What Is a LoCo Magnetic Stripe Card? Simple Guide

What Is a LoCo Magnetic Stripe Card? Your Complete Guide From Chicago Pipe Essentials

Swipe a card at a hotel front desk, hand a loyalty card to a cashier, or badge into a gym - chances are, a magnetic stripe is doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes. But not all magnetic stripes are created equal. If you've ever ordered cards and encountered the terms "LoCo" and "HiCo," you've likely wondered what the difference actually means and why it matters for your program. Let's break it down clearly, practically, and with the kind of depth that helps you make a genuinely informed purchasing decision.

Understanding LoCo magnetic stripe cards is not just a technical exercise. It directly affects which cards work with which readers, how long your encoded data lasts, and whether your card program runs smoothly or frustrates end users from day one. CPE has helped over 100,000 businesses across the United States navigate exactly these kinds of decisions - and the right stripe type is one of the first choices that matters.

Defining LoCo: Low Coercivity Explained

LoCo stands for low coercivity - a term that describes how much magnetic force is required to encode data onto the stripe. A LoCo magnetic stripe card typically has a coercivity rating of around 300 Oersteds (Oe). In plain terms, that means it takes relatively little magnetic energy to write information to the card, and also relatively little energy to erase or overwrite it.

This is not a flaw - it is a deliberate design characteristic. LoCo cards are specifically engineered for applications where data needs to be updated, rewritten, or reprogrammed frequently. Hotel key cards are the most iconic example. A guest checks in, the front desk encodes a room number and checkout date to the card, and when the stay ends, the card is either discarded or re-encoded for the next guest. That cycle of quick, easy encoding is exactly what LoCo is built for.

The characteristic brown or dark amber color of the LoCo stripe - versus the typically darker, near-black stripe of a HiCo card - is one visual way to tell them apart. Most card printer encoders are configured to work with one type or the other, so identifying the stripe type before you order ribbons, cards, and encoding hardware together is genuinely important.

LoCo vs. HiCo: A Side-by-Side Comparison

High coercivity (HiCo) cards operate at around 2,750 Oe or higher, meaning they require significantly more magnetic force to encode - but also resist accidental erasure far more effectively. A HiCo card sitting next to a strong magnet, like the clasp on a purse, is much less likely to lose its data than a LoCo card in the same scenario.

So why would anyone choose LoCo at all? Because not every application needs permanent data. When a card is only meant to work for a weekend event, a hotel stay, or a short-term access period, the re-writability of LoCo becomes a genuine operational advantage. Lower coercivity also means card encoders don't have to work as hard, which can extend equipment life in high-volume re-encoding environments.

Feature	LoCo (Low Coercivity)	HiCo (High Coercivity)
Coercivity Rating	300 Oe	2,750 Oe
Stripe Color	Brown / Amber	Dark Brown / Black
Re-Encoding	Easy, frequent	Possible but less common
Erasure Resistance	Lower	Higher
Best For	Hotel keys, event cards, short-term access	Gift cards, loyalty cards, ID cards

Where LoCo Magnetic Stripe Cards Are Used

The application list for LoCo cards is actually broader than most buyers expect. Yes, hotel key cards dominate the conversation - but the same low-coercivity technology powers a wide range of card programs across industries. Understanding where LoCo cards legitimately excel helps you match your use case with the right product specification before you ever place an order.

For businesses running programs where card issuance happens repeatedly, where the same physical card stock needs to serve multiple users over time, or where encoding equipment is already calibrated for low coercivity - LoCo cards are simply the smart, cost-effective choice. CPE carries LoCo magnetic stripe cards in standard CR80 format (30 mil thickness, ISO 7810 compliant) in both blank stock and print-ready configurations.

Hospitality and Hotel Key Card Programs

Hotel and resort properties represent the single largest segment of LoCo card usage in the United States. Property management systems encode room access, checkout date, and floor permissions directly onto the LoCo stripe at check-in, and front desk staff can reprogram the same physical card stock thousands of times without degradation in card quality. The card itself becomes a reusable asset.

Boutique hotels, extended-stay properties, conference centers, and university dormitories all rely on LoCo card stock paired with compatible door lock systems. The encoding process takes seconds. When a guest loses a key, reprinting and re-encoding takes moments - no special hardware, no high-powered encoding equipment required. That operational simplicity has made LoCo the industry standard for hospitality access.

What many operators don't realize is that ordering the wrong stripe type - HiCo cards for a LoCo-configured lock system - can result in read errors, failed access, and frustrated guests. Matching your card stock to your lock system's reader specification is non-negotiable, and it's the kind of guidance that CPE is prepared to offer every client before the order ships.

Short-Term Access and Event Credentials

Conferences, trade shows, membership events, and temporary facility access programs are natural fits for LoCo cards. When credentials have a defined expiration window - end of the event, end of the month, end of a probationary period - the re-encoding capability of LoCo becomes a budget-friendly operational advantage rather than a vulnerability.

Event organizers who issue hundreds or thousands of temporary access cards per weekend can reclaim and re-encode LoCo stock for the next event cycle. Compare this to single-use credentials, and the cost savings over multiple events can be significant. The same cards that granted access to a trade show floor in March can be re-encoded and issued to a conference in May, simply by overwriting the magnetic stripe data.

Membership and Recreation Cards

Gyms, country clubs, recreational facilities, and co-working spaces frequently deploy LoCo cards for member access where the membership tier or access level changes periodically. When a member upgrades from a basic membership to a premium tier, or when access permissions shift seasonally, re-encoding a LoCo card takes moments and avoids the cost of issuing new physical cards every time a record changes.

This flexibility makes LoCo cards particularly attractive for organizations managing dynamic membership populations - think university recreation centers, multi-location fitness chains, or social clubs with tiered access levels. The card in the member's wallet stays the same; only the encoded data evolves with the relationship.

• Hotel and resort key card programs
• Conference and trade show credentials
• Gym and recreation facility access
• University dormitory and campus access
• Co-working space day passes and member cards
• Temporary contractor and visitor badges
• Seasonal or time-limited membership cards

LoCo Card Specifications and Standards

Buying magnetic stripe cards without understanding the underlying technical specifications is a recipe for compatibility headaches. Whether you're procuring 500 cards for a boutique hotel or 50,000 cards for a multi-property management group, knowing what you're buying ensures your investment works flawlessly from day one. CPE stocks LoCo cards built to ISO 7810 and ISO 7811 standards - the global benchmarks for magnetic stripe card construction and encoding.

CR80 is the standard card size (3.375 x 2.125 inches, 30 mil thickness) used in virtually all card readers, printers, and encoding hardware. Deviating from CR80 dimensions means risking incompatibility with your existing infrastructure, so unless there is a deliberate reason for a custom card size, CR80 is the universal starting point for any card program.

ISO Track Standards for Magnetic Stripe Encoding

Magnetic stripe cards can carry data on up to three separate tracks, each defined by ISO standards. Track 1 holds alphanumeric data at 210 bits per inch and can store cardholder name and discretionary data. Track 2, operating at 75 bits per inch, is the most commonly used track in access control and hotel key applications. Track 3, also at 210 bits per inch, supports read/write functions used in certain specialized applications.

For most hotel key card programs, Track 2 encoding is sufficient and standard. More complex applications - like cards that carry both access data and a membership number - may utilize multiple tracks simultaneously. Your card printer or encoding system documentation will specify which track configurations it supports, and LoCo cards from CPE are manufactured to be compatible across all standard track configurations.

Card Construction and Durability

LoCo magnetic stripe cards are constructed from durable PVC plastic - the same material used across the professional card industry. At 30 mil thickness, CR80 cards fit cleanly into wallets, lanyards, and card holders without bending or warping under normal use. The magnetic stripe is laminated into the card construction, not simply glued onto the surface, which provides consistent read performance over thousands of swipe cycles.

One important note on durability: while LoCo cards are robustly constructed, the encoded data is more susceptible to erasure from strong magnetic fields than HiCo cards. This is inherent to the technology, not a manufacturing defect. For applications where a card may frequently travel near magnets - speaker enclosures, refrigerator door seals, magnetic purse clasps - HiCo may be the more appropriate specification. For hospitality and short-term access, LoCo performs exactly as designed.

Compatibility With Card Printers and Encoders

Most desktop card printers from Evolis, Zebra, and Fargo offer optional magnetic stripe encoding modules that are configurable for LoCo, HiCo, or both. The encoding head must be matched to the coercivity of the card being encoded - using a HiCo encoder on a LoCo card, or vice versa, can result in unreadable or partially encoded data. Always confirm your printer's encoding module specification before selecting card stock.

Call 312-555-4821 to speak with a product specialist who can cross-reference your printer model, lock system specification, or encoding hardware against the correct LoCo card stock. Matching hardware and cards before you order is the single most effective way to prevent compatibility issues.

Choosing the Right Magnetic Stripe Card for Your Program

With both LoCo and HiCo options available, the decision ultimately comes down to three questions: How often will the card be re-encoded? What environment will the card operate in? And what does your existing hardware support? Getting the answers right before ordering saves time, money, and operational headaches downstream. Most organizations find that a quick consultation is all it takes to land on the right specification.

For clients running both short-term and long-term card programs simultaneously - for example, a hotel that also issues permanent staff ID cards - it is common to maintain separate stocks of LoCo and HiCo cards. The front desk card printer handles LoCo hotel keys; a back-office HR printer handles HiCo staff credentials. Two card types, two use cases, zero compatibility confusion.

Questions to Ask Before Ordering Magnetic Stripe Cards

• What type of magnetic stripe does my card reader or lock system require?
• Will the card data need to be updated or overwritten regularly?
• What track configuration (Track 1, 2, or 3) does my system use?
• Is my card printer's encoding module set for LoCo, HiCo, or switchable?
• How long does each card need to reliably hold its encoded data?
• Will cards be stored near strong magnetic fields between uses?

Blank LoCo Cards vs. Pre-Printed LoCo Cards

Blank LoCo magnetic stripe cards give your organization complete control over design and encoding. You print card faces in-house using a desktop card printer, encode the magnetic stripe during the same print cycle, and issue fully personalized cards on demand. The per-card cost over time is substantially lower than ordering pre-printed custom cards for every new batch, especially for organizations with frequent roster changes.

Pre-printed or custom-printed LoCo cards are the right choice when you want a professionally finished card face - full-color artwork, logos, brand elements - produced at a quality level that exceeds in-house desktop printing, and encoding is handled on-site at time of issuance. CPE can supply both options, and many clients use a combination: professionally printed card stock encoded in-house at the point of use.

Volume Considerations and Cost Planning

Magnetic stripe card pricing scales favorably with volume. Whether you need 500 LoCo cards per month or 50,000 for a large property rollout, the per-card cost decreases meaningfully at higher quantities. Planning your order volume accurately - factoring in issuance rates, re-encoding cycles, card loss, and replacement demand - is the most direct way to optimize your card program budget.

For organizations just launching a card program, starting with a moderate quantity and scaling up as operational patterns become clear is a sensible approach. CPE supports card programs of every size, from small monthly orders of 50-100 cards to large-scale production runs in the tens of thousands, with consistent quality and lead times across the board.

Frequently Asked Questions About LoCo Magnetic Stripe Cards

Even experienced card program managers encounter questions when evaluating LoCo technology for the first time or scaling an existing program. The following FAQ addresses the most common points of confusion, compatibility questions, and purchasing considerations that come up in real conversations with buyers across the United States.

Can I Use LoCo Cards in My Existing Card Printer?

Yes - provided your printer includes a magnetic stripe encoding module configured for low coercivity. Most Evolis, Zebra, and Fargo desktop card printers with encoding options can be set for LoCo, HiCo, or both, depending on the model and module installed. Check your printer manual or the product page for your specific model to confirm. Using the wrong coercivity card in an encoder calibrated for the opposite setting will produce cards that fail to read reliably.

If you are unsure about your printer's encoding configuration, the product team at CPE can help you verify compatibility before your order ships. It's a quick call that can prevent a costly mismatch from derailing your card program launch or reorder cycle.

Will LoCo Cards Work With My Hotel's Door Lock System?

The vast majority of hotel door lock systems from major manufacturers - including systems using RFID or hybrid magnetic stripe technology - specify LoCo cards as the required stock. However, lock system manufacturers do occasionally update specifications, and older systems may vary from newer installations in the same property. Always verify directly with your lock system vendor or installation documentation before ordering large quantities of card stock.

That said, LoCo cards and hotel lock systems have been the dominant pairing in the hospitality industry for decades. If your property's system was installed by a major vendor and uses standard magnetic stripe key cards, LoCo is almost certainly the correct specification.

How Many Times Can a LoCo Card Be Re-Encoded?

LoCo cards can typically be re-encoded hundreds to thousands of times without degradation in encoding performance, as long as the card surface and magnetic stripe remain physically undamaged. The limiting factor in most re-encoding programs is physical card wear - scratches, surface wear from repeated handling, or delamination of the card body - rather than any limitation of the magnetic stripe material itself.

For high-frequency re-encoding environments, monitoring card stock for visible wear and establishing a replacement threshold is good operational practice. Cards showing physical wear should be retired, not because the stripe has failed, but because physical degradation can eventually interfere with reliable reading in card slots and swipe readers.

Building a Complete Card Program With Chicago Pipe Essentials

A LoCo magnetic stripe card is just the starting point. Running a successful card program - whether it's for hotel access, short-term membership, event credentials, or multi-use facility access - requires cards, printers, ribbons, cleaning supplies, and a supplier who understands how all those components fit together. That's exactly what Chicago Pipe Essentials has spent 25 years building: a genuinely complete one-stop card program resource for USA businesses of every size.

Beyond LoCo and HiCo magnetic stripe cards, the product catalog includes blank PVC cards, RFID and proximity cards, smart chip cards, clear and frosted specialty cards, colored card stock, casino player cards, metal cards, and a full range of card printers and supplies. Whether you're launching a new program or expanding an existing one, the full infrastructure to do it right is available in one place.

Card Printers and Encoding Hardware

The printer selection from Chicago Pipe Essentials includes desktop and professional models from Evolis, Zebra, and Fargo - brands that represent the gold standard in card printing and encoding. Each printer line offers distinct advantages in speed, print resolution, encoding options, and connectivity, making model selection dependent on volume, card complexity, and workflow requirements rather than any single-size-fits-all recommendation.

Pairing the right printer with the right card stock is critical, and it's a decision that the product team at CPE can guide based on your specific program requirements. From entry-level printers for small monthly card runs to high-throughput dual-sided models for enterprise-scale issuance, the right hardware match makes your entire card program more reliable and cost-effective.

Ribbons, Cleaning Kits, and Supplies

Card printer ribbons, cleaning kits, card sleeves, card carriers, and affixing and mailing services round out the supply catalog. Keeping a card printer running cleanly and efficiently requires regular maintenance with manufacturer-recommended cleaning cards and rollers - and stocking the right ribbon type for your printer model ensures consistent print quality across every card you produce.

For organizations mailing plastic cards to members, clients, or cardholders, the card affixing and mailing service eliminates the need for an in-house fulfillment operation. Cards arrive at cardholders' addresses professionally packaged and ready to use - a meaningful upgrade from stuffing envelopes manually and a genuine operational time-saver for membership organizations issuing dozens or hundreds of cards at once.

Specialty and Advanced Card Options

Beyond standard magnetic stripe cards, the Chicago Pipe Essentials catalog extends into RFID smart cards with contactless technology including MIFARE DESFire, proximity access cards, clear and frosted plastic cards, custom die-cut shapes, and luxury metal cards in stainless steel, brass, and gold. These advanced options serve specialized applications in access control, VIP programs, premium membership, and high-security environments where standard card stock simply isn't the right fit.

Casino player cards, hotel smart key cards, and high-security proximity credentials represent some of the more technically demanding applications in the card industry, and CPE carries the product depth to support them without requiring buyers to source from multiple vendors. One supplier, one relationship, complete card program coverage from basic LoCo stock to enterprise-grade smart cards.

Ready to order LoCo magnetic stripe cards or find the right card solution for your program? The team at Chicago Pipe Essentials is standing by to help you match the right card, printer, and supplies to your exact requirements.

Call 312-555-4821 today to speak with a product specialist and get your card program running with the right technology from day one.

Partner With Chicago Pipe Essentials for Your Magnetic Stripe Card Program

Over 100,000 USA businesses and organizations have trusted Chicago Pipe Essentials with their card programs - from independent boutique hotels ordering a few hundred LoCo key cards a month to large-scale membership organizations managing tens of thousands of credentials annually. That breadth of experience, combined with a genuinely complete product catalog, makes Chicago Pipe Essentials the strategic partner that card programs of any scale can rely on.

LoCo magnetic stripe cards are a smart, well-proven technology for any application where re-encoding, short-term access, or hospitality key card programs are the priority. Getting the specification right, pairing the card with compatible hardware, and maintaining supply chain consistency over time are the pillars of a card program that works day in and day out without drama. That's what Chicago Pipe Essentials delivers - call 312-555-4821 and let's build something that works for your organization.