Access Control Cards - Secure Entry Solutions for Every Facility

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

Every business, school, hospital, or facility that takes security seriously knows that access control cards are not just plastic - they are your first line of defense. They decide who gets in, who stays out, and how smoothly your entire operation runs. We have spent over 25 years perfecting the art and science of producing cards that work hard every single day.

At Plastic Card ID, we ship plastic cards, card printers, and all the refill supplies you need directly to your door - anywhere in the nation. Whether you run a small office or manage a large campus, our team is ready to help you find exactly the right solution. We make ordering simple, fast, and stress-free from start to finish.

Our catalog covers everything from basic proximity cards to advanced RFID smart cards with contactless technology. We have helped over 100,000 businesses and printed more than 50 million cards - and we are just getting started. Call us today at 800.835.7919 and let us show you what we can do for your organization.

What Makes Access Control Cards So Important?

Access control cards give your facility a reliable, scalable way to manage who enters any space at any time. Unlike traditional keys, these cards can be reprogrammed, deactivated instantly, or upgraded without changing a single lock. That kind of flexibility is priceless when your security needs change overnight.

Think about what happens when an employee leaves a company that still uses metal keys. You face costly rekeying, lost time, and real security gaps. With access control cards, a few keystrokes remove that person's access permanently and immediately. This saves money and protects people at the same time.

Who Uses Access Control Cards?

The short answer is: almost every kind of organization you can think of. Hospitals use them to protect medication rooms and patient records. Schools use them to secure administrative offices and computer labs. Hotels use them so guests can access their rooms conveniently and safely. The variety of use cases is truly impressive.

Corporate offices, government buildings, warehouses, gyms, and parking garages all rely on access control cards to keep operations running securely and efficiently. We have worked with clients across all of these industries and we understand the unique demands each one brings to the table.

Our Nationwide Shipping Commitment

No matter where your business is located, we deliver. Our nationwide shipping network means your order arrives quickly and in perfect condition, whether you are in a major city or a rural town. We handle every shipment with the same level of care and attention to detail that defines everything we do.

We know that delays cost you time and money, which is why we work hard to process orders fast and keep you informed every step of the way. From the moment you place your order to the day it arrives at your door, you can count on us to deliver.

How Access Control Cards Work

Understanding the technology behind access control cards helps you make smarter buying decisions. At their core, these cards communicate with a reader device to confirm identity and grant or deny entry. The communication can happen through physical contact, magnetic swipes, or completely contactless radio frequency signals.

We offer cards that use several different technologies, so you can choose the best match for your existing systems or the new system you are building. Our experts can walk you through the differences and help you avoid costly mismatches between cards and readers.

Common Access Control Card Technologies

Card Type	Technology	Best Use Case
Proximity Card	125 kHz RFID	Office buildings, parking
Smart Card	13.56 MHz RFID	High-security facilities
Magnetic Stripe	Magnetic encoding	Hotels, time tracking
Barcode Card	Optical scan	Libraries, retail access
MIFARE DESFire	Encrypted RFID	Government, casinos, campuses

Proximity Cards and How They Work

Proximity cards, often called prox cards, use a low-frequency radio signal to communicate with a nearby reader. You simply hold the card close to the reader and the door unlocks within a fraction of a second. There is no swiping, no inserting, and no fumbling - just a smooth, fast experience every time.

These cards are incredibly durable and work well in high-traffic environments like office lobbies, parking structures, and manufacturing floors. Because they require no physical contact with a reader, they last much longer than magnetic stripe cards in heavy-use situations, making them a smart long-term investment for your facility.

RFID Smart Cards and MIFARE DESFire Technology

When your security requirements go beyond basic entry control, RFID smart cards - especially those using MIFARE DESFire technology - deliver powerful encrypted communication that is extremely difficult to clone or hack. These cards are used widely in government facilities, casinos, university campuses, and corporate headquarters around the world.

We supply MIFARE DESFire cards that support multiple applications on a single card, meaning one card can handle door access, cashless vending, transit, and more. This multi-function capability reduces the number of cards your staff or members carry while increasing overall system security in a meaningful way.

Magnetic Stripe Cards for Hotels and Time Tracking

Magnetic stripe cards remain one of the most widely used access control formats in the hospitality industry. Hotel key cards that use magnetic stripe encoding are reliable, affordable, and easy to reprogram for each new guest. This means your front desk can issue a fresh, secure key in seconds without any complicated steps or special equipment.

Beyond hotels, magnetic stripe cards are commonly used for employee time and attendance tracking. They work with a simple swipe action that logs entry and exit times automatically, giving managers accurate data without extra paperwork or complicated software. We can print these cards with your full custom branding so they look sharp and professional every time.

Types of Access Control Cards We Offer

Our product lineup is broad and deep because we know that no two clients have exactly the same needs. We stock and produce an impressive variety of card formats, technologies, and finishes so you always find the right match for your specific application and budget.

Whether you need a simple barcode card for a public library or a fully encrypted smart card for a government installation, we have the expertise and the inventory to fulfill your order quickly. Our team stays up to date on the latest card technologies so we can always offer you the best available options.

A Full Range of Card Options

Here is a look at the types of access control cards we regularly produce and ship to clients nationwide. Each card type serves a specific purpose and performs reliably in the right environment when produced with the quality standards we maintain in every single order we fulfill.

• Proximity (Prox) Cards - 125 kHz standard access
• MIFARE DESFire Smart Cards - high-security encrypted RFID
• Magnetic Stripe Cards - hotel keys and time tracking
• Barcode and QR Code Cards - optical scan entry
• Combo Cards - magnetic stripe plus RFID in one card
• Photo ID Access Cards - with printed employee images
• Clear Plastic Access Cards - unique and sleek in appearance
• Custom Shape Cards - cut to unique designs for brand impact

Every card on this list can be custom printed with your organization's logo, colors, cardholder name, and any other information you require. We take pride in producing cards that are not only functional but also genuinely attractive and representative of your brand identity and organizational values.

Specialty Card Finishes and Materials

Beyond technology, the physical appearance and feel of your access cards sends a message about your organization. A crisp, professionally printed card with a clean finish conveys authority and attention to detail. We offer matte, gloss, and spot UV finishes that make your cards look polished and impressive in any setting you can imagine.

For organizations that want something truly extraordinary, we also produce luxury metal access cards crafted from materials like stainless steel and gold-toned alloys. These cards are stunning conversation pieces that leave a lasting impression on employees, members, and visitors alike. They are especially popular among upscale clubs, executive suites, and VIP access programs.

Casino Player Cards and VIP Access

Casinos present a very unique set of card needs that combine security, loyalty tracking, and brand prestige all in one product. We produce casino player cards that track points, grant floor access, and reward returning guests with a seamless and sophisticated experience that keeps them coming back again and again.

Our casino cards can incorporate RFID technology for fast contactless verification at gaming tables and access points throughout the property. Combined with striking full-color custom printing, these cards become powerful brand ambassadors that players are proud to carry in their wallets every day they visit your establishment.

Card Printers and Printing Supplies

Having the right card printer on-site gives your organization the power to print access cards instantly, whenever you need them. No waiting on outside vendors, no minimum orders, and no delays when a new hire starts on Monday morning and needs their ID card right away. We supply the industry's most trusted card printers and keep all the refill supplies in stock.

We ship card printers and printing supplies anywhere in the country, so no matter where you are located, you can set up a professional in-house card printing operation. Our team can help you select the printer model that best matches your volume, card type, and feature requirements without any guesswork on your part.

Popular Card Printer Models We Carry

We carry a wide selection of card printers ranging from compact desktop models for low-volume printing to high-capacity industrial units built for enterprise-level operations. Each model we sell is chosen for its reliability, print quality, and compatibility with the access card technologies our clients use most frequently throughout the country.

• Single-sided direct-to-card printers - perfect for starter programs
• Dual-sided printers - print front and back in one pass
• Retransfer printers - for edge-to-edge, photo-quality output
• High-volume batch printers - built for large organizations
• RFID encoding printers - write chip data and print simultaneously
• Magnetic stripe encoding printers - ideal for hotel key programs

Not sure which printer is the best fit for your program? Call us at 800.835.7919 and one of our knowledgeable team members will help you find exactly the right model at a price that fits your budget. We make the selection process easy and enjoyable from the very first conversation.

Printer Ribbons, Laminates, and Accessories

A card printer is only as good as the supplies you put into it. We stock a full range of printer ribbons, including YMCKO full-color ribbons, monochrome black ribbons, and specialty security ribbons that add holographic overlays or UV-reactive elements to finished cards. Using the right ribbon for your application ensures sharp, consistent results every single time.

Laminate overlays protect your finished cards from scratches, UV fading, and everyday wear that would otherwise shorten card life significantly. We carry standard clear laminates as well as premium holographic laminates that add a visible security layer and make counterfeiting or tampering extremely difficult to attempt or achieve undetected.

Blank Card Stock and Pre-Printed Backgrounds

We supply high-quality blank PVC card stock in CR80 standard size, as well as specialty sizes for specific reader formats. Our blank cards are compatible with virtually all major printer brands and are manufactured to tight thickness tolerances so they feed smoothly through your printer without jamming or misalignment problems.

For clients who want a head start on design, we also offer cards with pre-printed backgrounds, borders, or security patterns that your printer can then personalize with names, photos, and barcodes. This hybrid approach saves time and adds an extra layer of visual complexity that makes finished cards even harder to duplicate or falsify.

Photo ID Badges and Employee Access Cards

Every employee badge your organization issues is a direct reflection of your brand, your professionalism, and your commitment to security. A well-designed, high-quality photo ID card tells the world that your organization takes itself seriously. We help you create employee access cards that look great and perform reliably every single day.

We combine photo ID printing with access control functionality so that one card serves multiple purposes simultaneously. Your employees carry one card that opens doors, logs their attendance, and identifies them visually to colleagues and visitors - all in one convenient, durable credential that holds up to years of daily use.

Designing Effective Employee ID Cards

Great employee ID card design balances several important elements: your organization's branding, the cardholder's photo and name, their department or role, and any encoded data needed for system access. We work with you to create a layout that is clean, readable, and professional while incorporating all the security features your program requires.

We can print cards with UV-reactive inks that are invisible under normal light but glow brightly under ultraviolet inspection. This hidden layer adds a security element that is difficult to replicate and gives your security staff a fast, reliable way to spot fraudulent cards immediately at any checkpoint they monitor.

Visitor and Contractor Badges

Managing temporary access for visitors and contractors is one of the trickiest challenges in physical security. A well-designed visitor badge program lets you grant limited, time-sensitive access to your facility without compromising the security of your permanent staff or your sensitive areas. We produce visitor cards that are visually distinct and clearly temporary.

Some of our clients use color coding, bold "VISITOR" text, or expiration date printing to make temporary cards instantly recognizable at a glance. This simple visual distinction helps staff identify who belongs where without slowing down operations or requiring constant verification checks throughout the business day.

Union Cards, Alumni Cards, and Membership Credentials

Beyond corporate settings, access control cards serve a vital role in organizations like trade unions, alumni associations, and professional membership groups. A beautifully printed union card or alumni card communicates pride, belonging, and official recognition in a way that a digital record simply never can match or replicate.

We have extensive experience producing membership cards that incorporate both identity information and access credentials in one professional package. Whether your members need to access a physical facility, verify their standing at an event, or simply carry a tangible reminder of their affiliation, we produce cards that deliver on all of those needs with style and durability.

Security Features That Protect Your Organization

The best access control card is one that is nearly impossible to duplicate, tamper with, or forge. We build multiple layers of security into every card we produce so your organization stays protected even as bad actors become more sophisticated in their attempts to defeat physical security systems.

Our security feature options range from simple but effective measures like sequential serial numbering all the way to advanced cryptographic encryption embedded in smart card chips. We assess your specific risk profile and recommend the right combination of features to give you maximum protection without unnecessary complexity or expense.

Physical Security Features Available

• Holographic overlaminates that cannot be removed without destroying the card
• Microtext printing visible only under magnification
• UV fluorescent inks invisible under normal lighting conditions
• Guilloche background patterns that defeat photocopying attempts
• Sequential serial numbering for easy auditing and tracking
• Tamper-evident signature panels that show alteration clearly

Combining two or more of these features creates a card that is dramatically more secure than a card with just one protective element. We routinely help clients design multi-layer security schemes that match their threat level and budget without overcomplicating the cardholder experience or slowing down daily access operations.

Digital and Encoded Security Layers

Physical security features protect against visual forgery, but encoded data layers protect against electronic cloning and unauthorized duplication. MIFARE DESFire smart cards use AES-128 bit encryption, the same standard trusted by financial institutions and government agencies worldwide. This level of protection makes cloning an access card virtually impossible with any currently available consumer technology.

We also produce cards with iCLASS and HID-compatible encoding for clients who use those widely deployed access control platforms. Our encoding services are performed on professional equipment that ensures every card is written accurately and verified before it ships to you, so you never deal with a card that fails at the reader on its very first use.

Protecting Your Card Program Long-Term

A great card program is not a one-time project - it is an ongoing commitment to maintaining access integrity as your organization changes and grows over time. We help our clients plan for card lifecycle management, including scheduled reissuance programs that replace aging cards before they begin to fail in the field unexpectedly and create security gaps.

We also recommend pairing your physical cards with a solid deactivation protocol so that lost or stolen cards are immediately removed from your access system. Combined with our durable card construction, this approach gives you a security program that remains tight and reliable for years without requiring a complete system overhaul down the road.

Case Study: How One Campus Transformed Security with Access Control Cards

A mid-sized university in the Midwest was struggling with an outdated key-based security system that was costing thousands of dollars each year in rekeying fees after student turnover. They contacted us looking for a modern, scalable solution that could grow with their expanding campus and tighten security across dormitories, labs, and administrative buildings.

We recommended a phased rollout of MIFARE DESFire smart cards combined with on-site card printing using one of our dual-sided RFID encoding printers. Within a single semester, the campus had issued over 3,000 new cards and eliminated rekeying costs entirely. Their security team reported that managing access had never been faster or more straightforward.

The Challenge They Faced

Before making the switch, the campus security office spent an average of 40 hours per month dealing with lost key reports, lock changes, and access disputes between students and staff. This was consuming a significant portion of their operating budget and pulling staff away from more important security monitoring duties that the campus truly needed.

In addition, there was no reliable way to track who had accessed sensitive areas like chemistry labs or server rooms after hours. If something went missing or was damaged, investigators had no electronic record to reference, making accountability nearly impossible to establish after the fact. That gap in oversight was deeply concerning to campus leadership.

The Solution We Delivered

We worked closely with the campus IT and security teams to design a card that combined photo ID with MIFARE DESFire access credentials on a single, sleek, university-branded card. Our team handled everything from artwork setup to test encoding, ensuring that all cards worked perfectly with the campus reader infrastructure before full production began.

The in-house card printer we supplied allowed the campus to issue replacement cards within minutes rather than waiting days for outside vendors to deliver. That speed was a game-changer for the registrar's office and dramatically reduced the window of vulnerability when a card was reported lost or stolen by any member of the campus community.

The Results They Achieved

Within six months of launching the new card program, the campus reported a 90% reduction in security-related labor costs tied to access management. They also gained a complete electronic audit trail for all secured areas, giving administrators and law enforcement the data they needed to resolve two separate incidents that would have gone unsolved under the old key system.

The university is now expanding the program to include cashless dining, library check-out, and campus transit access - all on the same card that already handles security. This is exactly the kind of multi-application smart card solution that we excel at delivering to clients across the country, and we are proud of the outcome this campus achieved working with us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Cards

We talk to clients at every experience level, from first-time card buyers to seasoned security professionals upgrading large enterprise programs. Over the years, certain questions come up again and again, so we want to address the most common ones here clearly and directly to help you move forward with confidence.

If your question is not covered below, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team directly. We love talking about cards and we are genuinely happy to help you figure out the best path forward for your specific situation and budget.

How Many Cards Do I Need to Order at Minimum?

We offer flexible order quantities designed to fit organizations of all sizes. Whether you need 25 cards for a small medical practice or 25,000 cards for a large corporate rollout, we can accommodate your order with the same level of care and quality. You never have to order more than you actually need just to meet an unrealistic minimum threshold.

Larger orders do benefit from better per-card pricing, and we are always transparent about our pricing tiers so you can plan your budget accurately. We recommend thinking about your growth plans when placing an order so you can potentially take advantage of volume savings while stocking cards you know you will eventually use.

How Long Does It Take to Receive My Order?

Production and shipping times vary depending on the complexity of your order and the card type you select. Standard custom-printed cards typically ship within a few business days after artwork approval. RFID and smart card orders with encoding may require slightly more time to ensure every card is tested and verified before it leaves our facility.

We ship nationwide and work with reliable carriers to get your order to you as quickly as possible. Rush production options are available for clients with urgent needs, so if you are facing a tight deadline, call us right away and we will do everything we can to make it work for your specific timeline and requirements.

Can I Reorder the Same Card Design Later?

Absolutely - and this is one of the things our clients love most about working with us. We keep your artwork and card specifications on file so that reorders are fast, simple, and consistent with your original design. You will never have to start the design process from scratch just because you need to add cards for new employees or replace expired credentials.

Consistency across all your cards matters for brand integrity and security alike. When all your cards look exactly the same, it is much easier for your staff to spot an anomaly or an unauthorized card at a glance. Our file retention system supports that consistency across every reorder you place with us, no matter how much time has passed since your original order.

Card Carriers, Sleeves, and Accessory Products

An access card is only as effective as the system built around it. That is why we offer a complete range of accessories designed to support, protect, and present your cards professionally in every environment where they are used. We truly are a one-stop shop for everything your card program needs to succeed from day one.

From custom printed card carriers that package your new employee badges beautifully to heavy-duty card sleeves that protect high-use cards from scratches and demagnetization, our accessories lineup adds real value to every order we fulfill. These details matter more than many clients initially expect.

Custom Card Carriers and Presentation Packaging

When you hand a new employee or member their access card inside a professionally designed custom carrier, it makes an immediate impression. A card carrier printed with your logo, key instructions, and contact information transforms a simple card handout into a polished onboarding moment that reflects well on your entire organization.

We produce card carriers in a range of sizes and styles, from simple paper folders to sturdy double-pocket designs that hold a card and an informational insert together. Custom printing on carriers is available in full color so your branding carries through consistently across every single piece your cardholders receive from you.

Protective Sleeves and Lanyards

Card sleeves protect your access cards from the wear and tear of daily handling, keeping magnetic stripes clean and readable for much longer than unprotected cards typically last. We carry both clear vinyl sleeves and rigid hard-case holders in various sizes to fit standard CR80 cards as well as oversized credentials that some programs require.

Lanyards, badge reels, and clip accessories keep cards visible and accessible throughout the workday while reducing the risk of cards being lost or left behind. We stock a variety of lanyard styles and badge hardware so you can equip your entire team consistently and cost-effectively with everything they need to wear their credentials properly.

Full-Service Card Affixing and Mailing

For large card programs where mailing cards directly to cardholders makes more sense than an in-person distribution event, we offer a full-service affixing and mailing solution. We print your cards, attach them to custom carriers, and mail them to your list of recipients so you never have to handle the physical logistics of distribution yourself.

This service is especially popular with loyalty card programs, membership renewals, and alumni card distributions that involve hundreds or thousands of recipients spread across large geographic areas. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team can focus on the work that matters most to your organization's mission and daily operations.

Why Businesses Across the Country Trust Plastic Card ID

Trust is earned one order at a time, and we have been earning it consistently for over 25 years. More than 100,000 businesses have chosen us as their card partner, and that number keeps growing because we treat every client relationship as a long-term commitment rather than a single transaction. Your success is genuinely important to us.

We do not just fulfill orders - we provide guidance, expertise, and responsive service that makes the entire experience easy and enjoyable. From your very first inquiry to your tenth reorder, you will always feel like our most important client, because to us, you truly are.

What Sets Us Apart from the Competition

• Over 25 years of specialized experience in plastic card production
• More than 50 million cards produced for over 100,000 businesses
• Full in-house production capabilities for faster turnaround times
• Complete card program support including printers, supplies, and accessories
• Nationwide shipping directly to your door, every time
• Expert team available by phone to answer every question you have
• Custom design services to make your cards look outstanding
• Flexible order quantities with no unnecessary minimums

This combination of experience, capability, and genuine client focus is what makes working with us different from ordering cards from a generic print shop. We are specialists, and that specialization shows in every card we produce and every conversation we have with the people who depend on us.

Our Commitment to Quality on Every Order

Quality control is not an afterthought at our facility - it is built into every step of our production process. Every card we ship is inspected for print clarity, encoding accuracy, and physical integrity before it is packaged for delivery. We do not cut corners because we know that a single bad card can create a real problem for your security operation.

We use professional-grade PVC card stock and calibrated printing equipment to ensure that every card meets the dimensional and durability standards required by access control readers. Cards that are too thick, too thin, or warped will cause reader errors, and we simply do not let those cards leave our building. Your program depends on reliability, and we deliver it.

Long-Term Partnership Value

We believe the best client relationships are the ones that grow and evolve over time as your organization's needs change. As you expand locations, add new card types, or upgrade your technology platform, we are right here to support every step of that journey with the same expertise and enthusiasm we brought to your very first order.

Many of our clients have been ordering from us for a decade or more, and they continue to come back because we consistently deliver great results at fair prices. That loyalty is something we take very seriously, and we work hard every single day to make sure we keep earning it with every order we fulfill across the country.

Get Started with Plastic Card ID Today

There has never been a better time to upgrade your access control card program or launch a new one from scratch. Whether you need a handful of employee ID cards or a full enterprise-scale RFID smart card deployment, we have the products, the expertise, and the nationwide shipping capability to make it happen quickly and smoothly.

We make the process easy from your very first call. Tell us what you need, share your goals, and let our team build a solution that fits your organization perfectly. We handle the complexity so you can focus on running your business with confidence, knowing your access control program is in expert hands that truly care about your outcomes.

How to Place Your Order

Placing an order with us is simple and straightforward. Call our team at 800.835.7919, describe your project, and we will walk you through every option available to you. We ask the right questions to make sure you get exactly what you need the first time, without any costly mistakes or unnecessary delays that set your program back.

If you already know what you want, we can process your order quickly and get your production started right away. Our team is responsive and professional, and we treat every inquiry with the urgency it deserves. You will never be put on hold and forgotten - we are here to help you move forward with confidence and enthusiasm every step of the way.

Request a Custom Quote

Every organization has a unique set of requirements, and our pricing reflects that reality. We provide clear, detailed quotes that break down costs so you can make informed decisions about your card program investment. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no pressure to order more than you actually need right now for your program.

To request your custom quote, simply call us or reach out with your project details and we will respond with a thorough and transparent proposal. We price our products fairly because we want to build relationships that last for years, not just close a single sale and move on. Your long-term success is how we measure our own.

Call Right Now

Call today at 800.835.7919 - our team is standing by to help you design, produce, and deliver the perfect access control cards for your organization. Do not wait until your current system creates a security gap or a costly delay. Let us get your program running at its best starting right now.

Every day you delay upgrading your access control card program is another day of unnecessary risk and missed efficiency. We are ready, we are experienced, and we are genuinely excited to help you build something great. Pick up the phone and call at 800.835.7919 - your best card program starts with that one call.

Partner With Plastic Card ID for Access Control Cards That Deliver Results

At Plastic Card ID, we are more than just a card printer. We are your strategic partner in building an access control program that protects your people, strengthens your brand, and operates flawlessly day after day. With over 25 years of proven expertise and a nationwide shipping network that reaches every corner of the country, we are the partner your organization can rely on with complete confidence.

From RFID smart cards and photo ID badges to card printers, ribbons, and custom accessories, everything your program needs is available through one trusted source. We are proud of the work we do and we are proud of the results our clients achieve because they chose to work with us. Join over 100,000 businesses that already trust Plastic Card ID for their plastic card needs.

Call Plastic Card ID now at 800.835.7919 to place your order or ask any question you have. Our experts are ready to help you right now - and we look forward to earning your trust, one outstanding card at a time.