What Is the Standard Credit Card Thickness?
When you create custom plastic cards, card thickness plays a critical role. Whether you need gift cards, membership cards, or business cards, or credit card alternatives, the right thickness ensures durability, function, and compatibility with point-of-sale (POS) systems.
The standard credit card thickness is 30 mil (thousandths of an inch), equal to 0.76mm. This ISO/IEC 7810 standard allows compatibility with ATMs, card readers, and POS systems, making it the most common choice for payment cards, hotel key cards, and high-quality plastic gift cards.
| 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 standard credit card has a thickness of 30 mil, which equals 0.030 inches (0.76mm). This measurement applies to most debit cards and ID cards, ensuring proper function with magnetic stripe readers and chip-enabled payment systems.
However, not all plastic cards are 30 mil thick. Businesses can adjust thickness levels based on specific needs. 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 |
How to Select 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 Credit Card Thickness & Plastic 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 are credit cards compared to debit cards?
Credit cards and debit cards have the same thickness—30 mil (0.76mm).
Can I order gift cards with custom thickness?
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 affect 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 offer high-quality plastic card printing with custom thickness options that fit your needs:
- 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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