There are two popular types of magnetic striped cards:
Wondering which is best for you? The amount of data that can be encoded on to a card with a magnetic stripe is the same for both HiCo and LoCo cards. The primary difference has to do with how difficult it is to encode and erase the information on the stripe.
Learn more about the differences:
High-Coercivity Mag Stripe Cards
|
Low-Coercivity Mag Stripe Cards
|
| Typically black in color and encoded with a stronger magnetic field |
Typically brown in color and encoded at a low intensity magnetic field |
| Harder to erase/more durable |
Easier to erase |
| Common in applications where they require a longer card life and are swiped often |
Common in short term applications |
| Resistant to damage from most magnets or magnetic fields |
Can be damaged by even a brief contact with a magnetic field |
Common Applications
- Access control
- Time and attendance
- Gift cards
- Credit cards
- Employee ID cards
|
Common Applications
- Hotel room keys
- Visitor badges
- Season passes
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The most important question to ask yourself is: how long do we want/need the cards to last? All magnetic stripe cards can be reprogrammed, but it can be inconvenient. In most applications, HiCo cards are best. The small difference in price for the HiCo card is worth the value and reliability.
If you have more questions about mag stripe cards, call an ID Professional at (800) 321-4405. We're here to help!
