What is a LoCo Magnetic Stripe Card: Complete Guide

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Magnetic stripe cards are everywhere - hotel rooms, gyms, libraries, loyalty programs, and access control systems all depend on them daily. But not all magnetic stripes are created equal. One of the most common questions buyers ask when setting up a card program is: what exactly is a LoCo magnetic stripe card, and when should you use one? The answer matters more than most people realize, and getting it wrong can mean cards that fail at your readers or, worse, get erased in someone's wallet.

This guide breaks down LoCo magnetic stripe technology from the ground up - covering how it works, how it compares to HiCo, which industries rely on it most, and how Plastic Card ID helps organizations across the United States choose the right card for their specific program. Whether you are running a small loyalty program or scaling up to thousands of event credentials, understanding your stripe is the first smart step.

Feature LoCo Magnetic Stripe HiCo Magnetic Stripe
Coercivity Level 300 Oersteds 2750 Oersteds
Durability Moderate High
Erase Risk Higher (sensitive to magnets) Lower (magnet resistant)
Typical Use Cases Hotel keys, short-term access, event cards Loyalty cards, ID cards, long-term use
Stripe Color Brown Black
Cost Slightly lower Slightly higher
Reader Compatibility Most standard readers Most standard readers

At the heart of every magnetic stripe card is a layer of iron-based magnetic particles bonded to the card's surface. When a card encoder writes data to the stripe, it aligns those particles in patterns that represent digital information. A card reader then interprets those patterns when the card is swiped or inserted. Simple concept - but the coercivity of those particles determines everything about how reliable and durable that data will be over time.

Coercivity is the resistance of a magnetic material to demagnetization. It is measured in Oersteds (Oe). Low coercivity stripes, or LoCo, require less magnetic force to write and rewrite data - making them ideal for applications where the card content needs to change frequently or where the card has a short intended lifespan. High coercivity stripes require significantly more force to alter, which is why they last longer under daily use.

LoCo stripes are encoded using a magnetic card encoder, which is either a standalone desktop encoder or a feature built directly into a card printer. The encoding process aligns the magnetic particles on the stripe according to ISO standards - Tracks 1, 2, and 3 carry different data types, with Track 2 being the most commonly used for applications like access control and loyalty programs.

Because LoCo stripes have a coercivity of approximately 300 Oe, the encoding process is fast and requires minimal magnetic force. This also means the stripe can be erased and rewritten multiple times, which is why hotel key card systems favor LoCo - guests check in, the card is encoded fresh, used for a few days, and then rewritten for the next guest. That rewritability is LoCo's most practical advantage in short-cycle applications.

Magnetic stripe cards typically carry up to three data tracks, each with a defined purpose under ISO/IEC 7811. Track 1 holds alphanumeric data including cardholder name and account information. Track 2, the most universally used, carries numeric data and is the standard track for loyalty programs, library cards, and basic access systems. Track 3 is less commonly used but supports read/write applications in some proprietary systems.

LoCo cards can store data across all three tracks just as HiCo cards can. The difference is not in data capacity - it is purely in the magnetic strength holding that data in place. For programs that only need Track 2 data and involve short-term or single-purpose cards, LoCo delivers everything required at a price point that makes large-quantity runs cost-effective.

One quick way to identify a LoCo card in your hands is the color of the stripe. LoCo stripes are typically brown, sometimes described as a lighter chocolate tone, while HiCo stripes appear black. This visual distinction helps card program managers quickly sort card stock and confirms compatibility with their encoder settings before a batch is processed.

Mistakenly encoding LoCo cards with a HiCo encoder setting - or vice versa - can result in improperly written data that your card readers will reject. CPE recommends clearly labeling your card stock and matching encoder settings during setup. It is a small step that prevents a surprisingly large number of support calls and card failures.

The LoCo versus HiCo decision comes down to one central question: how long does your card need to work reliably? Hotel keycards are used for three to seven days and then discarded or rewritten - LoCo is perfect. An employee ID badge worn daily for three years, tossed in a bag with keys and phones, and swiped through a reader hundreds of times? That card needs HiCo's magnetic resistance to stay functional.

Matching stripe type to application lifecycle is the single most important decision in magnetic stripe card selection. Many organizations get this wrong not because they lack information but because they assume all magnetic stripe cards are the same. They are not, and the distinction becomes painfully obvious when cards start failing prematurely or when a reader that is calibrated for HiCo refuses to reliably read LoCo stock.

LoCo magnetic stripe cards shine in environments where cards are temporary by design. Hotel and motel key card systems are the textbook example - the card gets encoded at check-in and discarded or reset at checkout. Event credentials for conferences, trade shows, and concerts also align well with LoCo, as do short-term library borrowing cards and promotional marketing cards distributed at retail events.

  • Hotel and motel room key cards (single-stay or short-term use)
  • Conference and event access credentials
  • Temporary employee or visitor badges
  • Promotional gift or discount cards for single-campaign use
  • Library cards in systems that regularly re-encode patron data
  • Rental equipment tracking cards
  • Short-term membership passes or trial access cards

In each of these scenarios, the card's relatively brief lifespan means the lower magnetic resistance of a LoCo stripe is not a liability - it is simply irrelevant. The card will be retired or re-encoded long before any degradation occurs. CPE stocks LoCo cards in volume to support exactly these kinds of high-throughput, short-lifecycle programs.

Long-term programs demand HiCo. Loyalty cards that customers carry for years, employee access cards that get swiped daily, membership cards for gyms or clubs, and student ID cards for schools and universities all fall firmly in HiCo territory. The higher coercivity resists the everyday magnetic fields generated by phones, security systems, and even some wallet closures.

There is also a perception factor. A loyalty card or membership card representing your brand gets carried alongside credit cards, receipts, and smartphones. A card that fails to read after six months damages your brand relationship more than you might expect. HiCo is the investment that protects that relationship over the full life of the card program. Plastic Card ID carries both stripe types in standard CR80 format and can help you identify which fits your program before you order.

Most professional card printers with magnetic encoding capability - including models from Evolis, Zebra, and Fargo - support both LoCo and HiCo encoding. However, the encoder module must be set correctly before each batch. Some printers allow software-based switching between coercivity settings, while others require a physical module change. Confirming your printer's specifications before purchasing card stock prevents costly mismatches.

Plastic Card ID carries a full lineup of card printers and encoder modules from the leading manufacturers. If you are building a new card program and are uncertain whether LoCo or HiCo fits your workflow, calling 800.835.7919 and speaking with a specialist is one of the fastest ways to get a definitive answer tailored to your setup.

Numbers tell a compelling story. Retailers that replaced paper punch cards and paper gift certificates with plastic magnetic stripe cards saw gift card sales increase by 35-50%. That is not a small margin - that is the difference between a card program that barely sustains itself and one that becomes a meaningful revenue driver. Plastic cards with magnetic stripes that actually work every time you swipe them are a foundation of professional operations.

Loyalty cards that physically live in customer wallets dramatically outperform digital-only alternatives for repeat visit conversion in brick-and-mortar settings. Membership cards with a magnetic stripe encode unique member IDs that automate check-in, track visit frequency, and enable personalized offers - all from a swipe. The mechanical simplicity of magnetic stripe technology, properly applied, remains one of the most cost-effective ways to run a card program.

Loyalty cards generally fall into the HiCo category because customers carry them for extended periods. However, there are specific loyalty program structures where LoCo makes sense - seasonal campaigns, promotional punch replacements, or test-market loyalty programs where the card has a defined expiration date tied to a campaign window. In those cases, distributing LoCo cards in high volume at lower cost can be the right strategic choice.

CPE works with loyalty program managers across the retail, food service, and hospitality industries to assess which card configuration delivers the best balance of cost and performance for their specific program design. A short campaign does not need a three-year card. But a flagship customer loyalty card absolutely does. Understanding your program's timeline before ordering saves money and prevents headaches.

Corporate campuses, event venues, and facilities management organizations often maintain a mix of permanent and temporary access needs. Permanent staff get HiCo-encoded ID cards that last for years. Contractors, visitors, and temporary workers get LoCo-encoded visitor badges that can be reset and reused at the front desk. This tiered approach keeps costs reasonable without compromising security or professional appearance.

Because LoCo cards can be re-encoded quickly, front desk systems can issue a new visitor badge in under a minute. The card looks identical to a permanent badge from a distance - same CR80 format, same print quality, same professional finish. Only the encoding lifespan differs. For organizations managing high visitor volume, this flexibility is operationally significant and worth building into card program design from the start.

Blank LoCo magnetic stripe cards from Plastic Card ID are manufactured to the CR80 standard - 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches, 30 mil thick - which is the same physical format as a standard credit card. This ensures compatibility with virtually all card printers, wallets, cardholders, lanyards, and badge systems on the market. The brown LoCo stripe runs along the top back of the card and is available in standard three-track configuration.

Blank white PVC cards with a LoCo stripe are the starting point for in-house card programs where the organization prints its own design using a desktop card printer. This approach gives complete design control, enables on-demand card issuance without minimum order quantities per design, and produces a professional result that rivals outsourced custom printing for many applications. Blank LoCo cards are one of the most flexible and cost-efficient tools in any card program manager's toolkit.

LoCo magnetic stripe cards are available in quantities ranging from small starter packs to bulk orders in the thousands. Per-card pricing decreases at volume tiers, making large programs progressively more economical. Organizations running recurring monthly card issuance programs often find that ordering in bulk and maintaining a stock of blank cards in-house is significantly more cost-effective than placing frequent small orders.

CPE carries colored PVC stock with LoCo stripes as well, for programs that want to differentiate card types visually without requiring full custom printing. A hotel might use white cards for standard room keys and yellow cards for suite access - same stripe type, instant visual distinction. These options make it easy to build multi-tier card systems using simple stock management protocols.

Beyond standard white PVC, Plastic Card ID offers clear and frosted card stock with magnetic stripes for programs that want a more distinctive visual presentation. A clear card with a LoCo stripe makes a striking first impression - especially for hospitality brands and upscale membership programs where aesthetics reinforce the brand's positioning. The stripe, print, and encoding performance are identical to standard white stock.

Specialty card formats including custom die-cut shapes are available for marketing and promotional applications. A LoCo stripe can be applied to cards in non-standard shapes for trade show giveaways, promotional campaigns, or retail gift card programs that want to stand out on a display rack. When the card itself becomes a conversation piece, distribution rates improve and the program delivers marketing value beyond its functional purpose.

Printing on LoCo card stock requires a card printer with either a built-in magnetic encoder or an add-on encoder module. Evolis, Zebra, and Fargo all manufacture printers compatible with LoCo encoding at various price points and throughput capacities. The right choice depends on how many cards you issue per month, whether you need single-sided or dual-sided printing, and whether color or monochrome output fits your design.

Printer ribbons are a consumable that directly affects print quality and cost per card. Plastic Card ID stocks the full range of OEM and compatible ribbons for all supported printer models. Keeping a supply of cleaning kits on hand extends printer life and prevents smearing, skipping, or streaking on finished cards - problems that are almost always preventable with routine maintenance.

Buyers and card program managers often arrive with the same core questions. What follows addresses the most practical concerns about LoCo cards with direct, useful answers that help you move forward with confidence rather than second-guessing your purchase.

Most standard magnetic stripe readers are compatible with both LoCo and HiCo cards. The reader itself does not need to be configured for coercivity - it simply reads the magnetic pattern regardless of how strongly those particles resist demagnetization. The coercivity setting matters on the encoder side, not the reader side. If your existing readers already work with magnetic stripe cards of any type, they will almost certainly read LoCo cards without modification.

The rare exceptions involve specialty readers calibrated specifically for HiCo that may have reduced sensitivity for LoCo signals. If you are uncertain about your reader hardware, check the manufacturer specifications or call 800.835.7919 for guidance. Getting clarification before ordering a few thousand cards is always worthwhile.

LoCo cards can typically be re-encoded dozens of times before the stripe shows any degradation - more than enough for hotel key systems that reset cards per guest, visitor badge programs that refresh daily, or event systems that reissue credentials between sessions. The limiting factor is usually physical wear on the card surface before the stripe itself reaches its encoding limit.

Practical card life depends heavily on how the card is handled. A hotel key that gets dropped, bent slightly, or tucked next to a phone may show physical wear after five to ten re-encodings simply due to handling. A properly stored visitor badge re-encoded at a controlled front desk can last considerably longer. Bulk blank stock pricing makes replacing worn cards inexpensive when that point arrives.

Track 1 is the uppermost track and holds up to 79 alphanumeric characters - it can store names, account identifiers, and descriptive data. Track 2 holds up to 40 numeric characters and is the most universally supported track across card reader hardware, making it the default choice for most access control and loyalty applications. Track 3 supports up to 107 numeric characters and is used in some proprietary read/write applications, though it sees limited use in modern systems.

  • Track 1: Alphanumeric, up to 79 characters, cardholder name and account data
  • Track 2: Numeric, up to 40 characters, most universally compatible
  • Track 3: Numeric, up to 107 characters, read/write capable, limited adoption

For most card programs - hotel keys, loyalty cards, access control, library systems - Track 2 alone carries everything needed. Many organizations encode both Track 1 and Track 2 for redundancy and compatibility with a wider range of reader hardware. CPE can help you determine which tracks your program requires based on the software and hardware you are running.

Over 25 years in business. More than 100,000 customers served across the United States. More than 50 million cards sold. Those numbers represent a consistent track record of getting card programs right across industries as diverse as hospitality, healthcare, retail, education, and corporate enterprise. Plastic Card ID is not a catalog company that ships boxes and moves on - it is a strategic partner invested in the success of your card program over its full operational life.

The breadth of inventory is matched by the depth of knowledge behind it. From blank LoCo cards to HiCo magnetic stripe stock, RFID and proximity cards, smart chip cards, clear and frosted specialty formats, and luxury metal cards - everything your program might need at any stage of growth is available through a single trusted relationship. Programs that start at 50 cards a month and scale to tens of thousands find the same responsive service at both ends of the volume spectrum.

A card program is more than the cards. It is the printer that produces them, the ribbons that determine print quality, the cleaning kits that protect your equipment investment, and the card carriers, sleeves, and mailing services that get cards into the hands of the people who need them. Plastic Card ID stocks and supports every element of the card program lifecycle - which means fewer vendors, fewer procurement headaches, and a single point of accountability when questions arise.

Card affixing and mailing services mean that organizations issuing large quantities of membership cards, loyalty cards, or credential cards do not need to manage fulfillment in-house. The cards get produced and delivered to your members or cardholders directly, professionally packaged, on the timeline your program requires. For growing programs, that operational leverage is genuinely valuable.

Starting a LoCo magnetic stripe card program is straightforward when you have the right information and the right supplier. Identify your application and card lifecycle. Confirm your reader and encoder hardware compatibility. Choose blank or custom stock based on your print setup. Order quantities that balance per-card cost with storage practicality. Then issue cards that perform reliably for the duration of their intended use.

Plastic Card ID makes that process simple from the first call. Whether you are replacing a failing card program, launching a brand-new loyalty initiative, or simply restocking a hotel key card operation that has been running for years, the team is ready to help you get exactly what you need without overcomplicating the decision.

Ready to get your LoCo magnetic stripe card program running smoothly? Contact Plastic Card ID today at 800.835.7919 and speak with a specialist who knows card programs inside and out.

Magnetic stripe technology is not complicated once you understand the coercivity distinction between LoCo and HiCo. LoCo cards are purpose-built for short-lifecycle applications where re-encoding flexibility and cost efficiency matter more than long-term magnetic durability. Hotel keys, event credentials, visitor badges, promotional cards - these are the applications where LoCo delivers exactly what the program needs without paying a premium for resilience that will never be tested.

Choosing the right card for the right application is what separates a card program that runs smoothly for years from one that generates constant complaints and replacements. Plastic Card ID has guided more than 100,000 organizations through exactly that decision, and the knowledge accumulated across 25 years and 50 million cards is available to you every time you call. Do not guess on card specifications when expert guidance is one conversation away.

Plastic Card ID is your dedicated partner for magnetic stripe cards, card printers, ribbons, and every element of a successful card program. Call 800.835.7919 today and let's build something that works.