How to specify a plastic card Function first, then finish.
The decisions that change how a plastic card looks, feels and works — in the order that saves you a reprint.
Start with the job
Start with what the card has to do, not how it should look. A business card has to impress and survive a wallet; a membership card has to be checked at a door; a gift card has to work with a till. That decides the technology, which decides the stock and finish.
We use this reader and software, need these fields, and want a tap to open our booking page.
Please add a chip.
Then choose: size → thickness → stock → print and finish → technology → personalisation.
Stock
| Stock | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| White PVC | Business, membership, loyalty, gift, ID | Most accurate colour; matt or gloss |
| Clear / frosted | Distinctive business and VIP cards | Needs white ink for solid colour |
| Satin black / metallic | Premium business, VIP, gift | Foil and white ink; test with NFC |
| Recycled PVC | Lower-impact schemes | Claims follow the stock certificate |
| PET | Brands that specify PET | On request, subject to certified stock |
| Rewritable | Visitor and temporary cards | Needs a compatible printer |
Print & finish
- Full colour (CMYK) on one or both sides is standard.
- Matt or gloss laminate: gloss for punchy colour, matt for a soft feel and fewer fingerprints.
- White ink makes colour opaque on clear, frosted or dark stock.
- Foil — gold or silver metal on names, logos or borders.
- Write-on panels for signatures, stamps and handwritten codes.
- Specialist coatings (our PPF / ceramic showcase) are sampled first.
Technology
| Option | How it’s read | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| QR code | Phone camera | Links, sign-ups, vCards — the widest compatibility |
| Barcode | Till or handheld scanner | Loyalty, membership and gift cards in EPOS |
| Magnetic stripe | Swipe reader (HiCo / LoCo) | Existing stripe systems |
| NFC (NTAG213/215/216) | Phone tap or NFC reader | Tap-to-open links, business cards, check-in |
| Access chips (e.g. MIFARE) | Specific access readers | Doors and closed systems — confirm the reader first |
Personalisation
Variable-data printing puts a different name, number, photo, barcode or QR code on each card from one spreadsheet — one row per card. Print only the personal information you need, and send data securely. You approve a proof with sample data before anything prints.
Know what you need? Price it.
The quote builder shows the price as you choose stock, extras and quantity.