A Guide to Cards plus Keytags
Plastic cards with detachable key tags combine the convenience of a full-size membership or loyalty card with smaller key tags that customers can carry on their key rings. These combination cards are widely used by retail stores, fitness centers, libraries, supermarkets, and membership organizations to provide customers with multiple ways to identify themselves and access their accounts.
Custom printed cards with key tags are manufactured as a single plastic piece with one or more detachable tags connected to the main card. Each section can display matching account numbers, barcodes, or other identification information, allowing the card and key tags to work with the same membership or loyalty program.
Types of Cards with Key Tags
Card Plus One Key Tag
A plastic card with one detachable key tag is a popular configuration for membership cards, loyalty programs, and customer identification. The full-size card fits conveniently into a wallet, while the smaller tag can be detached and attached to a key ring.
Card Plus Two Key Tags
Cards with two detachable key tags provide additional convenience by including a full-size card and two smaller tags in one connected piece. This configuration is particularly useful for households, family memberships, and shared loyalty accounts. Each tag can carry the same account identification information, allowing multiple family members to use the same membership or rewards account. Businesses can also use the additional tag as a replacement or spare, reducing the need to issue a completely new card if one is misplaced.
Cards with Custom Webbing
Combination cards are manufactured with connecting sections, commonly called webbing, that hold the detachable key tags to the main card until they are separated. Standard configurations are available, along with custom webbing options that allow different arrangements of cards and tags. The webbing design affects how the pieces connect and how easily customers can detach them.
Library Cards with Key Tags
Library cards with detachable key tags provide patrons with two convenient ways to access their library accounts. The full-size card can be stored in a wallet, while the smaller key tag remains attached to a key ring for everyday use. These cards are suitable for public libraries, school libraries, and other institutions that issue identification cards to registered members.
Card Sizes, Materials, and Thickness
The main card typically uses the standard CR80 credit card format, measuring 3-3/8" wide by 2-1/8" tall. Detachable key tags are smaller and vary in size depending on the selected configuration. Combination cards are manufactured from durable plastic materials designed to withstand repeated handling.
Custom Printing for Cards and Key Tags
Custom printed cards with key tags allow businesses to display their logos, brand colors, promotional artwork, and membership information on both the full-size card and detachable tags. Four-color CMYK process printing produces detailed graphics, photographs, and vibrant colors. Double-sided printing provides additional space for contact information, website addresses, membership instructions, and promotional messages.
Glossy finishes provide a polished appearance, while matte finishes offer a softer look. A matte writing surface may also be useful when customers or staff need to record information directly on the card. Maintaining consistent artwork across the main card and detachable tags helps customers recognize the business regardless of which piece they use.
Barcodes and Variable Numbering
Barcodes are among the most important features of combination cards because they allow the full-size card and detachable tags to identify the same customer account. Each card set can be printed with a unique barcode and matching account number. The barcode on the main card can be duplicated on each detachable tag, allowing all pieces to reference the same membership or loyalty account.
Common barcode formats include Code 39, Code 128, and Coda bar. Online River can print any barcode symbology used by point-of-sale and membership management systems. The correct format depends on the software and barcode scanners already in use. Variable numbering allows each card set to receive a unique identification number during production. Sequential numbering and customer-supplied data files can be used to coordinate printed cards with an existing database. QR codes are another option for applications that use compatible scanning systems. These codes can contain account identifiers, website links, or other information depending on the intended application.
Designing Cards with Detachable Key Tags
When designing a combination card, consider how the artwork will appear both before and after the key tags are detached. The main card and smaller tags should remain recognizable as part of the same membership or loyalty program.
Use the front for the business name, logo, and artwork. The reverse can display barcodes, account numbers, website addresses, and brief instructions. Allow approximately 1/8" of bleed for artwork extending to the edges, and keep important text and graphics at least 1/8" inside the trim, detachable edges, and key ring holes. Barcodes should be positioned where they can be scanned easily without interference from artwork or other printed information.
Material and Printing Equipment
Online River's laminated Teslin cards use a synthetic-paper core that is printed, laminated, and cut to the required shape. This construction provides a durable printed surface suitable for everyday handling. The printing process supports full-color artwork, unique identification numbers, matching barcodes, and different card and key tag configurations.
Online River's printing equipment includes Heidelberg Speedmaster CD74 six-color offset presses and HP Indigo 3050 digital presses, along with specialized finishing equipment for producing printed cards and tags.