Access Control Cards: Secure Reliable Cards for Facility Management

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

There is something remarkable about handing someone a card. It is a small gesture, yet it carries enormous weight. At Plastic Card ID, we have spent more than 25 years turning that simple exchange into something truly powerful for businesses across every industry. From sleek access control cards to bold membership credentials, we craft plastic cards that do real work every single day.

We serve businesses of every size, from small local shops to large national organizations. Our team has helped over 100,000 businesses and delivered more than 50 million cards, and we are not slowing down. Whether you need secure building access cards, employee ID badges, or smart RFID cards, we have the expertise and equipment to deliver exactly what you need, shipped straight to your door anywhere in the country.

Getting started is simple. Our team is ready to help you choose the right card solution, customize your design, and get your order on its way fast. New customers and returning clients alike are always welcome to reach us directly at 800-835-7919. We make the process smooth, professional, and surprisingly easy.

What Makes Access Control Cards So Important?

Access control cards are more than just a way to open a door. They are a critical layer of security for any business, school, healthcare facility, or organization. When the right people can get in quickly and unauthorized individuals cannot, your entire operation runs more safely and smoothly every single day.

Think about how many times a day employees, visitors, and contractors move through secure areas in a busy building. Without a reliable access control card system, managing that flow becomes chaotic and risky. Our cards are built to handle high-frequency daily use without wearing out, which means your investment goes further and lasts longer than you might expect.

We design every access control card with precision and consistency so your system stays dependable. Whether your facility uses proximity readers, magnetic stripe systems, or smart chip technology, we produce cards that integrate seamlessly and perform reliably from the very first swipe to the thousandth.

Who Uses Access Control Cards?

The short answer is: almost everyone. Access control cards are used across a huge range of industries and settings. Hospitals rely on them to protect sensitive patient areas. Universities use them to secure dormitories and research labs. Corporate offices use them to manage entry points and track employee movement throughout the day.

Government buildings, fitness centers, hotels, data centers, and manufacturing plants all depend on access control card systems to keep their spaces safe and their operations running efficiently. We have proudly supplied cards to organizations in virtually every sector because the need for reliable, professional access control is universal and never going out of style.

No matter what industry you are in, we have the card type, technology, and customization options to match your exact requirements. Our team loves helping clients find the perfect solution, and we take genuine pride in delivering cards that make a real difference in day-to-day security management.

The Technology Behind Our Cards

Our access control cards are available in a wide variety of technologies, each designed for a specific level of security, convenience, and compatibility. From simple magnetic stripes to advanced RFID and contactless smart card technology, we offer it all under one roof so you never have to shop around.

RFID and contactless cards, including those using MIFARE DESFire technology, allow for fast, tap-to-enter convenience without sacrificing security. These cards communicate with readers wirelessly, reducing wear and tear and speeding up the entry process for high-traffic areas. We offer these in standard CR80 card size as well as custom shapes and formats.

Our smart cards can store and process data, enabling multi-application use cases where one card handles access control, time tracking, and even cashless payments within a facility. This versatility is one reason so many businesses choose us as their long-term card partner rather than just a one-time supplier.

Our Full Range of Plastic Cards and Solutions

We are proud to offer one of the most complete plastic card catalogs available anywhere. Access control cards are a cornerstone of what we do, but our expertise spans far beyond a single card type. Businesses come to us because we can handle virtually every card need they have, all from one reliable source that ships nationally.

Our product lineup is built around the idea that every card serves a purpose. Whether it is building loyalty, granting access, promoting a brand, or identifying a member, we match the right card technology and design to the right job. That kind of thoughtful approach is what keeps our clients coming back year after year.

• Access Control and Security Cards (Proximity, RFID, Smart Chip)
• Employee ID Badges and Photo ID Cards
• Gift Cards and Retail Loyalty Cards
• Membership Cards and Club Credentials
• Hotel Key Cards and Event Access Passes
• Casino Player Cards and VIP Cards
• Clear Plastic and Specialty Shaped Cards
• Luxury Metal Cards in Stainless Steel or Gold Finish
• Alumni Cards and Union Membership Cards
• Custom Postcard Mailers and Direct Mail Cards

Gift Cards That Drive Real Revenue

Gift cards are one of the most proven revenue tools available to retailers and service businesses today. Research consistently shows that businesses switching from paper gift certificates to professional plastic gift cards often see sales increases of up to 100%. That is not a small bump in revenue; that is a transformation in how customers engage with your brand.

We print gift cards with vibrant, full-color custom designs that reflect your brand perfectly. Whether you want a simple logo card or a stunning seasonal design, our printing capabilities deliver sharp, professional results every time. We also offer magnetic stripes and barcode encoding so your cards work seamlessly with your point-of-sale system.

Loyalty cards work hand-in-hand with gift cards to build long-term customer relationships. Studies show loyalty programs can boost overall sales by 35-50%, and a well-designed plastic loyalty card is far more effective at keeping customers engaged than a flimsy paper punch card that gets lost in a wallet after one visit.

ID Badges That Project Authority and Professionalism

First impressions matter enormously, and an employee ID badge is often one of the first things a visitor or client notices. A professionally printed ID badge tells the world that your organization takes security and presentation seriously. We produce ID cards with crisp photo printing, bold text, and durable laminate finishes that hold up to daily wear.

Our ID badges can include barcodes, magnetic stripes, proximity chips, or smart card technology depending on your access control requirements. We work with all major ID card printer brands and can supply both blank card stock and fully personalized printed cards to meet your exact workflow needs.

From small businesses issuing a dozen employee cards to large corporations needing thousands of ID badges with sequential numbering and encoding, we scale effortlessly to match your order size. Every card gets the same careful attention to quality no matter how large or small the job happens to be.

Specialty and Luxury Cards That Leave a Lasting Mark

Sometimes a standard card simply is not enough. For premium brands, executive programs, or VIP client experiences, we offer specialty card options that command attention and communicate exclusivity. Our clear plastic cards create a stunning visual effect that is impossible to ignore when pulled from a wallet or handed across a desk.

Luxury metal cards crafted from stainless steel, gold-finish, or brushed metal materials send an unmistakable message about your brand's quality and status. These cards are heavier, more durable, and far more memorable than a typical plastic card. They are ideal for high-end membership programs, executive client gifts, and premium loyalty rewards.

We also offer custom-shaped cards that go beyond the standard rectangle. Die-cut shapes that match your logo or brand silhouette create an unforgettable impression and make your card stand out from the pile every single time it is seen or handled by a customer or member.

Card Printers and Refill Supplies Shipped Nationwide

A great card starts with a great printer, and we carry the card printers, ribbons, cleaning kits, and accessories your operation needs to print professional cards in-house. Whether you are setting up an on-site ID printing station or running a high-volume card issuance program, we have the hardware and supplies to support you completely.

We ship card printers and all refill supplies to customers everywhere in the country, so no matter where your business is located, you can count on us to keep your operation stocked and running. Reorder supplies quickly and easily whenever you need them by calling us at 800-835-7919.

Popular Card Printer Brands We Carry

We work with the top card printer brands in the industry, offering reliable machines for every budget and print volume. Whether you need a compact desktop printer for occasional use or a high-throughput system for continuous card production, we match you with the right equipment for your exact needs and workflow.

Our printer selection covers single-sided and dual-sided printing, retransfer printing for edge-to-edge quality, and encoding options including magnetic stripe writers and smart card chip encoders. We help you understand the differences between models so you can make a confident, informed decision without feeling overwhelmed by the options.

• Zebra Card Printers - Reliable, fast, and widely used in corporate environments
• Matica Card Printers - High-quality retransfer printing for premium results
• Evolis Card Printers - Compact, user-friendly, ideal for small to mid-size operations
• Fargo (HID) Card Printers - Industry-standard for secure ID and access card issuance
• Kantek and Entrust Printers - Versatile options for varied business environments

Ribbons, Overlaminates, and Cleaning Supplies

Your printer is only as good as the supplies you put into it. We stock a comprehensive selection of color ribbons, monochrome ribbons, and specialty ribbons to match every printer model we sell. Using the correct ribbon ensures sharp, vibrant prints and extends the life of your printer's printhead significantly over time.

Overlaminates add an extra layer of protection to printed cards, shielding them from scratches, UV fading, and moisture. For access control cards that see daily use, this added durability is not optional; it is essential. We offer holographic overlaminates as well for added security and a premium visual finish.

Regular cleaning of your card printer prevents jams, streaks, and premature printhead wear. We offer cleaning kits that include cleaning cards, cleaning swabs, and cleaning rollers designed specifically for the printer models we carry. Keeping your printer clean is the easiest way to extend its life and maintain consistent print quality every single day.

Blank Card Stock and Accessories

We carry blank PVC card stock in standard CR80 size, as well as CR79 for overlaminates and other specialty formats. Our blank cards are compatible with all major card printer brands and are available in white, colored, clear, and pre-punched options to suit a wide range of applications and design needs.

Beyond cards and ribbons, we offer a full line of card accessories including lanyards, badge reels, card holders, badge clips, card sleeves, and custom card carriers. These finishing touches make a huge difference in how professionally your card program is presented to employees, members, and customers every day.

Why Businesses Choose Us for Access Control Cards

The access control card market is competitive, and businesses have choices. So why do so many organizations across the country keep coming back to us? The answer comes down to three things: quality that does not quit, service that goes the extra mile, and a product range broad enough to meet every need without sending you to a second vendor.

We have built our reputation one card at a time over more than 25 years, and we are incredibly proud of the trust that businesses place in us. Our team understands that access control cards are not just pieces of plastic. They are a critical part of your security infrastructure, and we treat every order with the seriousness that demands.

Consistent Quality You Can Count On

Every access control card we produce goes through a quality review process to ensure it meets our high standards before it ever ships to you. We use premium PVC card stock and top-grade printing materials that produce consistent, professional results across every card in every batch, whether you order 100 cards or 100,000 cards.

Consistency matters enormously in access control. A card that does not encode properly or swipe cleanly is more than an inconvenience; it is a security liability. We take that responsibility seriously and make sure every card we ship performs exactly as expected from the very first use in your reader or access system.

Our quality commitment extends to every product in our catalog, not just access control cards. From the ribbons in our printer supplies to the blank card stock we ship to in-house printing operations, we choose products we are proud to put our name on and stand behind completely.

Fast, Reliable National Shipping

We ship to businesses, organizations, and individuals across the entire country, and we take our shipping commitments seriously. When you place an order with us, you can expect it to be processed promptly and delivered on schedule, because we know your operation depends on receiving your cards and supplies when you need them most.

Rush orders and expedited shipping options are available for clients who need their access control cards quickly. Whether you are replacing lost cards, onboarding a new batch of employees, or launching a new security system, we work hard to make sure delays never become your problem. Our fulfillment team moves with urgency and care on every single order.

Reordering is quick and easy. Simply call us at 800-835-7919, and our team will pull up your previous order details, confirm any updates to your design or specifications, and get your new cards or supplies into production and on their way to you without unnecessary back-and-forth or delays.

Personalized Service from Real Experts

We are not a faceless online order portal. We are a team of real people who genuinely enjoy helping businesses solve their card program challenges. When you call us, you speak with someone who knows cards, knows printers, and knows how to help you get the best possible result for your specific situation and budget.

Our team asks the right questions to understand your access control environment, the volume of cards you need, the technology your readers use, and any customization requirements that are important to you. That kind of consultative approach saves you time, prevents costly mistakes, and makes sure your first order is exactly right from the start.

Case Study: How a Corporate Campus Transformed Its Security Program

One of our long-standing clients, a mid-size technology company with four office locations, came to us frustrated with inconsistent access control cards from their previous supplier. Cards were failing in readers, designs were printing inconsistently, and reordering was a confusing, time-consuming ordeal. We stepped in and turned things around completely.

We evaluated their existing access control infrastructure and recommended a switch to RFID proximity cards that were fully compatible with their HID-based readers. We redesigned their card template to include a clean, professional employee ID layout with their logo, employee photo, and access tier color coding for easy visual identification at security checkpoints.

The Challenge They Faced

Their old supplier was shipping cards that encoded inconsistently, causing reader failures that slowed down entry at busy times and created real security gaps. Employee frustration was rising, and the IT security team was spending valuable time troubleshooting card failures instead of focusing on more important infrastructure priorities.

The company had four separate campuses with different reader models, which meant they needed access control cards compatible across multiple system types. Their old vendor could not manage this complexity reliably, leading to separate orders from multiple suppliers and a logistical headache that grew worse with every employee onboarding cycle.

They also lacked a consistent visual design across all their ID cards, which made it harder for security personnel to quickly identify card tiers and visitor status. A cohesive, well-designed card system was as important to them as the technical performance, and they needed a supplier who could deliver both with equal competence.

Our Solution and the Results

We supplied RFID proximity cards tested and certified for compatibility with all four of their reader systems, eliminating the cross-campus inconsistency problem entirely. We also provided a fresh, unified card design that incorporated color-coded access tiers, making visual verification faster and more reliable for security staff at every location.

Within the first month of switching to our cards, reported reader failures dropped to near zero. Employee onboarding became faster and smoother, and the IT security team reclaimed hours each week that had previously been lost to troubleshooting. The company has been a loyal client ever since, reordering cards and supplies through us on a quarterly basis.

This kind of transformation is exactly what we aim to deliver for every client. When you work with us, you are not just buying cards. You are gaining a partner who takes your success personally and brings the expertise and resources to make your access control program work the way it should every single day going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About Access Control Cards

We get a lot of great questions from businesses exploring access control card solutions for the first time, as well as from experienced buyers who want to make sure they are getting the most out of their card programs. Here are some of the most common questions we hear, along with straightforward answers from our team.

If your question is not covered below, we are always happy to talk it through. Our team loves a good card conversation, and we promise not to make it more complicated than it needs to be. Reach us anytime at 800-835-7919 for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your needs.

What Card Technology Do I Need for My Access Control System?

The technology you need depends on the readers already installed in your facility. The most common access control card types are 125kHz proximity cards (the most widely used standard), 13.56MHz contactless smart cards (including MIFARE and MIFARE DESFire for higher security), and magnetic stripe cards for older systems. We help you identify which format your readers require so you never order the wrong type.

If you are setting up a new system from scratch, we strongly recommend considering contactless smart card technology. It is faster, more secure, and more versatile than older proximity or magnetic stripe formats. Smart cards can also support multiple applications on a single card, reducing the number of cards an employee or member needs to carry around daily.

We can supply cards in all of these formats, and our team will ask the right questions to confirm compatibility before your order is placed. Getting this right from the start is one of the most valuable things we do for new clients, and it is a free part of every conversation we have with you.

How Many Cards Should I Order at Once?

Minimum order quantities vary depending on the card type and customization level you need. Generally speaking, ordering in larger quantities reduces your per-card cost significantly and ensures you have cards on hand for new hires, replacements, and system expansions without waiting for a new production run every single time you need a few extra cards.

For most mid-size businesses, we recommend keeping a standing inventory of at least 10-15% above your current active card count. This buffer covers lost or damaged cards, new employee onboarding, and unexpected access expansions without creating an urgent rush order situation that could disrupt your schedule or operations at a critical moment.

Our team can help you calculate the right starting quantity based on your organization size, turnover rate, and growth plans. We also make reordering fast and simple so you are never without the cards you need when you need them most, regardless of the time of year or how quickly your headcount changes.

Can You Match Our Existing Card Design?

Absolutely. If you have an existing card design you love and simply need a new production run, send us your artwork files and we will match them as closely as possible in our printing process. We accept design files in standard formats and can work with your graphic designer or in-house marketing team directly if needed.

If you are starting fresh or want to refresh an older design, our team can help with that too. We understand card design best practices, including how to place security elements, employee photo areas, logo placement, and color coding in ways that are both attractive and functionally effective for your specific security program needs.

Access Control Cards Compared: A Quick Reference Guide

Industries We Proudly Serve Across the Nation

Our clients come from virtually every industry imaginable. Access control and plastic card needs are not limited to one sector or business type. The common thread connecting all of our clients is a need for reliable, professional cards that perform consistently and represent their organization well at every single use.

We love the variety of industries we get to serve, because every new client teaches us something and helps us grow our expertise even further. When you work with us, you benefit from lessons learned across thousands of different card programs in dozens of different industries across the entire country.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Hospitals, clinics, and medical research facilities have some of the most demanding access control requirements of any industry. Patient privacy, controlled substance security, and restricted laboratory access all require reliable, tamper-resistant access control cards that work flawlessly every single time a staff member needs to enter a secured area.

We supply healthcare organizations with RFID and smart card access control cards that integrate with leading healthcare security platforms. Our cards are durable enough to survive the frequent hand-washing and sanitizing that is standard in clinical environments, and our designs can include staff photos, department color coding, and other visual identification elements that support facility security protocols effectively.

Education and Universities

From dormitory access to library systems, meal plan tracking, and campus event management, universities use access control cards in more ways than almost any other institution. A well-designed campus card program improves student safety, simplifies administrative operations, and creates a stronger sense of community and belonging for everyone on campus.

We produce student ID cards, faculty credentials, alumni access cards, and event passes for educational institutions of every size. Our cards are designed to handle the active lifestyle of a student, surviving backpacks, wallets, and unpredictable weather while continuing to perform reliably in every reader on campus without fail throughout the full academic year.

We also help universities design phased card programs that can grow alongside their student population and technology upgrades. Starting with a proximity card system today does not lock you out of upgrading to smart card technology later, and we guide institutions through these transitions smoothly and affordably every step of the way.

Corporate and Commercial Offices

Corporate offices rely heavily on access control cards to manage employee movement, protect sensitive areas like server rooms and executive floors, and maintain a verifiable record of who accessed what and when. These are not just security tools; they are compliance tools that protect businesses from liability and regulatory risk in an increasingly strict environment.

We work with corporate clients to design access control card programs that are scalable, visually professional, and compatible with their existing building management systems. Whether you have one office or fifty locations nationwide, we deliver consistent card quality and service across your entire organization with the same care and attention to detail every single time.

Our Commitment to Long-Term Partnerships

We are not interested in one-time transactions. Our business model is built entirely around long-term relationships with clients who trust us to be there when they need us, whether that is for a first order, a rush reorder, a product question, or advice on upgrading their card program to meet new challenges and opportunities ahead.

The fact that we have served over 100,000 businesses and continue to grow speaks to something important: when businesses find a card supplier they can truly rely on, they stay. We earn that loyalty through consistent quality, responsive service, and a genuine interest in helping every single client succeed in whatever they are building.

Value-Added Services That Complete Your Card Program

We offer far more than just cards. Our value-added services include custom card carriers, branded card sleeves, card affixing, and full-service mailing programs that take the work off your plate entirely. When you need cards mailed directly to employees, members, or customers, we handle the entire process from printing to postage and delivery confirmation.

Custom card carriers and branded envelopes make a strong first impression when a new employee or member receives their access card. It signals that your organization cares about the details, and that attention to detail reflects positively on your brand in ways that are subtle but powerfully memorable for the person receiving that first card in the mail.

These services also reduce your internal workload significantly, freeing up your HR, facilities, or marketing team to focus on their most important responsibilities rather than stuffing envelopes and managing card distribution manually. We take that off your list and do it better, faster, and more cost-effectively than most organizations can manage in-house.

Straightforward Reordering That Saves You Time

We keep records of your card specifications, design files, and encoding requirements so that reordering is as simple as a single phone call. No need to resend artwork, re-explain your access control technology requirements, or wait for a lengthy setup process. We are ready to roll on your next order the moment you give us the green light to do so.

Reorder pricing is consistent and fair, with volume discounts available for larger quantities that reward clients who plan ahead and stock up intelligently. We are always transparent about pricing, and we never surprise clients with hidden fees or unexpected charges after an order has been placed, because trust is the foundation of every relationship we build.

Ready to Order? Here Is How Easy It Is to Get Started With Plastic Card ID

Getting your access control cards, card printers, or refill supplies ordered has never been easier. Our process is designed to take the stress out of card procurement so you can focus on what you do best while we handle everything on the card side of your business efficiently and professionally.

Step one: call us. That is really it. Our team at Plastic Card ID will walk you through everything else from there, asking the right questions, presenting the best options for your needs and budget, and putting your order into production as quickly as possible so you can count on receiving exactly what you need, right on time, anywhere in the country.

Our Simple Order Process

When you call us, one of our knowledgeable team members will take the time to understand your specific access control card requirements, your existing system technology, your design preferences, and your timeline. We do not rush this conversation because getting the details right at the start is what makes the final product exactly right when it arrives.

Once we confirm all the details, we send you a proof for approval before any cards go to print. You review the design, confirm the encoding specifications, and give us the go-ahead. From that point, our production team takes over and your cards are produced, quality checked, and shipped to your door on schedule without drama or delay.

1. Call us at 800-835-7919 to discuss your needs
2. Receive a customized quote with no hidden fees
3. Approve your digital proof before production begins
4. We produce and quality check every card in your order
5. Your order ships nationally with tracking provided
6. Reorder easily with a single phone call anytime you need more

Pricing That Works for Every Budget

Our access control cards are priced competitively, with ranges that accommodate small businesses placing modest orders and large organizations needing enterprise-scale card programs. Pricing varies based on card type, technology, quantity, and customization level, but we always give you a clear, honest quote before you commit to anything at all.

As a general guide, standard proximity access control cards typically range from $75-$200 per hundred cards depending on technology and customization. Smart cards with MIFARE DESFire encoding are priced higher given the advanced chip technology involved, and luxury options like metal cards carry a premium that is well worth it for high-impression programs.

Volume pricing makes a significant difference the larger your order. Clients who order in quantities of 500 or more typically see substantial per-card savings compared to smaller runs, and we are always happy to help you calculate the most cost-effective quantity strategy for your specific annual card usage and budget planning cycle.

Connect With Plastic Card ID Today and Experience the Difference

If your business relies on access control cards, employee IDs, or any kind of plastic card program, you deserve a supplier who takes your needs as seriously as you do. We have spent over 25 years earning the trust of more than 100,000 businesses, and we bring that same dedication to every new relationship we build, no matter the size of the order or the scale of the program.

We ship everything you need, from access control cards to card printers and refill supplies, to businesses everywhere across the country. We are easy to reach, easy to work with, and genuinely committed to delivering results that make your operation safer, more professional, and more efficient every single day. Call Plastic Card ID right now at 800-835-7919 and let us show you what a real card partnership looks like.

What Our Clients Say About Working With Us

Our clients consistently tell us that working with us feels different from working with other card suppliers. They describe our team as responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful in ways that go beyond just processing an order. That kind of feedback is what drives us to keep raising the bar on everything we do for our clients every single day.

Many of our clients have been with us for five, ten, even fifteen or more years. In an industry where switching suppliers is easy, that kind of long-term loyalty tells you something meaningful about the experience we deliver. We are proud of every long-standing relationship we have built and equally excited about every new one we are just beginning to develop right now.

Whether you are exploring access control cards for the first time or looking to upgrade a program that has grown beyond your current supplier's capabilities, we welcome the conversation. Call PCID at 800-835-7919 today, and let us show you exactly why so many businesses across the country trust us with their most important card programs year after year.

Your Next Step Starts With a Phone Call

We know you have options when it comes to access control cards and plastic card solutions. What sets us apart is not just our product quality or our national shipping capability. It is the way we treat every client like a true partner, with honesty, expertise, and a genuine commitment to getting it right for you every single time you work with us.

So take the next step right now. Pick up the phone, call 800-835-7919, and let our team at Plastic Card ID put 25 years of card expertise to work for your business. From your very first card order to your hundredth reorder, we will be here, ready to help, every step of the way.