Whether you’re creating ID cards for a networking event or you’re trying to boost security in the workplace with employee badges, there are so many things to consider in choosing your cards.

The design itself, the materials, the supplier…and of course, PVC ID card thickness!

So, how thick is an ID card typically, and why does it matter? When you choose our custom ID cards here at CustomLanyard.net you gain access to a few different options, ranging from 0.76mm to 1.00mm.

This influences the durability and functionality of your cards, along with the professionalism in some cases. Thick cards are generally regarded as better - but there’s more to the decision than meets the eye, which is why we created this quick guide to choosing the optimal thickness of ID cards.

Learn more below to create the perfect custom PVC cards, or get started designing your cards today and see firsthand why millions of customers have chosen us for all their ID card needs!

Why PVC ID Card Thickness Matters

First things first, why does ID cards size, specifically thickness, matter? As we briefly touched on above, it plays a role in the durability, functionality, and security of your cards - here’s how:

  • Durability and Longevity: Thicker PVC ID cards resist bending and cracking better than thinner cards. This is important in environments where cards are frequently used and handled roughly, such as in schools, workplaces, and events. A thicker card keeps the printed information legible and the card itself intact.
  • Functionality and Compatibility: Cards with RFID chips, magnetic stripes, or smart components need to be thick enough to house these elements without compromising card integrity. Thickness also needs to be compatible with various card readers, printers, and laminators to ensure smooth operation and integration into existing systems.
  • Enhanced Security: Thicker ID cards are harder to alter or duplicate, providing a higher level of security against tampering and counterfeiting. This may not matter in some cases, but it’s essential in high-security environments such as government facilities, financial institutions, and corporate offices.
  • Professional Appearance: A thicker, sturdier ID card often appears more professional and conveys a sense of quality. In corporate and customer-facing environments, this can have a positive impact on your company’s perception.

How Thick is an ID Card Typically?

All things considered, you can’t overlook the PVC ID card thickness as you start designing yours. So, how thick is an ID card typically? It depends on where you’re customizing your cards! Here at CustomLanyard.net, we offer three different choices:

  • Standard 0.76mm: This strikes an ideal balance between durability and flexibility. It’s strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including employee badges, student IDs, and membership cards. It’s also the most affordable choice.
  • Premium 0.90mm: This thickness offers increased resistance to bending and breaking, making it ideal for environments where cards are subject to frequent handling or rough conditions. It costs a bit more but aligns with the needs of more professional settings or higher-security use cases.
  • Premium+ 1.00mm: Our thickest option provides maximum durability for industrial environments, heavy-use applications, and scenarios involving frequent swiping or scanning through card readers. These are equipped to house advanced technologies as well, and are less prone to damage from environmental factors such as moisture and extreme temperatures.

Not sure which is right for you? Don’t play the guessing game. Get in touch with our customer service team and we’ll talk about your specific needs and budget. From there, we’ll be able to offer a personalized recommendation.

Other Things to Consider in Choosing Your PVC ID Cards

While you came here specifically to learn about the optimal thickness of ID cards, this is just one piece of the puzzle in learning how to print on ID cards. Here are some of the other factors to weigh as you start designing your cards:

Materials

We have a more in-depth resource specifically covering ID cards materials because it’s such an important aspect of choosing your cards. You’ll typically choose between a PET vs PVC ID card - and PVC is our recommendation for most use cases.

PVC cards are the best of both worlds in durability and flexibility. They’re also really easy to print on, and they offer exceptional cost-effectiveness. However, there are also composite cards made from a blend of PVC and PET that are stronger, but cost quite a bit more.

Dimensions

Beyond thickness, think about the size of the cards in terms of dimensions. CR80 is the most common size which measures 3.370 in x 2.125 in. It’s used for credit cards, employee badges, access cards, and membership cards.

However, larger dimensions have their place for event badges where more information or visibility is required. You can easily tailor the size of your card to meet your specific needs. Here at CustomLanyard.net our sizes range from as small as 2.12 in x 3.38 in to as large as 6.5 in x 4.75 in.

Finish

The finish of your card plays a role in its appearance, and you can choose from three common styles:

  • Glossy: Provides a shiny, smooth finish that enhances color vibrancy and is easy to clean. However, it can show fingerprints more easily.
  • Matte: Offers a non-reflective surface that resists fingerprints and scratches. It gives a more subdued, professional look.
  • Frosted: Combines elements of both glossy and matte finishes, offering a balance between vibrancy and durability.

Card Hole

If you’re wondering how to put an ID card on a lanyard, you’ll need to punch the holes in the card yourself - or, you can have this done during the manufacturing process. Either way, you can choose from a variety of hole styles: oval, circle, double circle, and more. In some cases, maybe no hole makes the most sense. 

Design

The actual design of your cards is entirely up to you. It all depends on the application - are you trying to use these as a means of upping security in your workplace, or are you trying to help guests at your event network with each other? No matter the use case, here’s what you need to consider:

  • Personalization: Include individual names, photos, and other personal details to enhance security and personalization.
  • Branding: Ensure the design incorporates your organization's branding elements such as logos, colors, and fonts to maintain consistency and professionalism.
  • Graphics and Images: High-resolution images and complex graphics can be printed on PVC cards, making them visually appealing and informative.

Customize Your PVC ID Card Thickness at CustomLanyard.net!

We hope this guide to the thickness of ID cards has left you with a clear understanding of your options and which is best for you, along with all the other things to consider as you start designing your cards. 

The only thing left to do is figure out who makes custom ID cards that can meet your needs. Your search ends here at CustomLanyard.net, the best PVC ID card printer online. 

With over a million customers served and 28,000 five-star reviews, we’re proud of our reputation. From small businesses and schools to massive corporate giants like Facebook, Nike, Yelp, Netflix, and more, you can count on us to deliver no matter your needs.

It’s all thanks to our commitment to providing you with the best quality at the lowest prices online, backed by world-class customer service every step of the way. It doesn’t get any better than that! You’ll also love the quick easy approach we have for designing and ordering your cards.

Start by choosing your size from a wide variety of options, including the three different PVC ID card thickness options we discussed here in this guide. You can pick your card hole style, the finish of your card, and more. 

Then, actually customize the card in just a few clicks. You can use our simple form to add text to the cards or you can upload your own artwork. We even have pre-curated templates to streamline the process for you.

We’ll show you an expected delivery date so you know exactly what to expect, then you can place your order and we’ll handle the rest. Learning how to make PVC ID cards has never been easier!

We also have all the types of badge holders you could need to complete your order - be it an acrylic badge holder or a clear plastic card holder. We also have personalized lanyards and custom wristbands, or you can simplify your purchase with an all-in-one custom ID card lanyard. 

No matter what you do, you can rest assured you’re getting a quality solution at a fair price, with help at every step of the process if you need it. 

Take the first step and experience the CustomLanyard.net difference today!

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Thickness of ID Cards

So, how thick is an ID card - and why does PVC ID card thickness matter so much in the first place? Standard 0.76mm cards are versatile for everyday use, while thicker options like 0.90mm and 1.00mm offer enhanced durability and support advanced security features. 

Before you place your order, be sure to consider other factors such as materials, dimensions, finish, design, and card hole options to create the perfect ID cards for your needs.

Our blog has additional resources on the ID cards cost, how to make badge holders, how do ID cards work, laminated ID cards vs not laminated, what is PVC ID card, best badge holder, can you customize ID cards, and more.

But whether you need a custom ID card, a custom badge holder, or both, remember that we’re your one-stop shop for the best products and prices online, all backed by unparalleled customer service along the way.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Find out firsthand what has earned us the trust of millions of customers and what keeps them coming back for more today!