What is a magnetic stripe?
Magnetic stripes might seem like a small and insignificant addition to something like your gift cards, loyalty cards, and hotel key cards. but they serve an incredibly crucial purpose. These tiny black stripes contain a magnetic material that stores important information, such as your account number, expiration date, and other crucial details. This information is then read by the magnetic stripe reader when swiped, allowing for quick and efficient transactions. Thanks to the magnetic stripe’s ability to store information in a secure and durable way, our payment systems have become faster and more convenient than ever before.
How do magnetic stripes work?
Magnetic stripe cards encode data using a magnetic stripe at the back of the card. The magstripe consists of iron particles embedded in a plastic sheet. Each small iron particle acts as a tiny magnet. These particles are magnetized or encoded using a system that uses a magnetic force. This creates a unique pattern on each card.
The pattern is read by the POS system when the card swipes. This decodes all the data that’s encoded in the card. It is important to keep magnetic strips away from items that could cause demagnetization, such as strong magnets or certain phones.
How do they work with lock systems?
Magnetic stripe plastic cards have been a popular form of identification and access control for decades, and they’re commonly used in lock systems within hospitality and institutional settings. From hotel room doors to employee entrances, these cards are swiped through an electronically controlled lock to grant access to the individual holding the card. This technology has replaced traditional keys and offers added security features, such as the ability to deactivate cards if they’re lost or stolen. Magnetic stripe cards are also easy to customize, allowing for unique identifiers to be added to each card, making it easier for administrators to monitor access patterns and track who has come and gone.
How do magnetic stripes incorporate into my POS system?
Data is usually generated and exported by the system that you use to scan your cards, such as your POS system or membership/loyalty system.
The information used on your card depends on how it is being used. A gift card, for example, will have an account number that is used to check the available monetary values in your system. A gym membership card could include a number that links the system to data about whether or not a customer paid their monthly fee.
Data from your POS will be exported as a list to a CSV file or other format. Duracard receives the exported data. The code will be printed on the magnetic stripe of each card. We handle the entire process from card creation through to printing.
The coding instructions for Magstripes vary depending on which stripe is used. There are two types of magstripes: track 1 and track 2. Or you can choose both. (Think of a track like a line.) The number of characters can range from 8 to 16 and may require a start number.
How do I know if I need a HiCo or LoCo magnetic stripe?
The decision to use high-coercivity (HiCo) or low-coercivity (LoCo) magnetic stripes on a card depends on the specific requirements of the application and the durability considerations. Here are some factors to consider:
HiCo Magnetic Stripe:
Durability and Resistance: HiCo magnetic stripes are highly durable and resistant to accidental erasure. They withstand exposure to external magnetic fields, making them suitable for applications where cards may undergo rough handling or frequent use.
Security and Data Integrity: HiCo technology is often chosen for applications requiring a high level of security and data integrity. Access control for secure facilities, and cards storing critical and sensitive data commonly use HiCo magnetic stripes.
LoCo Magnetic Stripe:
Durability and Cost: LoCo magnetic stripes are generally less durable than HiCo and more susceptible to accidental erasure. They are, however, a cost-effective option for applications where durability is less critical.
Applications: LoCo cards find use in applications where cost considerations outweigh the need for high durability and security. Examples include loyalty cards, gift cards, and other non-sensitive applications.
Compatibility: Verify compatibility with your card reader or POS system, as some systems are designed for either HiCo or LoCo cards.
What track should I encode on?
Magnetic stripes on cards have three distinct tracks, each capable of storing specific types of information. These tracks are essentially parallel lines on the back of the card, and they are referred to as Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3. The encoding on these tracks follows certain standards, and the information stored can vary depending on the application. Here’s an overview of each track:
Track 1:
Type of Data: Alphanumeric data.
Common Information: Typically contains the cardholder’s name, account number, expiration date, and sometimes additional data.
Common Usage: Track 1 is commonly used in financial transactions and identification applications.
Track 2:
Type of Data: Numeric data.
Common Information: Contains the cardholder’s account number, card expiration date, and, in some cases, discretionary data.
Common Usage: Widely used in financial transactions and access control applications.
Track 3:
Type of Data: Numeric data.
Common Information: This track is less common and is typically used for specialized applications. It can include additional information beyond Tracks 1 and 2.
Common Usage: Less prevalent than Tracks 1 and 2, Track 3 is often reserved for specific, industry-specific requirements.
How do I determine if I should use Magnetic Stripe or Barcode?
Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice should be made based on the particular needs of the project or system. Here are some things to consider:
Higher Data Capacity: Magnetic stripes can store more data compared to barcodes, making them suitable for applications that require a higher capacity.
- Durability: Magnetic stripes are more durable in terms of repeated swiping, making them suitable for applications where cards are frequently used.
- Application Range: Magnetic stripes are commonly used in various applications, including credit cards, access control systems, and loyalty programs.
- Industry Standards: Magnetic stripes are widely used and accepted.
- Encoding Complexity: While more complex than barcodes, encoding data onto magnetic stripes is a feasible process during card production.
- Compatibility: Magnetic stripes require specialized readers, but these readers are widely available and compatible with various systems.