Top 7 Types of Plastic Cards Every Business Should Know

[TL;DR]

Plastic cards boost business success through seven main types: gift cards for immediate sales, loyalty cards for repeat customers, membership cards for access control, discount cards for promotions, fundraising cards for community support, business cards for networking, and hanging gift cards for retail displays. Each type serves specific business needs while lasting longer than paper alternatives. DuraCard creates custom cards for all types with a 5-7 day turnaround, free design service, and compatibility with 200+ POS systems.

Your business needs more than just paper receipts and handwritten notes. Customers expect smooth, modern experiences that make them feel valued and keep them coming back. Yet many business owners struggle with customer retention, brand recognition, and creating that polished image that sets them apart from competitors.

The solution is right in your customers’ wallets.

Plastic cards change how businesses connect with customers, from boosting sales with gift cards to building loyalty through rewards programs. These versatile tools help you track customer behavior, increase repeat visits, and create a memorable brand experience that keeps your business top-of-mind.

Looking to improve your customer experience? DuraCard creates custom plastic cards for businesses across all industries, with fast turnaround and compatibility with over 200 POS systems.

Get Your Free Quote Today → (800) 318-3500

What Are Plastic Cards?

Plastic cards are durable, customizable cards made from various materials that serve multiple business and personal functions. These cards replace paper alternatives with professional-grade solutions that withstand daily use while representing your brand.

• PVC construction: Most popular material offering excellent durability and print quality
• Professional appearance: Cards look and feel more premium than paper alternatives
• Custom branding: Full-color printing showcases your logo and brand colors perfectly
• Multiple functions: One card can handle payments, access, identification, and loyalty programs
• Long-lasting investment: Quality cards maintain appearance and function for years

Pro Tip: 

The right plastic card can serve multiple purposes – a membership card can also function as a discount card, maximizing your marketing investment.

Common Materials Used

Modern plastic cards use several material options depending on your specific needs and budget:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Most common material offering excellent durability and print quality
• Polyester: Chemical-resistant option for harsh environments
• Polycarbonate: Premium material for high-security applications
• Eco-friendly options: Biodegradable materials for environmentally conscious businesses

Printing and Customization Possibilities

Today’s printing technology allows unlimited design possibilities for your plastic cards. DuraCard’s advanced printing capabilities ensure your cards reflect your brand perfectly while meeting functional requirements.

• Full-color printing: Vibrant colors on both sides of every card
• Variable data options: Add barcodes, magnetic stripes, or unique numbering
• Custom shapes: Create unique die-cuts that match your brand identity
• Special finishes: Foil stamping, embossing, and metallic effects available
• RFID technology: Modern contactless options for advanced applications

The 7 Main Types of Plastic Cards

Each type of plastic card serves specific business needs, from increasing sales to building customer relationships. Understanding these options helps you choose the right solution for your goals.

1. Gift Cards

Gift cards provide prepaid value that customers can use at your business, typically featuring magnetic stripes or barcodes for easy POS integration. These cards generate immediate cash flow while guaranteeing future customer visits. In fact, according to ICMA, U.S. consumers spend over $100 billion annually on gift cards.

• Works with most POS systems: Connect with 200 POS systems 
• Immediate cash flow: Get money upfront for future purchases
• Custom designs: Add your logo, colors, and special offers to make cards stand out
• Multiple values: Let customers choose amounts that fit their budgets
• Guaranteed return visits: Gift card holders will come back to spend their balance

Want to start capturing more sales with custom gift cards? DuraCard makes it simple with free design service and a fast turnaround.

 Get Your Gift Card Quote → (800) 318-3500

Quick Check: 

Always include clear terms and conditions on your gift cards, including expiration policies and usage restrictions.

2. Loyalty & Reward Cards

Loyalty and reward programs track customer purchases and offer incentives for repeat business through points, discounts, or exclusive offers. These programs turn one-time shoppers into regular customers while providing valuable shopping data. According to Forbes, loyalty members are 59% more likely to choose your brand over competitors and 43% more likely to make weekly purchases.

• Track customer habits: See what people buy and when they shop
• Automatic rewards: Points add up with each purchase
• Personalization features: Add customer names and photos to cards
• Magnetic stripe encoding: Works smoothly with most POS systems
• Increase repeat business: Customers return to earn and use rewards

Insider Note: 

Start with a simple points system before adding complex tiers or partnerships.

3. Membership Cards

Membership cards identify members of organizations, clubs, gyms, or associations while providing access control and member benefits. These cards create a sense of belonging and exclusivity while helping organizations manage access.

• Photo ID capabilities: Add member photos for extra security
• Access control: Use with electronic locks and entry systems
• Serial numbering: Track each member with a unique identification
• Signature panels: Add extra security with handwritten signatures
• Premium quality: Professional construction makes members proud to carry your card

Want to create membership cards that members actually want to carry? DuraCard’s quality construction and custom design options make your organization look professional.

[Design Your Membership Cards →]

Smart Move: 

Consider what level of security your organization needs before choosing features like photo IDs or magnetic stripes.

4. Discount Cards

Discount cards offer predetermined savings on products or services, either for limited-time promotions or ongoing customer benefits. These cards work great for attracting new customers while rewarding loyal ones with exclusive savings.

• Fixed savings: Offer set dollar amounts or percentage discounts
• Time limits: Create urgency with expiration dates
• Partner opportunities: Work with other businesses for shared promotions
• Customer retention: Reward loyal customers with exclusive deals
• Easy tracking: Monitor which discounts work best for your business

5. Fundraising Cards

Fundraising cards help schools, sports teams, and community organizations raise money while providing value to supporters through discounts at participating businesses. These cards create lasting relationships between organizations and local businesses.

• Dual benefits: Organizations make money while supporters save money
• Community partnerships: Connect with local businesses for mutual support
• Year-long value: Supporters get ongoing savings throughout the card’s life
• Custom designs: Show team colors, school logos, or community themes
• Easy distribution: Lightweight cards are simple to sell and carry

Pro Tip: 

Partner with businesses your supporters actually use for maximum card value and appeal.

6. Plastic Business Cards

Plastic business cards replace traditional cards with durable, memorable alternatives that stand out in networking situations. Unlike paper cards, plastic business cards resist water damage and normal wear while feeling premium in recipients’ hands.

• Advantages over paper: Won’t tear, fade, or get damaged like paper cards
• Stand out: Unique feel and look make people remember you
• Design flexibility: Create cards that match your business style
• Unique finishes: Add clear sections, metallic effects, or raised textures
• Better retention: People keep interesting plastic cards instead of throwing them away

Mind-Blowing Fact: 

Plastic business cards have 10x longer retention rates than paper cards because recipients are more likely to keep and reference the unique, durable design.

7. Hanging Gift Cards

Hanging gift cards feature die-cut hang tabs that allow retail display on hooks, maximizing visibility and impulse purchases. These cards are perfect for high-traffic retail locations where customers make last-minute gift decisions.

• Eye-catching displays: Hang prominently where customers will see them
• Custom die-cuts: Create unique shapes that grab attention
• Impulse sales: Perfect placement for last-minute gift purchases
• Space efficient: Takes up minimal store space while generating sales
• Retail popularity: Grocery stores and pharmacies love the easy display options

Quick Hint: 

Make sure your hanging gift card design works well both on the rack and in customers’ wallets.

Contact Our Team → (800) 318-3500

Key Benefits of Plastic Cards for Businesses

Smart business owners recognize that plastic cards deliver multiple advantages that paper alternatives simply cannot match. These benefits extend beyond simple durability to include enhanced customer perception, increased brand visibility, and improved operational efficiency.

Professional Image and Brand Recognition

Plastic cards elevate your brand image by demonstrating attention to quality and detail. Customers associate durability and professional appearance with business reliability and success. When you hand someone a quality plastic card, it immediately communicates that your business invests in excellence.

• Enhanced credibility: Quality cards make your business appear more established and trustworthy
• Portable advertising: Every card becomes a mobile billboard for your brand
• Memorable impression: Recipients remember businesses that give them something substantial
• Brand consistency: Maintain your visual identity across all customer touchpoints
• Premium positioning: Stand out from competitors using cheap paper alternatives

Durability and Longevity

Unlike paper alternatives that fade, tear, or become damaged, quality plastic cards withstand daily use for years. This longevity means customers keep your brand visible in their wallets long-term while reducing replacement costs for your business.

• Weather resistance: Cards survive rain, humidity, and temperature changes
• Bend tolerance: PVC construction flexes without breaking or cracking
• Fade protection: Colors stay vibrant even with frequent handling
• Cost efficiency: One-time investment lasts for years instead of frequent replacements
• Wallet longevity: Customers keep durable cards instead of discarding damaged ones

Versatility for Marketing, Access, and Payment Needs

Modern plastic cards serve multiple functions simultaneously. A membership card can include loyalty program features, discount benefits, and access control capabilities, maximizing your return on investment while simplifying customer experiences.

• Multi-function capability: One card handles multiple business needs
• POS integration: Works seamlessly with existing payment systems
• Data collection: Track customer behavior and preferences automatically
• Scalability: Programs grow with your business without major changes
• Technology compatibility: Adapts to new systems and features over time

Choosing the Right Plastic Card for Your Needs

Selecting the perfect card type depends on your specific business goals, customer base, and operational requirements. The right choice maximizes your return on investment while meeting customer expectations.

• Clear purpose definition: Identify whether you want to increase sales, build loyalty, control access, or enhance brand image
• Security level needed: Determine if you need basic identification or advanced features like magnetic stripes or RFID
• Design requirements: Consider branding needs, custom shapes, and special finishes that reflect your business
• Budget planning: Balance upfront costs with long-term value and card lifespan
• Integration needs: Ensure compatibility with existing POS systems and business processes.

Note: 

DuraCard’s free design consultation helps you choose the right combination of features for your specific business needs.

Plastic Cards That Make a Lasting Impression

Professional plastic cards set you apart from competitors while providing practical benefits that customers genuinely value. DuraCard has been America’s trusted partner for custom plastic card solutions, helping businesses from startups to enterprises create memorable customer experiences. 

Your customers deserve more than paper. Give them plastic cards that reflect your commitment to quality.

FAQs

What is the difference between a gift card and a loyalty card?
A gift card is a prepaid card loaded with a set amount of money for purchases. A loyalty card, on the other hand, tracks customer activity and rewards repeat purchases with points, discounts, or perks. It does not carry any cash value.

How do fundraising cards work?
Fundraising cards are sold by organizations to raise money. These cards offer buyers ongoing discounts at participating businesses, helping supporters save while contributing to a cause.

What are the benefits of using plastic business cards over paper cards?
Plastic business cards are more durable and water-resistant. They also offer a premium look and feel, leaving a stronger impression and lasting longer than traditional paper cards.

Can membership cards include security features?
Yes. Membership cards can include barcodes, magnetic stripes, RFID chips, or holograms. These features help control access and prevent unauthorized use.