A guide to custom loyalty and membership cards.
News | October 13, 2026
Create memorable cards that keep your brand in their wallet.
Customised loyalty and membership cards might look simple, but there are plenty of choices to be made. From design to technology – the options are endless. Should the card include a barcode, a QR code or an RFID chip? Does each one need a unique name and/or number? And how is a loyalty card really any different from a membership card?
This is a blog to answer all your questions; whether you’re launching a rewards scheme for a café chain or issuing cards to thousands of gym members, we can help you find the perfect solution!
Loyalty cards vs membership cards: what’s the difference?
The difference lies in what the card is being used for, not how it’s made or how it looks. A loyalty card rewards customers for returning, whether it’s a discount or even a freebie – a classic ‘buy nine and get your tenth for free’ is popular! This is a great way to increase returning customers. A membership card however, shows that someone belongs to a club, organisation or service, making the user feel special and part of a community. It will often involve some kind of access control, whether it’s a gym card or maybe even a library card.
Loyalty cards are often free to sign up for, for example the Tesco ClubCard is a well-known scheme. They will have features such as a QR code for visual scanning, allowing you to collect and build up points, or spaces for collecting stamps. On the other hand, a membership is something you will most likely have to pay for, such as a gym membership. Membership cards will often feature an ID photo and RFID access.
What features can you add to loyalty and membership cards?
The ideal features for your card will depend on how the card will be scanned and what information it needs to carry. Most schemes combine a few of the options below:
RFID and NFC chips:
RFID (radio frequency identification) cards contain a tiny chip and aerial sealed inside the card. Holding the card near a reader lets it be identified without swiping or scanning, which makes it perfect for door access, turnstiles and fast checkouts! If you already have readers installed, check which frequency and chip type they use before ordering, as the cards need to match – our team can help you with this.
Barcodes and QR codes:
Barcodes are the simplest and most affordable way to make a card scannable. They work with most existing tills, handheld scanners and loyalty software. QR codes hold more information and can be scanned by a smartphone camera, which is useful for linking a card to an online account or sign-up page.
Personalisation:
Variable data printing lets every card in a run be unique. Common details may include:
– the cardholder’s name
– a unique member number
– a photo, for ID and membership cards
– a membership grade, start date or expiry date
You supply the details in a spreadsheet, and each card can be printed with its own information alongside your shared design!
Magnetic stripes, signature panels and extras:
Magnetic stripes remain useful where older card readers are in place. Signature panels help prevent misuse, and scratch-off panels can hide a PIN or activation code, ideal for a secure card.
Materials, finishes and card options:
Most loyalty and membership cards are made to the same size as a bank card, 3.375 x 2.125 inches (known as CR80), so they fit standard wallets, card holders and readers. From there, you can choose:
– Material: PVC is the most common choice for durability and print quality. Ingenia also offers sustainable recycled options.
– Thickness: standard cards are around 30 mil (0.03 inches) thick, matching a bank card. Thinner cards cost less and would suit short-term schemes.
– Finish: gloss for vivid colour, matt for a premium feel, or even a mix of the two.
– Special effects: Ingenia offers options such as metallic foils, spot UV and even frosted or transparent cards.
– Shape and extras: rounded corners as standard, plus other options such as key fob tags or punched holes for lanyards.
If the card needs to last several years, such as an annual membership or staff pass, it’s worth investing in a thicker card and durable finish. For a short promotion, a lighter card is often all you will need.
Ready to create your cards?
Whether you’re looking for barcoded loyalty cards or RFID membership cards for thousands of members, Ingenia takes care of everything – from print and personalisation to encoding – we are a supplier that you can rely on.
Ordering is simple: tell us how your cards will be used, and we’ll recommend the right materials and technology, take care of the personalisation and send you a proof to approve before anything goes to print. If you’re not sure what your existing system needs, our team will help you check!
Explore our custom branded loyalty and membership cards with endless possibilities!
Get in touch for support and our team will help you choose the ideal product for your business!
Get in touch today by emailing us at info@ingenia-id.com or call us now on +44 (0)117 978 4777 to speak to a member of our friendly team.
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