Our smart cards are produced in 760 micron thickness and are available in either standard PVC or Eco-Degradable PVC. Cards can be finished in either gloss or matt depending on the look and feel you require, although a matt finish is often recommended for darker designs as it can help reduce the appearance of scratches during regular use. Additional features such as signature panels, magnetic stripes and barcodes can also be added depending on how your cards will be used. Please note that chips and magnetic stripes are supplied unencoded.
Chip compatibilityAs a MIFARE registered partner, Custom Card Hub supplies MIFARE Classic 1K chips suitable for systems designed to work with this format. It is important to confirm compatibility with your reader or access system before ordering.
Artwork guideWhen you order through Custom Card Hub, the online artwork system guides you through each stage of the process, from uploading logos, images and text to reviewing your final design. A built-in artwork guide is provided within the portal to help you position content correctly and stay within the safe areas shown.
Before completing your order, please download and check your PDF proof carefully.If you are preparing artwork outside the portal, files should be set up to standard card size: 85.6mm x 54mm, with a 1.1mm bleed on all edges. Because this is a compact format, important text, logos and images should be positioned carefully to ensure they remain clear and readable.
Need help preparing your artwork? Certus Card Group offers an express design service for customers who need additional support. Get in touch to find out more.
DataFor cards requiring variable data, information such as names, unique numbers, barcodes or other individual details should be supplied during the design process. CSV templates and upload instructions are available within the portal.
Variable data allows individual text elements such as names, numbers and other unique details to change across each card in your order. Data should be supplied in CSV format and mapped within the portal during the design process.
Magnetic stripes can be added where cards need to work with compatible readers or access systems. Unique data can be encoded onto Track 2 by uploading the relevant information as part of your data file. Magnetic stripes are available in low-coercivity (LoCo) or high-coercivity (HiCo) formats, with HiCo offering greater resistance to magnetic wear. If you are unsure which format your system requires, please check compatibility before ordering.
Unique barcodes can be added to support scanning, tracking or redemption systems across applications such as gift cards, loyalty cards and membership schemes. A range of barcode types are available depending on your requirements, with barcodes printed in black on a white background with a 3mm Clear zone border to support reliable scanning.
Signature panels can be added where handwritten information is required, such as signatures or manual identification details. Panels are printed in white and can be positioned to suit your design, with multiple panels available if needed. Signature panels such include a 3mm clear zone to prevent customer signatures overwriting key functionality or card information.
For larger volumes, specialist finishes or more complex card programmes,
Certus Card Group offers full manufacturing support, personalisation and
fulfilment services across a wider range of card products.
Contact the Certus Card Group team to find out more.