What Is the Standard Thickness of a Credit Card?
When designing custom plastic cards, one of the most critical considerations is card thickness. Whether you’re creating gift cards, membership cards, or business cards, choosing the right thickness affects durability, functionality, and compatibility with point-of-sale (POS) systems.
The standard credit card thickness is 30 mil (thousandths of an inch), which is approximately 0.76mm. This industry standard ensures compatibility with ATMs, card readers, and POS systems.
| Card Type | Thickness (mil) | Thickness (mm) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Cards | 30 mil | 0.76mm | Bank cards, payment cards, hotel key cards |
| Business Cards | 12 mil – 20 mil | 0.30mm – 0.50mm | Promotional business cards, discount cards |
| Gift Cards | 20 mil – 30 mil | 0.50mm – 0.76mm | Retail and restaurant gift cards |
| ID Cards & Badges | 10 mil – 30 mil | 0.25mm – 0.76mm | Employee IDs, security badges, event passes |
| Eco-Friendly Cards | Varies | Varies | Biodegradable & recycled material cards |
How Thick Are Credit Cards in Inches and Millimeters?
A 30 mil plastic card is 0.030 inches thick, which is roughly 0.76mm. This is the same thickness as a standard credit card.
However, not all plastic cards are 30 mil thick. Businesses can customize thickness depending on use cases. Let’s break down the most common options:
10 Mil Thickness (0.25mm)
- Use Case: Temporary cards, promotional cards, and thin business cards.
- Pros: Affordable, flexible, lightweight.
- Cons: Less durable, not compatible with most card readers.
12 Mil Thickness (0.30mm)
- Use Case: Custom business cards, lightweight loyalty cards.
- Pros: Slightly more durable than 10 mil, cost-effective.
- Cons: Can feel flimsy compared to thicker plastic cards.
20 Mil Thickness (0.50mm)
- Use Case: Mid-range gift cards, loyalty cards, membership cards.
- Pros: A balance between cost and durability.
- Cons: May not be compatible with all POS systems.
30 Mil Thickness (0.76mm)
- Use Case: Credit cards, access cards, and high-quality gift cards.
- Pros: Durable, professional feel, POS-compatible.
- Cons: Higher cost compared to thinner options.
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Understanding Card Thickness in Different Units
Many businesses and customers search for card thickness in mil, millimeters, and inches. Below is a quick conversion guide:
| Thickness (mil) | Thickness (mm) | Thickness (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mil | 0.25mm | 0.010 inches |
| 12 mil | 0.30mm | 0.012 inches |
| 20 mil | 0.50mm | 0.020 inches |
| 30 mil | 0.76mm | 0.030 inches |
Choosing the Right Plastic Card Thickness for Your Business
Selecting the best plastic card thickness depends on several factors, including durability, flexibility, cost, and use case.
Here are some common considerations:
1. Gift Cards for Retail & Restaurants
- Recommended Thickness: 30 mil (standard gift card thickness)
- Reason: POS compatibility, durability, and customer perception.
2. Business Cards
- Recommended Thickness: 12 mil – 20 mil
- Reason: Thicker business cards feel more premium, but thinner cards can be more cost-effective for large-scale distribution.
3. Loyalty & Membership Cards
- Recommended Thickness: 20 mil – 30 mil
- Reason: Durable enough for long-term use but flexible enough for wallet storage.
4. Hotel Key Cards
- Recommended Thickness: 30 mil
- Reason: Hotel key cards must be rigid and compatible with magnetic stripe readers or RFID systems.
5. Event Passes & Temporary Badges
- Recommended Thickness: 10 mil – 20 mil
- Reason: Lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to dispose of after use
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FAQs About Card Thickness
How thick is a standard credit card?
A standard credit card is 30 mil thick (0.76mm or 0.030 inches).
How thick is a debit card compared to a credit card?
Debit cards and credit cards have the same thickness—30 mil (0.76mm).
Can I order custom thickness gift cards?
Yes! Plastek Cards offers fully customizable thickness options, ranging from 10 mil to 30 mil.
What is the best thickness for a business card?
For a high-quality feel, we recommend 20 mil plastic business cards. If you need a flexible and cost-effective option, 12 mil is a great choice.
How does card thickness impact durability?
Thicker cards (20-30 mil) are more durable and resistant to bending and tearing, while thinner cards (10-12 mil) are more flexible but may wear out faster.
Why Choose Plastek Cards for Custom Plastic Cards?
At Plastek Cards, we provide: Premium-Quality Plastic Cards – Durable and professionally printed.
- Custom Thickness Options – Choose from 10 mil, 12 mil, 20 mil, and 30 mil.
- POS-Compatible Gift Cards – Works with all major point-of-sale systems.
- Eco-Friendly Materials Available – Recycled and biodegradable plastic options.
- Expert Design Assistance – Get a custom look that fits your brand.
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