Finding the right plastic card stock for ID badge printers is essential for clear, durable results. This guide highlights five practical options best suited for small offices, schools, or events needing quick, reliable card printing. Each card is discussed for its printer compatibility, printing capabilities, and best use case.
Quick comparison at a glance:
| Product | Best For | Notable Feature | Slot/Double-Sided |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKISVWCSop 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID Cards | General ID badges | Wide printer compatibility | Double-sided printing |
| CAETOUNG 20 Pack Blank PVC Cards With Slot | Events, lanyard-ready cards | Top-slot design | Slot + double-sided printing |
| CAETOUNG 50 Pack With Slot – Long Side | Bulk ID programs | Slot on long side | Slot + double-sided printing |
| HYYIKA 30pcs Blank CR80 PVC Cards | Standard printer compatibility | CR80 30 mil thickness | No slots or chips |
| XFQUIJ Inkjet Printable Plastic Blank PVC Card | Inkjet-specific projects | Inkjet-only use | Not compatible with most temperate ID card printers |
BKISVWCSop 500 Pack Blank White PVC ID Cards
Product highlights: Compatible with most photo ID badge printers, including DataCard, Zebra, Fargo, Evolis, Magicard, and more. These cards are suitable for double-sided printing and conform to ISO CR80 standards (85.6 x 53.98 mm, 30 mil thick). Not designed for inkjet printers and lack chips, magnetic stripes, or pre-punched slots.
Best for: General office use, schools, or events needing bulk, cost-effective blank cards for standard ID badges. This option is ideal when you have a mix of common badge printers and require straightforward, double-sided printing without extra features.
Caution: Not suitable for inkjet printers. If you need lanyard slots or pre-punched features, this card lacks those options and should be paired with a separate slot-punch tool if required.
CAETOUNG 20 Pack Blank PVC Cards With Slot
Product highlights: Compatible with most photo ID badge printers (Evolis, Zebra, Badgy, Fargo, Magicard, DataCard, etc.). Includes a top slot to thread a lanyard, enabling easy carrying and reducing loss risk. Card size matches ISO CR80 (85.6 x 53.98 mm) with a 30 mil thickness. Not suitable for inkjet printers.
Best for: Events or workplaces that require ready-to-wear cards on lanyards. The slot design makes it simple to distribute and wear, while still offering double-sided printing on a standard CR80 card.
Caution: Slot size is fixed; ensure your lanyard fits the 13 x 3 mm slot. Not compatible with inkjet printers.
CAETOUNG 50 Pack With Slot – Long Side
Product highlights: Bulk blank CR80 30 mil PVC cards compatible with most ID badge printers. Features a slot on the long side for easy lanyard threading and supports double-sided printing. Card dimensions and thickness align with ISO CR80 standards (85.6 x 53.98 mm, 30 mil). Not designed for inkjet printers.
Best for: Bulk badge programs, universities, or organizations needing a steady supply of slot-ready cards for rapid badge issuance. Long-side slot design can improve distribution workflows in busy environments.
Caution: No chips or magnetic stripes; suitable for standard printer types only. If you require built-in security features, consider other options.
HYYIKA 30pcs Blank Credit Cards (CR80 30 Mil)
Product highlights: CR80 standard size with 30 mil thickness. Designed for printing on common ID card printers (not inkjet). Cards are blank and lack chips, magnetic stripes, or slots. Suitable for users who need clean, ready-to-print CR80 cards in moderate quantities.
Best for: Offices or educational settings that require a straightforward supply of blank cards for standard badge printers. This option minimizes complexity by avoiding slots or extra features.
Caution: Not compatible with inkjet printers. If you need slots or built-in security features, this card will not meet those needs.
XFQUIJ Inkjet Printable Plastic Blank PVC Card
Product highlights: Inkjet printable, blank PVC cards without chips or magnetic stripes. Not suitable for traditional ID card printers, but designed for inkjet printing workflows. Standard CR80 size with 30 mil thickness. A practical choice for personal projects or small runs using inkjet technology.
Best for: Projects that rely on inkjet printing rather than thermal ID badge printers. Choose this if you already have an inkjet setup and need blank PVC cards for customizing at home or in a studio.
Buying Guide
- Printer compatibility: If you own a photo ID badge printer (DataCard, Zebra, Evolis, Fargo, Magicard, etc.), stick to cards explicitly labeled as compatible. Most items in this list are not suitable for inkjet printers unless stated.
- Card features: Consider whether you need slots for lanyards, double-sided printing, or chips/magnetic stripes. Slots add wearability, while double-sided printing increases information capacity per card.
- Card size and thickness: Standard ISO CR80 cards measure 85.6 x 53.98 mm with a typical thickness of 30 mil. Confirm thickness if you are replacing existing stock or using a specific printer ribbon.
- Slot design considerations: Slot location (top vs. long side) affects how cards are worn or displayed. Ensure your lanyard or badge holder matches the slot type.
- Inkjet vs. thermal printing: Inkjet-specific cards are not compatible with most badge printers. Choose based on your printer type to avoid waste or damage.
- Bulk versus small-pack needs: For recurring badge issuance, bulk packs reduce reordering frequency, but ensure you have enough storage and handling capability for large quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ISO CR80 standard? It refers to the common credit-card size: 85.6 x 53.98 mm, typically 30 mil thick, used for standard ID cards.
- Can I use these cards in inkjet printers? Only the Inkjet Printable option is designed for inkjet printers. Most other cards are intended for thermal badge printers.
- Are slots necessary for every badge? Not necessarily. Slots are useful for carrying the card on a lanyard, but many workflows print without slots and use punched or unlimited wear options.
- Will these work with all badge printers? Most are compatible with common badge printers, but always verify printer compatibility with your specific model and any required features (chips, stripes, or slots).
- What is the advantage of double-sided printing? It doubles usable space on the badge, allowing more information, logos, or photos without increasing card count.
- Which option is best for bulk badge programs? The longer-slot or standard two-sided blank cards in larger packs (e.g., 50-pack with slot) are designed to support bulk issuance efficiently.