Chongqing Colorful is a professional commercial printing manufacturer & supplier Since 2011.
Everything You Need to Know About Blank PVC Cards, Blank Key Tags, and Card & Key Tag Combinations
In the world of identification, membership, and retail management, blank PVC cards and blank key tags remain the most versatile, customizable, and cost-effective solutions. Whether you’re printing employee ID cards, creating loyalty programs, or offering access control at your facility, these blank products provide a perfect foundation for high-quality custom printing.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes blank PVC cards, blank key tags, and blank card and key tag combinations so essential—and how you can choose the best option for your business.
1. What Are Blank PVC Cards?
Blank PVC cards are plain, unprinted plastic cards made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—a durable, smooth material commonly used for credit cards, access cards, and ID badges.
They come in the standard CR80 size (85.5 × 54 mm or 3.375″ × 2.125″) and are typically 30 mil thick.
Because they start as a “blank slate,” these cards can be fully customized through various printing technologies:
Thermal transfer or dye-sublimation printing (for ID card printers)
UV printing (for vivid colors and textured effects)
Screen printing (for logos and large production runs)
Offset or digital printing (for detailed designs and photos)
Blank PVC cards are widely used for:
Employee and student IDs
Membership and loyalty cards
Gift cards or discount cards
Access control or visitor passes
For added functionality, blank cards can also include magnetic stripes, RFID chips, or NFC modules, making them compatible with modern access or payment systems.
2. Advantages of Using Blank PVC Cards
Durability – PVC is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting even under daily use.
Print Flexibility – Compatible with most card printers and print technologies.
Cost-Effectiveness – Buying blank cards in bulk allows businesses to print on-demand and save costs.
Professional Appearance – Produces a sleek, clean look ideal for brand identity.
Customization Options – Can be laminated, embossed, UV-printed, or encoded for magnetic or contactless use.
When choosing blank PVC cards, check the following:
Printer compatibility (some cards are not suitable for inkjet printers)
Surface finish (glossy, matte, or frosted)
Encoding options (HiCo or LoCo magnetic stripe, chip, or no encoding)
3. What Are Blank Key Tags?
Blank key tags are smaller plastic tags that attach to keyrings, providing a compact and convenient way to carry identification or membership data.
They are often made from the same PVC material as cards, but sized for portability (typically 1.1″ × 2.1″).
Key tags are especially popular in:
Gyms and fitness centers
Retail loyalty programs
Clubs or event memberships
Parking access and facility entry
Each blank key tag can be printed with barcodes, serial numbers, logos, or QR codes—and even equipped with RFID or NFC chips for contactless scanning.
4. Blank Card and Key Tag Combinations
A blank card and key tag combination (also called a “combo set” or “breakaway combo”) includes both a full-size PVC card and one or more detachable key tags joined together on the same sheet.
This clever design allows a brand to give customers:
One standard card for wallets or purses, and One or two matching mini key tags for their keychain.
It’s a powerful marketing and convenience tool—customers can scan the tag on-the-go, while the main card stays as a durable backup.
Typical uses include:
Supermarket and retail loyalty programs
Gym memberships
Fuel cards and customer rewards systems
Access or attendance control systems
Advantages of card + key tag combos:
Unified branding across both formats
Easy distribution (customers get all items at once)
Shared barcode or ID number for seamless scanning
More convenience and visibility for daily use
5. Choosing Between Blank PVC Cards, Key Tags, and Combos
| Application | Best Option | Notes |
| Employee or Student ID | Blank PVC Card | Suitable for photo and text printing |
| Retail Loyalty Program | Blank Key Tag or Combo | Combos boost repeat usage and brand recall |
| Gym Membership | Combo Set | Card + tag combo offers flexibility for entry |
| Event Pass or Badge | Blank PVC Card | Durable and customizable with holograms |
| Access Control | Blank PVC Card (HiCo) | For encoding and durability |
| Promotional Giveaway | Blank Key Tag | Compact, cost-effective |
If you’re unsure, combination cards are an excellent middle ground—offering both practicality and brand recognition.
6. Printing and Customization Options
At Chongqing Colorful Technology Co., Ltd., we provide full customization for all blank card types:
Material: PVC, PET, or acrylic
Size: CR80 standard or custom shapes
Finish: Glossy, matte, frosted, metallic, or transparent
Features: Magnetic stripe (HiCo/LoCo), barcode, QR, chip, NFC/RFID
Printing: Offset, UV, digital, or silkscreen
Our factory is equipped with Heidelberg UV printers, Kemei digital presses, and 20+ automated machines, with a monthly capacity exceeding 10 million cards.
We’ve been serving global clients across Europe, America, and the Middle East since 2011—helping businesses simplify purchasing, enhance branding, and grow customer loyalty.
Conclusion
Whether you need blank PVC cards for secure identification, blank key tags for loyalty programs, or blank card and key tag combinations for dual-use branding, these products continue to deliver unmatched versatility.
By partnering with a professional manufacturer like Chongqing Colorful Technology, you can expect premium materials, flexible customization, and factory-direct prices—all tailored to your business goals.
