How to Choose Magnetic Stripe Cards & Protect Them from Damage

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Magnetic stripe cards – also known as mag stripe cards or swipe cards – are a popular choice for cards that store data, such as ATM and bank cards; gift, membership, and phone cards; access control cards; hotel key cards; and library and transit cards.

But choosing the wrong variety of magstripe card – or not protecting the card from damage – can cause the cards to not work as expected.

In our experience magnetic stripe cards, when properly selected and cared for, retain their data sufficiently and remain a great cost-saving alternative to smart cards.

Shop all mag stripe cards - generic (value), name brand, and biodegradable eco-friendly at IDCardGroup.comWhat is a Magnetic Stripe Card?

A magnetic stripe card is a type of card capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the card. The magnetic stripe, sometimes called swipe card or magstripe, is read by physical contact and swiping past a magnetic reading head.1

What Damages a Magnetic Stripe Card?

You can run into problems when a mag stripe card has prolonged or constant exposure to any item that may wear down or scratch the stripe – like another plastic card or cell phone that rubs against your card.

With such wear-and-tear conditions over time, the data on your mag stripe card may no longer be read by a card reader machine, including a hotel card key lock. The best way to prevent this kind of damage is to handle your card with care.

Tips for Protecting A Magnetic Stripe Card

To protect your magstripe card:

  • Keep each mag stripe card in a separate pocket within your wallet or clothing to prevent them from rubbing against one another
  • For highest protection, place each mag stripe card in a protective badge holder or wallet holder compartment
  • Keep all mag stripe cards away from magnets

HiCo and LoCo Cards – What Does it Mean and What’s the Difference?

HiCo stands for high-coercivity and LoCo stands for low-coercivity. Coercivity refers to the magnetic material’s resistance to becoming demagnetized – therefore, HiCo and LoCo represent different standards of card durability and security.

Coercivity is usually measured in Oersted (Oe) units to denote the magnetic stripe’s strength or intensity. High-coercivity (HiCo) stripes are magnetically harder, while low-coercivity (LoCo) stripes are magnetically softer.

HiCo mag stripe cards can run as high as 4000 Oe; however, a 2750 Oe is common for most HiCo cards. In contrast, LoCo cards are 300 Oe.

LoCo is best suited for cards used infrequently and/or where data is routinely changed, such as with hotel key cards. HiCo cards are best for cards used frequently and that are expected to have a long life. Most credit cards use at least 2,750 Oe and are considered HiCo.

HiCo vs LoCo? How to Choose the Right Card for Your Needs

 

HiCo LoCo
  • Harder to erase
  • Requires a higher amount of magnetic energy to record
  • Best for frequently used cards or cards requiring a long life
  • Resistant to damage from most magnets users may come into contact with
  • Can be read by any card reader
  • Card writers are more costly than LoCo recording machines
  • HiCo card writers can write both HiCo and LoCo cards
  • Commonly used for bank cards, drivers licenses, access control cards, library & membership cards
  • Less durable
  • Requires a lower amount of magnetic energy to record
  • Best for infrequent use or cards where data is changed often
  • More easily damaged by brief magnetic contact (such as a purse snap)
  • Can be read by any card reader
  • Card writers are much cheaper than HiCo recording machines
  • LoCo Card writers can write only LoCo cards
  • Commonly used for hotel key cards, gift cards, phone cards, transit passes

A Plus ID carries a large selection of HiCo and LoCo magnetic stripe cards, including generic (value) and name brand – as well as biodegradable eco-friendly magstripe cards.

Categories : ID Cards
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