When it comes to storing data on your cards, you can’t beat the ease or cost of magnetic stripe encoding. Most ID card printers have an optional magnetic stripe encoding module, and card design software makes it easy to add your data.
But when adding magnetic stripe cards to your ID card program, do you know the difference between HiCo and LoCo cards, and how to pick the one you need?
LoCo cards, or low coercivity, have a magnetic stripe that is encoded with a lower strength magnetic field. This makes the cards ideal for short-term use, like hotel room keys which will be erased and re-encoded after every use.
HiCo cards, or high coercivity cards, have a stronger magnetic stripe. This allows the cards to hold data for longer periods of time, and also makes the data more secure. HiCo cards are best used for payment cards like college meal plans or ATM cards.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when selecting magnetic stripe cards:
– Do you need to reuse the cards? Then you may want LoCo cards.
– Are the cards designed for temporary use? Then you may want LoCo cards.
– Do you need the cards to last a long time? Then you may want HiCo cards.
– Are you worried about data security? Then you may want HiCo cards.
If you need help discussing your options and creating the best system for your needs, contact the ID card experts at DiscountID!