A must-read membership card production! 5 key points to avoid pits​

Membership cards are not only a symbol of customer identity, but also an extension of brand services. However, many merchants are prone to getting stuck when customizing the product for the first time: choosing the wrong chip leads to limited functions, copying and stolen brushing without encryption, and the card surface material fades soon after it is used... As the source manufacturer of smart card customization, we have summarized 5 key points in membership card production, from choosing chips to design, avoiding pitfalls, helping you spend the right money and make cost-effective membership cards!

1.Things 1: Choose the right chip type and don’t let the function “stuck”

The core of a membership card is chips. Different business needs correspond to different chip types, which directly affects the user experience and cost.

- Basic functions (identity recognition only): select low frequency ID card (125kHz)

· Features: Very small storage capacity (only unique numbers are left), no encryption, low cost

· Applicable scenarios: simple store sign-in, temporary entry and exit certificate (such as gym trial card, activity sign-in card)

· Note: Very easy to be copied (low cost but poor security), and is not recommended for long-term member management

- General requirements (points/consumption records): Select the IC card (13.56MHz, logical encryption)

· Features: Medium storage capacity (can store basic data such as member ID, points, balance, etc.), simple encryption (anti-normal copying)

· Applicable scenarios: milk tea shop membership card (accumulative points), small supermarket consumption card (balance query)

· Advantages: balances costs and basic functions, suitable for small and medium-sized merchants

- Advanced requirements (anti-copy + multi-scenario linkage): Select high-frequency encrypted RFID card/CPU card (13.56MHz)

· Features: Large storage capacity (can store membership level, consumption records, personal information), support dynamic encryption (anti-copy and theft)

· Applicable scenarios: beauty salon/gym (member level rights), chain brands (commonly used in stores nationwide), high-end clubs (identity verification + payment)

· Advantages: High security, can be linked to the backend system (such as consumption deductions, appointment services), making long-term use more worry-free

✅ Pipe avoidance tips: Don’t just look at the price! If the membership card requires points, stored value or used across stores, be sure to choose an encrypted IC card or RFID card, otherwise it will be easily copied and caused by customer churn.

2. Things 2: Encryption? Not encrypted? It's about customer trust!

If your membership card involves stored values, points, and exclusive rights, encryption is a must!

· Unencrypted card (such as ordinary ID card): Data is stored plain text and can be copied with a simple device (such as the "copyerist" bought online). After the customer's rights are stolen, the brand reputation will be directly damaged

· Encrypted card (such as M1 card/CPU card): The chip has a built-in encryption algorithm (such as DES/AES), and the key needs to be verified every time you read and write, which is extremely difficult to copy (almost impossible to crack)

✅ Suggestions: As long as the membership card has "value" (such as recharge money and gifts redeemed for points), choose the encryption chip!

3. The third thing: If you choose the wrong material of the card surface, it will be scrapped in half a year!

Membership cards are held by customers every day, and the material directly affects durability and brand image.

✅ Pit avoidance tips: For membership cards that have been used for a long time (such as annual cards), it is recommended to choose matte PVC or waterproof material; high-end merchants that focus on brand tone can add UV hot stamping/embossing technology to enhance the texture.

4. The fourth thing: card design, details determine customer experience!

Membership cards are not only functional cards, but also brand "mobile advertising". Pay attention to these points when designing:

· Must print information: brand LOGO (enhanced cognition), membership card number (backend binding), validity period (avoid disputes), customer service phone number (convenient after-sales service)

· value-added design: customer name (personalization), level identification (such as "gold card/silver card"), QR code (binding online rights), anti-counterfeiting standard (enhancing trust)

· Size standard: regular 85.5×54×0.76mm (compatible with card bag and card slot), special sizes need to confirm equipment compatibility in advance (such as a mini card needs to be equipped with a special card case).

5. Things 5: Find source manufacturers to customize, save worry and money!

Although the membership card is small, it involves multiple links such as chip selection, encryption writing, material technology, design and printing. It is easy to get stuck in the pit by yourself, and it is more reliable to find a professional manufacturer! 

As a source manufacturer of smart card customization, we have obvious advantages:

✅ Direct procurement of chip supply: Cooperate with multiple chip manufacturers, with transparent costs (15%-20% lower than middlemen), and supports multiple encryption/non-encryption solutions

✅ Full process control: From chip writing data (such as member ID binding), card surface printing to packaging and delivery, full-process quality inspection to ensure no printing errors and card reading failures

✅ Worry-free after-sales: Provide permission backup, free card replacement, and design modification.

Customize now and enjoy benefits immediately! 

Still worried about membership cards? Contact us to get free "Member Card Selection Guide" + design plan reference!