Omar Khalid
Plastic cards are thin, numbered cards made of plastic with metal components that are used for identification, payment, or as a marketing tool. They can be used as debit or credit cards, allowing users to make electronic transactions, pay for goods and services, and access their financial accounts. They can also be used as ID cards, driver's licenses, and health insurance cards. PVC is the most prevalent material used for ID cards due to its durability, flexibility, and low cost. In marketing, plastic cards can be used to emphasise a brand, such as a dentist using clear plastic with an x-ray design.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Credit card or other card used to pay for things or get money from the bank |
| Types | Debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, forex cards, business cards, ID cards, etc. |
| Uses | Paying for things, getting money, identification, authorisation, promotion, etc. |
| Features | Photographs, security holograms, guillochés, magnetic strips, electronic chips, RFID, PINs, EMV chips, two-factor authentication, etc. |
| Advantages | Convenience, security, record-keeping, brand promotion, durability, flexibility, etc. |
| Disadvantages | Cannot be folded, normal pens and pencils won't write on them, highly saturated cards can scratch |
| Materials | Polyethylene chloride (PVC), polyethene terephthalate (PET) |
| Sizes | 5 different sizes, the most common being CR80 (3.375" x 2.2125") |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic cards are used for identification and authentication
Plastic cards are used for a variety of purposes, including identification and authentication. They are commonly used as credit or debit cards, allowing users to make electronic transactions and access their financial accounts on the go. This type of plastic money replaces cash transactions, providing convenience, security, and record-keeping benefits.
One of the key advantages of plastic cards is their ability to serve as identity documents. They provide authentication and authorisation by combining stored data with other security features such as PIN numbers, security holograms, or magnetic strips. Early plastic cards were simpler, featuring integrated photographs or security holograms to prevent imitation.
Today, plastic cards have evolved to include electronic chips (smart cards) that enable advanced security measures. These cards serve as high-security electronic documents, allowing users to drive, receive medical treatment, and conduct banking activities, among other authorised activities. The International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) reported a record-high production of 37.1 billion cards in 2019, highlighting the widespread adoption of plastic cards for identification and authentication purposes.
Beyond financial transactions, plastic cards are also used for identification in various other contexts. For example, they can be utilised as business cards, VIP cards, or even announcement cards. The use of clear plastic cards can be advantageous for certain industries, such as a dentist including an X-ray on the card or a window company displaying their products. Frosted plastic cards provide a unique, semi-transparent look, while white plastic cards offer opacity and are suitable for printing QR codes, photos, and text.
The versatility of plastic cards extends to their customisation options. They are available in different sizes and can be designed with bold colour blocks, simple designs, and large text. Additionally, security features such as UV printing, luster ribbon, holographic laminate, and tactile impressions can be added to deter counterfeiting and enhance authentication.
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They can be used to pay for things or withdraw money
Plastic cards are a convenient and secure way to pay for things or withdraw money. They are thin, usually made of plastic with some metal components, and can be used for various financial transactions. One of the most common types of plastic cards is a debit card, which is directly linked to your bank account. With a debit card, you can easily withdraw cash from an ATM or make purchases at retail stores or online. The money is instantly debited from your account, offering a swift and efficient way to pay.
Credit cards are another popular form of plastic card. They allow you to make purchases now and pay for them later, with the bill sent to you at a later date. Credit cards provide revolving credit benefits, as the credit limit is reset each month. This type of plastic money gives you access to funds when you need them, offering flexibility and convenience.
Prepaid cards are also available, which help with budgeting by allowing you to load a specific amount of money onto the card. Forex cards are a type of prepaid card that is useful for travellers, as they can be loaded with multiple foreign currencies, locking in the exchange rate and protecting against fluctuations.
Plastic cards provide a secure way to access your finances. They often feature advanced security measures such as PINs, EMV chips, holograms, and two-factor authentication to protect your transactions and personal information. In the event of loss or theft, you can quickly report and block the card, minimising the risk of unauthorised access to your funds.
Additionally, plastic cards can serve as identity documents, providing authentication and authorisation. They may include integrated photographs, security holograms, or magnetic strips that store personal data. More advanced smart cards are equipped with electronic chips, enhancing security and allowing cardholders to qualify for various services like driving or receiving medical treatment.
Overall, plastic cards offer a versatile, convenient, and secure method for paying for goods and services, withdrawing cash, and managing your finances.
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They can be used as business cards or marketing tools
Plastic cards are increasingly being used as business cards or marketing tools. They can be customised with bold blocks of colour, large text, photos, and other unique designs. For instance, a dentist could use a clear plastic card with an x-ray printed on it, while a finance company could use a white plastic card to give a feeling of protected credit. Frosted plastic cards provide a semi-transparent, textured, and cloudy look, which is ideal for lighter colours or photos.
Beyond business cards, plastic cards can be used for rewards cards, VIP cards, bookmarks, ID cards, and announcement cards. They can also be used as marketing tools, such as putting an offer or a discount on the card.
Plastic cards can be made from durable and flexible materials like PVC, which is the most prevalent material used for ID cards. They can be designed with security features such as UV printing, holographic laminate, tactile impressions, and magnetic stripes to protect against counterfeiting.
The use of plastic cards as business cards or marketing tools can be an effective way to emphasise a brand's identity and leave a lasting impression on potential clients or customers.
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They can be made of PVC or polyethylene chloride
Plastic cards are a common feature of our daily lives, with a wide range of applications. When we refer to "plastic cards," we are generally talking about a specific type of card made from synthetic materials, most commonly PVC or polyethylene chloride. These cards are durable, flexible, and have a range of benefits over traditional paper or cardboard options.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a popular choice for plastic cards as it is strong, durable, and has a degree of flexibility. This material is known for its longevity and is resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for cards that are handled frequently. PVC is also a good option for cards that may be exposed to varying environmental conditions as it is weather-resistant and can withstand temperature changes without warping or cracking. This material is a common choice for ID cards, membership cards, and loyalty cards, among other uses.
Polyethylene chloride is another frequently used material for creating plastic cards. This material has a similar durability to PVC but offers a higher level of flexibility. This can be beneficial for cards that need to be bent or twisted without causing damage. Polyethylene chloride is often the material of choice for cards that require a smooth, high-quality finish, as it provides an excellent base for printing and design work. Gift cards, promotional cards, and business cards are often made from this material.
The process of creating these cards involves mixing and melting the chosen synthetic material and then shaping it into the desired form. This allows for a high degree of customization in terms of size, shape, and thickness. Once the base card is formed, it can be printed on, embossed, or customized in a variety of ways to suit the specific purpose of the card. This could include adding magnetic strips, barcodes, signatures, or photographs, depending on the intended use.
The versatility of these synthetic materials means that plastic cards can be tailored to a wide range of requirements, making them a popular and long-lasting feature of our wallets and purses. Whether for identification, payment, or promotional purposes, plastic cards made from PVC or polyethylene chloride offer a durable and adaptable solution.
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They can have features like magnetic stripes, chips, or RFID
Plastic cards are used for a variety of purposes, including identity documents, credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, business cards, and more. They are usually made of durable and flexible Polyethylene Chloride (PVC) and often feature security measures such as magnetic stripes, chips, or RFID technology.
Magnetic stripes were one of the earliest features of plastic cards, allowing for the storage of a small amount of personal data. This technology is still used today, often in combination with other security features, to protect against unauthorised access to funds and personal information.
Cards with electronic chips, also known as smart cards, offer increased security and functionality. These chips can be used for storage or RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) capabilities, enabling the card to be used for a variety of purposes. For example, a smart card can serve as a driver's license, allowing the holder to qualify to drive, or as a health insurance card, providing access to medical treatment.
RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags containing electronically stored information. This allows for contactless transactions, where the card does not need to be swiped or inserted into a reader. RFID-enabled cards can also be used for access control, such as opening doors or authorising the use of specific equipment.
The design of plastic cards can also be customised to enhance security and brand recognition. For instance, clear plastic cards can be used to showcase products or services, as in the case of a window or blind company providing customers with a glimpse of what they sell. Frosted plastic cards offer a unique, semi-transparent look, while white plastic cards provide a feeling of protected credit and print well with QR codes, photos, and text.
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Frequently asked questions
A plastic card is a thin card made of plastic, sometimes with metal components, that can be used to pay for things or withdraw money from a linked bank account.
Plastic cards can be debit cards, credit cards, prepaid cards, forex cards, business cards, ID cards, or even announcement cards.
Polyethylene chloride (PVC) is the most prevalent material used for plastic cards. Composite cards, which are a combination of PVC and PET (polyethene terephthalate), provide additional durability.
Plastic cards offer convenience, security, and easy record-keeping. They eliminate the need to carry large amounts of cash and can be easily blocked if lost or stolen.
Yes, plastic cards can be customised with different colours, photos, and text. However, normal pens and pencils will not write on plastic cards, so it is recommended to use sharpies or paint pens instead.
