Magnetic Stripe Card

A magnetic stripe card is a type of plastic card with a stripe of magnetic material, usually located on the back of the card. This magnetic stripe can store data magnetically. The card is encoded with information, such as account details, identification numbers, or access credentials. The data on the magnetic stripe can be read by swiping the card through a magnetic stripe reader. The encoded data on the magnetic stripe is typically organized into three tracks, each capable of storing different sets of information.

There are two types available with us:

• High Coercivity - High Coercivity or “HiCo” cards are recommended for a majority of applications. HiCo magnetic stripe cards are typically black in color and they are encoded with a stronger magnetic field (2750 Oersted). The stronger magnetic field makes HiCo cards more durable because the data encoded on the stripes are less likely to unintentionally be erased when exposed to an outside magnetic field.

HiCo cards are common in applications where they require a longer card life and are swiped often. Credit cards, bank cards, library cards, access control cards, time and attendance cards and employee ID cards frequently use HiCo technology

• Low Coervicity - The less common Low Coercivity or “LoCo” cards are good for short-term applications. LoCo magnetic stripe cards are generally brown in color and they are encoded at a low-intensity magnetic field (300 Oersted).

LoCo cards are typically used for short-term applications including hotel room keys and season passes for theme parks, amusement parks, and water parks.