In this section you will find the main questions about minicards, small and versatile cards popular as loyalty cards and for access control.
MINICARDS
Minicards are smaller than standard cards. They are non-ISO cards, meaning they differ from the format regulated by ISO standards.
The barcode can be printed on the back of minicards; additionally, these small cards are compatible with the integration of RFID contactless chips, making them suitable for access control and as an electronic purse for vending machines.
Thanks to their compact and versatile format, mini cards are ideal for various applications in different contexts, offering innovative and functional solutions for different needs:
- Fidelity cards: Minicards with barcodes are widely used in Large-Scale Distribution and Retail as loyalty cards, rewarding customer loyalty and encouraging purchases through discounts, point collection schemes, and dedicated offers. Minicards for branding and promotion increase loyalty and improve the customer-brand relationship.
- Minicards for access control: Minicards with RFID technology are used for access control in hospitality venues such as hotels and campsites, in swimming pools, and gyms. Again, minicards for business use, with RFID or NFC technology, are used for employee identification and attendance tracking.
- Credential cards: These are identification cards, such as those used for duplicating house keys. One or two cards are produced for each lock.
- Event cards: Minicards with barcodes or RFID contactless chips can be used to manage access to events and concerts.
- Electric vehicle charging cards: Minicards with RFID chips are useful for charging electric cars at the charging stations.
- Keychain minicards: Minicards with integrated RFID chips can also be used as RFID key fobs for access control. Minicards for keychain use are enhanced with holes or cuts, allowing them to be attached to keys, bags, backpacks, and luggage.
Among the most requested types of mini cards are 3 up cards, pre-cut cards divided into three parts, each displaying the same barcode on the back. These can be shared among family members. Their use is widespread in Large-Scale Distribution and Retail as loyalty cards.
DISCOVER HOW TO PRINT A MINICARD
Custom minicards printing services
At Partitalia, we work with industrial technologies to provide the best minicards for small businesses, shops, and events, tailored to the specific needs of our customers.
Our customizable minicards are available various materials: PVC, which has excellent technical properties, like flexibility, resistance to temperature and chemicals, great printability, waterproofing, and long-lasting durability. In addition to traditional PVC, more eco-friendly options are also available, such as recycled PVC, which is made from PVC production waste, and degradable PVC, which breaks down faster than standard material due to additives that accelerate decomposition in microbe-rich environments. Both green materials maintain the same technical properties as standard PVC.
How to print a minicard with a custom design
In our production facility, we create promotional minicards with logos and customisable minicards with RFID technology, reflecting the company's identity through creative and eye-catching colour and graphic printing. We offer full-colour printing using offset printing (4 colours), silkscreen printing, digital printing, UV spot varnish, and hot stamping. Minicards customisation, such as adding variable data like numbering, barcodes, and names, is done using thermographic printing, laser printing, inkjet printing, and embossing.
Additionally, both minicards and 3 up cards can be enhanced with an epoxy resin, improving their shape and appearance. This resin can be applied to one or both sides of the card.
FAQs minicards
What is a minicard, and how does it work?
Minicards are small, versatile cards suitable for multiple applications. A barcode can be printed on the back of the minicards; in addition, minicards are compatible with the insertion of the contactless RFID chip.
How is a minicard different from a standard-sized card?
Minicards are smaller than standard cards. They are non-ISO cards, i.e. cards whose format differs from that regulated by ISO standards.
What types of minicards are available?
In addition to classic minicards, another type available is 3 up cards, pre-cut cards divided into three parts. 3 up cards are used as loyalty cards in Large-Scale Distribution and Retail: they have the same barcode on the back and can be shared between family members.
What are the uses of a minicard?
Minicards are used for various applications in different contexts: as loyalty cards with barcodes in Large-Scale Distribution and Retail; with the integration of RFID chip, for access control in hotels, gyms, and companies. Again, as credential cards, for duplicating house keys. Minicards with RFID technology are also used for charging electric cars, and as key fobs for access control.
What materials are used to make minicards?
Minicards can be made of PVC, a long-lasting material that is resistant to temperatures, chemicals, is water-resistant and has excellent printability; recycled PVC and degradable PVC, which retain the same characteristics as the standard material but are more sustainable.
Can a minicard have RFID or NFC technology?
Yes, RFID or NFC chips can be integrated into minicards, with an access control function.
