PVC Card - Everything You Need To Know

Introduction

A PVC card is a type of card that is made of plastic and is often used for financial transactions, identification, and various other applications. PVC cards are common for loyalty cards, debit cards, gift cards, and many other kinds of payment cards. This card is strong, flexible, and durable, making it ideal for a variety of uses. This article will provide an overview of the different types of PVC cards, the advantages and disadvantages of different card grades, and the use cases for PVC cards in different industries.

Types of PVC Cards

PVC cards are available in a wide range of card grades, from standard PVC to highly durable and porous materials. Some popular PVC card types are as follows:

• Standard PVC card: These cards are most commonly used for identification and access control purposes. They are relatively thin but still durable and can be printed on both sides. Standard PVC cards are also typically used as loyalty cards and access control cards.
• High-grade PVC card: These cards are usually much thicker than standard PVC cards and often contain additional features such as magnetic stripes or RFID tags. High-grade PVC cards are typically used in highly secure applications such as government ID, credit card, or access control cards.
• Polycarbonate card: These cards are extremely strong and durable and are usually used for applications that require maximum security. Polycarbonate cards are often used for high-security government ID, credit cards, and access control cards.
• Polyester card: This type of card is very resistant to heat, moisture, and chemical exposure and is ideal for long-term outdoor use. Polyester cards are often used for transportation, security, and military-grade cards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Card Grades

Depending on the card grade, some PVC cards may offer different advantages and disadvantages. Here are some examples:

Standard PVC Card

• Advantages:

  • Inexpensive
  • Thin lightweight
  • Printable on both sides

• Disadvantages:

  • Not as durable
  • Not suitable for outdoor use
  • Low security

High-grade PVC Card

• Advantages:

  • High security
  • Additional features such as mag stripes or RFID tags
  • More durable

• Disadvantages:

  • More expensive
  • Thicker bulkier than standard PVC cards

Polycarbonate Card

• Advantages:

  • Extremely strong and durable
  • High security
  • Ideal for outdoor use

• Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than other types of PVC cards

Polyester Card

• Advantages:

  • Highly resistant to heat, moisture, and chemical exposure
  • Ideal for long-term outdoor use
  • High security

• Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than other types of PVC cards

Use Cases for PVC Cards

PVC cards are used in a variety of industries for different applications. Here are some of the most common use cases for PVC cards:

Financial Services

• ATM/debit cards
• Credit cards
• Gift cards
• Loyalty cards

Identification

• ID cards
• Driver's licenses
• Government ID cards
• Military ID cards

Security Access Control

• Security badges
• Police ID cards
• Access control cards
• Biometric cards

Final Notes

PVC cards are an excellent solution for many different applications, from financial services and identification to security and access control. It is important to choose the right type of PVC card for your application, as different card grades have different advantages and disadvantages. With the right card grade, PVC cards can provide a high level of security and durability for a wide range of applications.