Decide the use case
First, think about how the card will be used.
Membership cards
Point cards
Patient cards
Employee badges
Access control cards
The recommended card type varies depending on the use case.
New to Card Making?
We'll help you choose the right card for your needs — membership cards, patient cards, employee badges, point cards, and more.
No expert knowledge required. Based on your intended use and preferences, we'll guide you to the card specifications that fit your purpose.
Choosing a card just takes deciding these 3 things
You don't need to memorize card types or material names.
Once you decide "what it's for," "how you'll manage it," and "how long you'll use it," it becomes much easier to narrow down the right card for your needs.
Decide how to manage it
Decide how information will be managed.
Manage by printed content
Read via QR code / barcode
Use a magnetic stripe card
Authenticate with an IC card
The specifications required will vary by operating method.
Decide thickness and finishing
Finally, choose the card thickness and finishing.
For long-term use, choose 0.76mm
For thin, mass distribution, choose 0.25mm
Add finishing such as QR codes or numbering as needed
Choose specifications tailored to your use case with no waste.
4 popular card types
Choosing by use case makes card selection much easier.
Plastic Card
The standard type chosen most often for membership cards, point cards, patient cards, and more.
- ✓ Membership cards
- ✓ Point cards
- ✓ Shop cards
PET Card
Thin and lightweight — recommended for handout cards and promotional cards.
- ✓ Handout cards
- ✓ Event cards
- ✓ Campaign cards
IC Card
A contactless card read by tapping.
- ✓ Access control
- ✓ Member authentication
- ✓ Attendance management
Rewritable Card
The information printed on the card surface can be rewritten and reused repeatedly.
- ✓ Point balance display
- ✓ Usage history management
- ✓ Expiration date display
Difference between PVC and PET cards
"PVC" and "PET" are the two materials most commonly used in card production.
PVC Card
The most common card material, chosen by the majority of customers as the standard option.
- Used for a wide range of purposes, including membership cards, point cards, patient cards, and employee badges.
- If you're unsure about a standard membership or patient card, PVC is often the choice.
PET Card
A material chosen for thin cards or when material properties matter for your specific use case.
- Slightly stiffer than PVC, and available from thin to standard thickness.
Both materials suit a wide range of uses, but they differ in thickness, texture, and durability.
PVC is generally chosen for standard membership and point cards, while PET is chosen when thinness or specific material properties matter.
Thickness Differences
Card thickness is chosen based on the intended use and how long the card will be used.
0.76mm
The standard thickness, the same as a credit card.
Recommended for cards used long-term, such as membership cards, employee badges, patient cards, and IC cards.
The most commonly chosen thickness.
0.5mm
Slightly thinner than standard, balancing lightness and strength.
0.3mm
A thin type, also used for handout cards and promotional purposes.
0.25mm
The thinnest type available.
Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for mass distribution and promotional use.
Choosing how to manage information
The equipment and operation required depend on how you store information on the card.
QR Code / Barcode
A method for reading card numbers or membership information.
Easy to integrate with dedicated apps or POS systems, and widely used for membership and point cards.
- Membership cards
- Point cards
- Patient cards
- Stamp cards
and more.
Magnetic Stripe Card
A type that is read via the magnetic stripe on the back of the card.
Used by stores and facilities that already use magnetic stripe readers.
- Membership management
- Point management
- Reception management
and more.
IC Card
A contactless type read by tapping the card.
Used for applications requiring a high level of management, such as member authentication and access control.
- Access control
- Member authentication
- Attendance management
and more.
Rewritable Card
A card whose surface display can be rewritten and reused repeatedly.
- Point balance
- Expiration date
- Usage history
Used for operations that require regular updates.
* Requires a rewritable-card-compatible printer.
Choosing Finishing Options
You can add the finishing options you need for your use case. There's no need to include every option — we recommend choosing only what your operation requires.
Finishing useful for information management
QR code / barcode printing
Used to manage membership numbers or customer information.
Variable QR code / variable barcode printing
Prints different information on each card.
Numbering
Member numbers, employee numbers, and management numbers can vary card by card.
Finishing useful for signing & authentication
Signature panel (white/clear)
Can be used as a signature field or handwriting area.
Magnetic stripe / magnetic encoding
Supports operation with magnetic stripe readers.
Finishing to enhance design
Foil stamping (hot stamping)
Express logos or text in gold or silver foil.
Embossing (gold/silver)
Give card numbers or names a raised, 3D appearance.
Matte finish
A subdued, premium-feeling texture.
Before you order
For special specifications such as IC cards, magnetic stripe cards, and rewritable cards, we recommend confirming compatibility with your equipment beforehand.
Even without design data, we can advise on production based on your logo or text information.
Delivery Estimates
Delivery times vary depending on the card type and finishing options.
Standard printed cards ship within 10 business days after final design approval.
| Standard printed cards | Ships within 10 business days after final design approval |
|---|---|
| IC cards / rewritable cards | Ships within 10 business days after final design approval |
| Blank white cards | Approximately 1–7 business days |
| When design creation is needed | Design proposal provided within approximately 3 business days |
* Orders with design confirmed by 3:00 PM are processed the same day; those confirmed after 3:00 PM are processed the next business day.
* Delivery may take longer than usual during long holidays, year-end/New Year, and peak seasons.
Easy 5-Step Card Creation (PC & Mobile Friendly)
01
Registration
Register your details
to create an account
02
Enter Specs
Select a product and
enter your order details
03
Submit Artwork
Review your details
and submit your artwork
04
Printed and finished
with careful attention
05
After inspection, your
order is delivered
* Standard delivery estimates will be provided once your order details and specifications are confirmed.
* If design confirmation is required, production begins once confirmation is complete.
Not sure about specifications yet? No problem.
If you can tell us the use case, quantity, read method, and desired delivery date, we can work together to sort out the right card type and finishing.