Customers often inquire about which magnetic stripe card will work best for them. The fact is that everyone’s application is a bit different. That's why a quick conversation with an ID Professional like me could save you substantial time in the long run.
By understanding what differentiates a high coercivity (also called a "HiCo" card) from a low coercivity (also referred to as a "LoCo" card) magstripe card, you'll get valuable insight on how to choose the best solution for your business requirements.
What's the Different Between HiCo & LoCo Cards?
Both HiCo and LoCo cards are able to store or encode the same amount of data. The primary difference between these two card types is how easy it is to encode and erase that information. Once you're able to determine the length of time you want the data to remain “active” on your cards, it will help you determine which card type is best for you.
A few facts about
high coercivity cards:
- Data is more difficult to erase
- They're more durable than LoCo cards
- They can be swiped many more times than LoCo cards
- They have a stronger magnetic field which is key in prolonging the life of the cards that require a more "long-term" solution
- Typical applications for HiCo cards include:
- credit cards
- proximity cards
- drivers licenses
- time and attendance
- any bank or payment card
And a couple of things to note about
low coercivity cards:
- Data is relatively simple to erase
- They're not as durable or long-lasting as HiCo cards
- LoCo cards are more susceptible to damage when in close proximity to magnets or magnetic fields
- They have a weaker or lower intensity magnetic field which results in shorter longevity
- Most often used in short-term applications such as:
- hotel key cards
- mass transit tickets
- season passes
- gift cards
As you can see, HiCo cards are typically a more dependable solution for organizations with more of a long-term card need. The small margin in price – coupled with a more reliable card – makes the HiCo card the magnetic stripe card of choice.
No matter what your card needs are, you can rely on a knowledgeable ID Professional to ask the right questions to ensure you get the card that's best for your unique business requirements! Call us today at (800) 321-4405.
Low coercivity cards generally have a brown magnetic stripe, and high coercivity cards have a black magnetic stripe.
