Magnetic card is a card-like magnetic recording medium that works with a variety of card readers. Magnetic card is the use of magnetic carrier to record some information, used to identify the identity or other purposes of the card. Depending on the use of different substrates, magnetic cards can be divided into PET cards, PVC cards and paper cards.
Credit cards are a typical application of magnetic stripe cards. Developed countries began widely adopting financial transaction cards for payments as early as the 1960s. The United States is the birthplace of credit cards, while Japan was the first to introduce ATMs that dispense cash using magnetic cards, as well as automatic ticket gates using magnetic card monthly passes. In 1972, Japan established unified specifications for magnetic cards, and in 1979, it developed the Japanese standards for magnetic stripe access credit cards, JS-B-9560 and JS-B-9561, among others. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has also established corresponding standards.
Throughout the 1980s, magnetic card usage became deeply integrated into various sectors of developed countries, including finance, telecommunications, transportation, and tourism. In the United States, for example, with a population of over 200 million, there were 1.1 billion credit cardholders—an average of 5 cards per person—with a total spending of approximately $469.5 billion. A significant portion of these credit cards were made from magnetic stripe cards, which resulted in notable economic and social benefits.
Due to the reasonable cost and ease of use of magnetic stripe cards, their use has rapidly developed in China as well. Since the Bank of China's Zhuhai branch issued the first credit card in 1985, approximately several million cards have been issued to date.
The production process of magnetic stripe cards involves several steps, including the production of the card itself, the embedding of the magnetic stripe, and the encoding of the information. The following is a detailed description of the magnetic stripe card production process:
The body of the magnetic stripe card is usually made of PVC or other plastic materials to ensure its durability and flexibility.
The first step in card production is:
Cutting: The body of the card is cut to a standard size (e.g. bank cards are usually 85.60 × 53.98 mm).
Surface treatment: Treat the card to make it smooth and ready for subsequent printing and magnetic stripe embedding.
The key part of a magnetic stripe card is a magnetic stripe on the back, which consists of ferrite magnetic particles and is usually embedded in the upper part of the card. The magnetic stripe is divided into different tracks, which are used to store different types of data. The steps involved in making a magnetic stripe include:
Application of magnetic material: the magnetic stripe consists of a thin layer of magnetic material applied or embedded into the back of the card, usually by heat pressing or coating to hold the magnetic material in place.
Layering: The magnetic stripe usually has three tracks (Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3), each of which can store different types of information. Different tracks have different arrangements of magnetic particles.
Once the card body and magnetic stripe are ready, the next step is to print the information on the front or back of the card. This includes:
Cardholder information: e.g., name, card number, expiration date. This information is usually printed through digital printing technology or laser engraving.
Patterns and designs: Printed patterns, logos, barcodes, etc. according to the issuer's requirements. Financial cards may also have bank logos, signature strips, etc.
Security features: sometimes holograms or anti-counterfeiting marks are also added to the card for added security.
Once the card has been created, the cardholder's information must be encoded on the magnetic stripe. This is a critical step in the production of magnetic stripe cards and involves storing the data on the magnetic stripe in the form of the polarity of the magnetic field. The encoding device writes the data by changing the arrangement of the magnetic particles in the following steps:
Using an encoder: Magnetic stripe data writing is done through a device called a magnetic stripe encoder. The encoder magnetizes the data to the different tracks of the magnetic stripe according to the specifications of the track.
Track 1: Stores alphanumeric and numeric data, usually including the card number, cardholder name, etc.
Track 2: Stores purely numeric data, such as card number and expiration date.
Track 3: Can store other banking data, but is less used in modern times.
Testing and verification: After writing the information, the card is tested by the card reading device to ensure that the data is written correctly and can be read.
On magnetic stripe cards used for financial purposes, some additional security features may be added, such as:
Signature strip: the cardholder can sign on the card for authentication during transactions.
Holographic security mark: A hologram is printed or embedded on the card to prevent counterfeiting.
Card Verification Code (CVC/CVV): usually located on the back of the card as an additional security measure to provide secondary verification during magnetic stripe transactions.
In the final stage of production, the card manufacturing company performs a quality check on each card to ensure that:
The data encoded in the magnetic stripe is correct and can be read by the device.
The surface of the card is free from damage or printing defects.
Security features such as holograms or signature strips are intact.
Cards that pass the quality inspection are packaged and issued to end users, such as banks or businesses.
When a cardholder receives a magnetic stripe card, it usually needs to be activated over the phone or online. During the activation process, the card information is matched with the data in the bank's database, and access rights are activated.
The information on the magnetic stripe is encoded by a change in magnetic orientation. This information includes the card number, cardholder name, expiration date, and service code. Different tracks store different types of information:
1. Track 1: Used to store alphabetic and numeric information such as cardholder's name, card number, etc.
2. Track 2: Mainly used to store numerical information such as card number and expiration date.
3. Track 3: Less frequently used, usually for storing additional banking data.
The residual magnetic induction strength Br on a magnetic card plays a decisive role in the working process of a magnetic card. When a magnetic card passes at a certain speed through a working head equipped with a coil, the external magnetic lines of force of the card cut the coil, generating an induced electromotive force in the coil and thus transmitting the recorded signal. Of course, a wide frequency response, low distortion and high output level are also required for the recorded signal in magnetic card operation.
A very thin metal straight line can be used as a simple playback device. The metal straight line and the magnetic card close to the direction perpendicular to the direction of operation of the magnetic card, the magnetic card operation, the metal straight line cutting the magnetic line of force and generate induced electromotive force, the magnitude of the electromotive force and the cutting of the magnetic line of force is proportional to the size of. When the running speed of the magnetic card remains unchanged, the induced electromotive force of the metal straight line is directly proportional to the residual magnetic induction strength on the surface of the magnetic card.
As a widely used card technology, magnetic stripe cards have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. However, as technology evolves, they are gradually being replaced by more secure card technologies, such as EMV chip cards. The following is an analysis of the main advantages and disadvantages of magnetic stripe cards.
Advantages of Magnetic Stripe Cards:
1. Low Cost
Magnetic stripe cards have a relatively low production cost, making them widely used in fields such as credit cards, debit cards, and access cards. This technology is very affordable for card issuers and businesses.
2. Broad Compatibility
Magnetic stripe card technology has been around for decades, so most POS terminals, ATMs, and access control systems worldwide support magnetic stripe cards. This broad compatibility makes magnetic stripe cards easy to use across the globe.
3. Simple Operation
Using magnetic stripe cards for transactions or swiping is intuitive and easy. Simply swipe the card on the reading device, and the transaction is completed.
4. Capacity for Storing Information
Magnetic stripe cards have three tracks that can store a large amount of information, such as the cardholder's name, card number, and expiration date. This makes them suitable for a variety of application scenarios, including payment and identity verification.
Magnetic Stripe Cards Disadvantages:
1. Poor Security
The biggest disadvantage of magnetic stripe cards is their low level of security. Since the data on the magnetic stripe is static, it can easily be copied or stolen. Criminals using “skimmers” can read and copy the data on the magnetic stripe to create counterfeit cards, leading to credit card fraud.
2. Easily Damaged
Magnetic stripes are susceptible to physical damage or magnetization failure. If the magnetic stripe is scratched, worn, or exposed to strong magnetic fields, the card may fail and cannot be read by a card reader.
3. Lack of Dynamic Encryption
The data on a magnetic stripe card is fixed, and the same information is transmitted for each transaction. This lack of dynamic encryption, which would generate a unique security code for each transaction, makes magnetic stripe cards vulnerable to counterfeiting.
4. Gradual Obsolescence
Due to poor security, magnetic stripe cards are gradually being replaced by more secure chip cards (EMV cards). Many countries have already mandated the adoption of chip cards, and the use of magnetic stripe cards is steadily decreasing.
5. Single Use
Magnetic stripe cards mainly rely on swipe devices for reading and do not support modern payment methods such as contactless payment. This is out of step with the development trends of modern payment systems.
EMV cards and magnetic stripe cards are two different types of bank cards with different technologies, and they differ significantly in terms of data storage, transaction security and usage. Below is a detailed comparison of the two:
Difference | Magnetic Stripe Cards | EMV Cards |
| Data Storage Methods | Magnetic stripe stores static data | Chip stores dynamically encrypted data |
| Transaction Security | Easily copied, forged, low security | Generate dynamic encrypted data for high security |
| Transaction Methods | Swipe card to read magnetic stripe data | Card insertion or contactless payment, read chip data |
| Anti-counterfeiting Function | Easily imitated and copied | Encrypted data is difficult to copy, strong anti-counterfeiting ability |
| Transaction Speed | Faster | Slower (card transactions), but faster for contactless payments |
| Scope of Use | Gradually decreasing, still used in some areas | Widely used globally, becoming the mainstream payment standard |
| Cost & Durability | Low production cost, easy to wear out | Higher production cost and greater durability |
There are significant differences between RFID smart cards and magnetic stripe cards in terms of technical principles, usage, security and application scenarios. The following is a detailed comparison of the two:
| Difference | Magnetic Stripe Cards | RFID Smart Cards |
| Technical Principle | Relying on magnetic stripes to store static data | Wireless communication via RF chip and antenna |
| Usage | Swipe card | Non-contact, close to the card reader |
| Data Storage and Transmission | Static data, data can be easily copied | Dynamic transmission, part of the RFID card data encryption, more secure transmission |
| Security | Easily copied, low security | Higher security, often using encryption technology to protect data |
| Transaction Speed | Faster, but requires physical contact | Very fast, no need for physical contact |
| Application Scenarios | Financial payment, access control, membership card | Access control, public transportation, electronic payment, identification, logistics management |
| Anti-counterfeiting and Data Protection | Weak anti-counterfeiting ability, data easily copied | Strong anti-counterfeiting ability, encrypted data transmission |
| Physical Durability | Easily damaged or invalidated | High durability, non-contact use, long lifespan |
| Costs | Low production cost | Higher production costs |
| Future Trends | Gradually eliminated | Increased demand, wide range of application scenarios |
Commonly categorized as anti-magnetic:
1. Low resistance magnetic stripe card:
The magnetic stripe is weak, easy to external interference, the information is easy to be demagnetized or damaged. This type of card has low production cost and is usually used for short-term use cards, such as hotel room cards and membership cards. Low-resistance magnetic stripes are generally 300 or 650 OE.
2. High-impedance magnetic stripe card:
The magnetic stripe is stronger, and more resistant to interference, the information is not easy to be demagnetized, and has a longer service life. This type of card is usually used for financial cards, access cards, and other scenarios that require long-term use. High-resistance magnetic stripe is generally 2750, 3500, or 4000 OE.
International Standards for Magnetic Stripe Cards.
The magnetic stripe cards mainly specify the physical characteristics of the card and the recording technology. ISO 7810:1985 Identification cards Physical characteristics specify the physical characteristics of the card, including the material, construction, and dimensions of the card. The dimensions are:
Width: 85.72mm----85.47mm
Height: 54.03mm----53.92mm
Thickness: 0.76+0.08mm
Card corner radius: 3.18mm
General card size: 85.5x54x0.76mm
1. Avoid magnetic field interference
Stay away from magnetic objects: Magnetic stripe cards should avoid contact with magnetic objects such as magnetic clasps on cell phone covers, car keys, magnets, etc. to prevent magnetic fields from destroying the information on the card.
Stay away from electronic devices: Magnetic stripe cards should be kept away from cell phones, computers, TVs, radios, and other devices that can generate electromagnetic radiation, and avoid putting them together for a long time.
Stay away from household appliances: Avoid placing the magnetic stripe card near household appliances with strong magnetic fields such as televisions, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and electromagnetic stoves.
2. Avoid physical damage
Prevent pressure and bending: Magnetic stripe cards should avoid pressure and bending to prevent damage to the magnetic stripe.
Avoid high temperature and exposure to sunlight: Magnetic stripe cards should not be placed in a high-temperature environment or direct sunlight for a long time to prevent magnetic stripe performance degradation.
Keep the magnetic stripe clean: Magnetic stripe cards should keep the magnetic stripe area clean and avoid contact with oil stains, dust and other dirt. At the same time, do not put it together with keys and other sharp objects to prevent abrasion and scratching of the magnetic stripe.
3. Proper storage and carrying
Avoid contacting multiple magnetic stripe cards with each other: If there are multiple magnetic stripe cards, avoid sticking them close together, especially don't touch the magnetic stripes of two cards with each other to prevent the magnetic stripe information from interfering with each other.
Use an anti-magnetic wallet or case: It is recommended to use an anti-magnetic wallet or case to store magnetic stripe cards to protect the cards from magnetic field interference.
Proper Carrying Method: When carrying magnetic stripe cards, avoid placing the card close to the magnetic clasp of the bag to prevent the magnetic field from destroying the information inside the card.
Chipbond Technology is a professional magnetic stripe card manufacturer in China. RFID products with a wide range of customized services, the main products are RFID smart cards, RFID core material, PVC material, NFC tags, clothing tags, industrial tags, animal ear tag keychains, card readers, and over 28 years of manufacturing experience with 300+ staff and a complete manufacturing and supply chain system: fast shipping and on-time delivery.
Whether you are looking for a reliable magnetic stripe card supplier or want to find a customized card solution for your business, CBT can meet your needs. We look forward to working with you to drive your business forward. For more information or inquiries at info@chipbond.com
