only effective when it remains intact and readable throughout its useful life. We produce our access control cards from high-quality PVC and composite materials that resist bending, fading, and everyday wear and tear from constant handling, pocket storage, and repeated use through card readers and access systems.
For environments that demand even greater durability, we offer cards with protective overlay coatings that extend the life of printed images and prevent surface scratching. Our laminated cards and retransfer-printed cards hold up exceptionally well even in demanding industrial, outdoor, or high-volume access settings where lesser cards would quickly degrade and fail.
Custom Printing Options for a Branded Access Card Experience
Your access control card does not have to be boring just because it is functional. We believe that every card is an opportunity to reinforce your brand and make a lasting impression. Our full-color custom printing capabilities mean your access cards can look as professional and polished as any marketing material your company produces.
From bold logo placement to full-bleed background designs and employee photos, we help you create access cards that people are genuinely proud to carry. A well-designed card communicates quality, professionalism, and attention to detail. It tells everyone who sees it that your organization invests in doing things right from top to bottom.
Full Color Digital Printing
Our digital printing process delivers vivid, accurate color reproduction across every inch of your card. We can match your brand's specific colors, reproduce detailed logos, and print sharp, clear text and photos that look crisp and professional even under close inspection. Every card we produce goes through a careful quality review before it is shipped to your location.
Full-color printing is available on single-sided and dual-sided cards, and we can accommodate a wide range of design files and formats. Our production team works closely with clients to ensure that the final printed card looks exactly like the digital proof that was approved before production began. We never surprise our clients with subpar output.
Specialty Finishes and Card Shapes
We go beyond standard rectangular cards for clients who want to stand out. Our specialty options include clear plastic cards that show off a unique transparent design, custom die-cut shapes that match a brand's logo or theme, and luxury metal cards crafted from stainless steel or gold for premium applications where nothing but the best will do.
These specialty cards are not just visually striking, they are also incredibly durable and leave a lasting impression on anyone who receives one. Whether you use them as VIP access credentials, executive employee badges, or premium membership cards, specialty finish cards communicate exclusivity and value in a way that standard cards simply cannot match.
Card Carriers, Sleeves, and Mailing Services
We do not just print your cards and send them in a plain box. We offer custom card carriers, protective sleeves, and full-service card affixing and mailing solutions to help you deliver your access credentials in a polished and professional way. These finishing touches add real value to your card program and elevate the entire recipient experience significantly.
Whether you need cards mailed directly to employees, members, or cardholders across the country, we handle the entire fulfillment process from printing to delivery. This saves your team enormous amounts of time and effort while ensuring that every card arrives looking sharp, properly protected, and ready to use right out of the envelope without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Cards
We hear a lot of great questions from businesses exploring access control card solutions for the first time. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions we receive to help you understand your options and make the most informed decision for your organization's security and credentialing needs going forward.
If you do not find the answer you are looking for here, our friendly team is always available to help. We enjoy talking through the details with our clients because we know that the right information leads to the right decisions. Reach out to us anytime and we will be happy to walk you through everything you need to know.
How Long Do Access Control Cards Last?
The lifespan of an access control card depends on the material, the frequency of use, and the environment it is used in. Standard PVC cards used in moderate conditions typically last between two and five years before needing replacement. Cards used in harsh environments, such as outdoor readers or industrial settings, may wear out faster and require more frequent replacement cycles.
To maximize card life, we recommend using a protective overlay coating during production and encouraging cardholders to store their cards properly when not in use. Cards kept in a wallet or badge holder away from heat, magnets, and sharp objects will last significantly longer than those that are carelessly handled on a daily basis by their users.
Can I Print Cards In-House or Should I Order Pre-Printed Cards?
Both options have real advantages depending on your organization's needs. Ordering pre-printed cards from us is a great choice when you need a large quantity of identical or pre-personalized cards produced at once with maximum quality. In-house printing, on the other hand, gives you the flexibility to print individual cards on demand, which is ideal for onboarding new employees or issuing replacement credentials quickly without waiting for a new order to arrive.
Many of our clients use a hybrid approach where they order a supply of blank or partially printed cards from us and then use their in-house printer to add personalization such as names and photos as needed. This gives them the best of both worlds, combining our superior print quality on the card base with the speed and convenience of on-demand personalization in their own facility.
What Information Should Be Printed on an Access Control Card?
The information printed on an access control card depends on how the card will be used. For employee ID and access cards, common elements include the employee's name, photo, job title, department, and a company logo. Some organizations also include a card number, expiration date, or barcode for tracking and audit purposes related to their security system.
For cards used purely for building access without identification purposes, minimal printing may be preferred to protect the cardholder's privacy. In this case, just a logo and a subtle card number may be all that is needed on the card's surface. We help clients determine the right balance of printed information based on their security policies and practical operational requirements every day.
Case Study: Upgrading a Corporate Campus Access System
One of our corporate clients recently upgraded their entire access control card program across a multi-building campus with thousands of employees. Their old magnetic stripe cards were aging and required frequent replacement due to demagnetization from proximity to other electronic devices. They needed a more reliable, secure, and modern solution that would scale with their growing workforce efficiently.
We worked with their security team to design a new dual-technology card that combined RFID contactless technology with a smart chip encoder. This allowed their existing card readers to continue functioning while new readers were gradually installed across the campus. The transition was smooth, affordable, and completed without any disruption to daily campus operations.
The Card Design Process
Our design team collaborated closely with the client's marketing and HR departments to create a card that reflected their corporate brand while meeting all technical security requirements. The final design featured a bold logo, full-color gradient background, employee photo area, and a subtle UV-printed watermark for added anti-counterfeiting protection that impressed the entire security leadership team.
After the design was approved, we produced a sample run of 50 cards for testing and stakeholder approval. Once the client gave the green light, we fulfilled the full production order of several thousand cards within the agreed timeline, packaged professionally, and shipped directly to the client's facilities coordinator with all encoding already completed at our facility.
Results After Implementation
Within three months of rolling out the new access control cards, the client reported a dramatic reduction in card replacement requests. The new RFID cards proved far more durable and reliable than the old magnetic stripe ones, and employees appreciated the faster tap-to-access experience at building entrances. Security incidents related to unauthorized access attempts also dropped measurably after the new system launched.
The client's facilities manager told us that the investment paid for itself quickly in reduced administrative overhead and improved employee satisfaction with the access experience. This is exactly the kind of outcome we work hard to deliver for every client we partner with, regardless of the size or complexity of their access control program or their organization's specific requirements.
Scaling the Program Going Forward
After the success of the initial rollout, the client expanded their card program to include visitor access cards, contractor credentials, and a VIP executive card tier with premium metal construction. Each card type was designed to fit within the same visual identity system while clearly distinguishing between different access levels throughout the campus environment for security staff.
We now serve this client on an ongoing basis, supplying new employee cards, replacement cards, printer ribbons, and blank card stock through a streamlined reorder process. This kind of long-term partnership is what drives everything we do, and it is the reason so many organizations across the country continue to trust us year after year for all of their plastic card needs and requirements.
Benefits of Partnering With Plastic Card ID for Your Card Program
Choosing the right card supplier is one of the most important decisions you will make for your access control program. The wrong partner can mean poor card quality, missed deadlines, inconsistent printing, and frustrating customer service experiences. We are proud to offer a very different experience, one built on real expertise, genuine care, and a relentless commitment to quality at every step.
We have served more than 100,000 businesses and produced more than 50 million cards over our 25-plus year history. That experience is not just a number, it is a deep well of knowledge and process refinement that we bring to every single client engagement. When you work with us, you benefit from decades of hard-won expertise in every card we produce for your team.
One Stop Shopping for All Card Needs
One of the most frustrating aspects of managing a card program is dealing with multiple vendors for cards, printers, ribbons, and accessories. We eliminate that headache entirely by offering everything you need under one roof. We are your single source for cards, printers, and supplies, which means fewer purchase orders, fewer relationships to manage, and a simpler, smoother experience overall.
Our comprehensive product catalog covers blank card stock, pre-printed cards, card printers of all sizes and capabilities, printer ribbons, cleaning kits, card holders, lanyards, sleeves, and custom carriers. Everything ships together, everything is compatible, and everything is backed by our commitment to quality and fast, reliable nationwide delivery to your location.
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
We do not just take your order and disappear. Our team of card specialists is available to help you through every step of the process, from initial product selection to design review, proofing, encoding setup, and post-delivery support. We genuinely enjoy helping clients solve problems and find solutions that work better than they expected when they first came to us.
If you are new to access control cards or upgrading from an older system, we will take the time to explain your options clearly and honestly without using confusing technical jargon. We believe that an informed client is a happy client, and happy clients are the foundation of the long-term partnerships that have made our business thrive for more than a quarter century.
Call Us Today to Get Started
Call PCID now at 800.835.7919 to speak with a card specialist who can answer your questions and help you place your first order today. We are standing by and ready to help you build a better, smarter access control card program for your organization starting right now.
Closing: Start Your Access Control Card Program With Plastic Card ID Today
The right access control card system protects your people, secures your property, and represents your brand with every use. Whether you are setting up a new system from scratch or upgrading an existing one, we have the products, the expertise, and the passion to help you succeed at every stage of the journey ahead.
We are proud of the work we do and the relationships we have built with clients across every industry and every corner of this country. From the first phone call to the final delivered card, we are with you every step of the way. Our goal is not just to fill an order, it is to earn your trust and become your long-term partner in access control and card credentialing solutions.
Do not wait to secure your facility and elevate your card program. Our team is ready to help you today with new orders, product questions, custom design consultations, and everything in between. Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800.835.7919 and let us show you just how easy and rewarding it is to work with the nation's most trusted plastic card provider. We look forward to hearing from you and helping your organization take its access control program to the next level.