Plastic cards that look like credit cards are inexpensive, yet they look attractive and can be valuable to consumers. There are many uses for such cards, and it's important to know the names for the various types.

A plastic card may have a barcode or be a smart card. Both of types of cards can carry information that a computer can read. There are many ways a business can use plastic cards to increase their business, including using them as a key card, a loyalty card, a gift card or a phone card.

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Barcode

A barcode is a series of black lines, or bars, that represent a series of numbers. A computer with the correct software and a barcode scanner can read these barcodes, which can represent account numbers or product code numbers.

I recommend: At Plastic Cards, you can read all about barcodes, their purpose and the different types.

Smart card

Smart cards are cards that can interact with a card swiping computer terminal to relay data. These types of cards have a magnetic stripe or other device that holds information.

I recommend: Find out more about smart cards and how they work by visiting Tele-Pak Card Printing.

Key card

A key card, also called an access card, works like a key to open a door with a special lock that reads this type of card. The advantage of using cards instead of keys is that you can de-activate a particular card without affecting the other cards. You can also set it so a particular card can open several doors, while others may open only one door.

I recommend: Get information about key cards and what options they come with when you visit Duracard.

Loyalty card

A loyalty card identifies a customer. When the customer makes a purchase, you can either give that customer points which they can redeem at a future date, or give them special sale prices not available to those who don't have such a card.

I recommend: At e-plasticcard.com, you can read all about loyalty cards and their various features.

Gift cards or prepaid cards

Gift cards are the same as gift certificates, except they often have a magnetic stripe that holds information such as the balance and maybe an expiration date. You can print this type of card with all sorts of logos and other pictures, and you can use them as gifts or promotions to bring business to those who sell them.

I recommend: To find out more about gift cards and how they work, visit Plastek Cards.

Phone card

People buy phone cards to use for themselves or to give as gifts, and they keep these cards and refer to them when they use them to make a call. Businesses can get these types of cards imprinted with their company name and information, so they work like a mini-ad or billboard, reminding the user about your business every time they look at it.

I recommend: To read about phone cards and how businesses can use them to increase brand awareness, go to USA Plastic Cards.

Brightly colored plastic cards can add a professional look to your business in many ways. You can promote your business to customers and potential customers or identify your employees by name to any member of the public who deals with them. Read up on plastic cards information at the various provider websites to get ideas on how plastic cards can help your business.

There are severeal ways to use plastic cards in your business.

1. Issue plastic cards with unique customer numbers on them and ask customers to present the cards when purchasing so you can track their purchases.

2. Promote members-only discounts, which customers can receive if they have a plastic membership card.

3. Allow customers to earn points for purchases, which they can later redeem for products or discounts.

4. Have your employees wear professional, plastic ID tags or name badges.

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Find plastic cards to sell as gift cards

Any business, large or small, can use gift cards. Bring in new customers when your current customers buy gift cards for their friends and relatives. Consult a plastic cards directory to find a company that prints plastic cards or visit one of the websites listed below.

I recommend: Order customized plastic gift cards printed in bright colors with your company logo or a graphic of your choice from The Plastic Card Factory. Get a free quote on promotional plastic cards at low prices from USA Plastic Cards.

Use plastic cards as customer loyalty cards

Keep track of customer buying information with loyalty cards. Reward your customers for their purchases with points they can use toward future shopping. You can also use the cards to boost sales in off-season months and encourage higher sales volumes.

I recommend: Find out how a loyalty card program works to promote your business by contacting Profit Point using its contact form. Learn the benefits of using plastic loyalty cards from Andreoni.

Increase your security using plastic cards as ID badges

Name tags and ID badges give your employees a professional look. You can increase your building security by requiring visitors to sign in and wear a visitor badge. Plastic cards provider outlets can help you find the best kind of ID badges for your business.

I recommend: Buy name badges and accessories, including badge holders, lanyards and clips, from All Things Identification. Find a large selection of quality plastic ID and security badges at Plastic Printers.com.

Print plastic cards yourself for various uses in your business

Make your own ID cards for your employees and visitors. Print your own plastic business cards, gift cards or loyalty cards. Save money and have complete control over the look of your cards when you print them yourself.

I recommend: Find photo ID card printers in a variety of sizes and prices at DataCard Corporation. Choose from several lines of Zebra plastic card printers, including performance and value printers as well as security card printers from ZIH.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Imprint plastic cards with bar codes that you can scan. Use these cards to track customer purchases or your employees' work hours with a time clock.

Plastic cards are used in all forms of business from debit and credit cards to hotel key cards and discount cards. These cards are a great way to provide services with style. All types of plastic cards are customizable. This allows you to add logos, company information or a friendly greeting. Plastic cards are also available with bar codes, smart chips and readable strips. Plastic cards allow you to provide a variety of services to your customers.

Plastic cards types and styles are placed into three categories: credit and debit cards, membership and hospitality cards, and ID badges. Credit and debit cards, or smart cards, are mainly used by banks and larger retail establishments. Membership and hospitality cards are used throughout many different industries for such uses as customer cards, discount cards, etc. ID badges are commonly used in schools, manufacturing facilities and in hospitals. View the information below to find all the plastic cards types and styles that are available for your business.

1. Discover the options available with credit and debit plastic cards.

2. View varying styles of membership and hospitality plastic cards.

3. Find information about ID badge plastic cards.

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View types of credit and debit plastic cards

Smart cards are used for credit and debit cards. These cards are programmed by you for use by your company. They can be used for retail credit cards and employee discount cards.

I recommend: AllTimePRINT specializes in plastic smart cards, view their available styles. Visit PlasticPrinters.com to view credit and debit card samples. Explore your options for debit and credit cards at E-Printing.

Find membership and hospitality plastic cards

Membership and hospitality cards are used in clubs, hotels, retail stores and schools. Key cards, gift cards and loyalty cards are also included in this group. A programming machine is needed to program these cards.

I recommend: Custom Plastic Cards will create all types of plastics cards for your company. View your options for gift and membership cards at the Plastic Card Factory. Find information about all types of hospitality plastic cards at Duracard. Find a variety of custom printed card styles at CLSPlasticard.

Find ID badge plastic cards

ID badges are used in schools, offices, stores and industrial facilities. These badges can be purchased online. Complete ID systems are also available for those who need to print multiple badges. These systems are available for photo IDs and come as one- and two-sided printers.

I recommend: View custom printing options as well as printers and supplies for printing your own ID cards at ID Superstore. ID Wholesaler sells ID printers and supplies as well as photo printers and ID systems. ID Zone carries cards and systems for making ID badges.