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Plastic Cards - What Thickness Is Right For You?

So you've decided that plastic cards are the solution for your company's needs. Maybe you're starting up a loyalty program, membership program, or are launching a new marketing campaign. Something a lot of card buyers don't think about is the thickness of their cards.

30 mil cards are the standard. Credit cards are 30 mils thick. (Side note - in the card business, a mil is not short for millimeter; a mil is an old printing term). But don't get hung up on the 30 mil thickness just because that's what everyone else is doing.

PVC and laminated Teslin cards can come in a several thicknesses. If you are are looking for a short term use card, then PVC may work. A laminated paper card would also work in this situation (and probably be cheaper than PVC). Laminated paper cards won't last for years like laminated Teslin cards, but you can still get a durable, sturdy card that will last as long as PVC.

20 mil cards offer an alternative to the 30 mil product if price is an issue. A 20 mil laminated Teslin card has awesome durability, but comes a little easier on the pocketbook. 20 mil PVC cards are also an option. You must be careful though. The thinner a PVC card is, the more likely it is to break or crack. 

Another alternative which shouldn't technically be on this site about printing plastic cards is a paper card. Sometimes a card is a single use tool (like a coupon, or phone card) and only needs to last a few days or weeks.  While these cards won't last long at all, they can serve a purpose for a budget-minded buyer or for a specific need. 

When buying cards, you should ask your salesperson which thickness of card they recommend for your end-use. Don't let them steer you into their highest priced item. Come to Card Guru and let me tell you what's best.

Cheers!

Card Guru