Guest Contributor:
Nathan Lemon, IC Group
Trends to Get Your Card Top of Wallet.
The credit and debit card industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and regulatory standards. These changes are reflected in the manufacturing processes and materials used to create secure cards.
In today’s competitive market, making your card stand out is more important than ever. Here are some of the latest advancements in card production and effective strategies to ensure your card stands out in a crowded wallet.
Potential Premium Printing Techniques for Cards
- Color Core: This simple adjustment to the card build enables cardholders to easily identify your card in a crowded wallet. Custom colors, metallic inks and patterns are available in the market today.
- Metallic Foil Stamping: Applying metallic foil in silver, gold, or other colors creates a reflective, eye-catching effect that enhances the card’s visual appeal and gives the card a premium appearance.
- Laser Engraving: This precise technique etches designs or text into the card surface, creating a permanent and sophisticated finish.
- Spot UV Coating: Applying a high-gloss coating to specific areas of the card creates contrast and highlights design elements, adding a touch of depth and dimension. When paired with a matte finished base design, a financial institution logo or fintech brand can stand out with this subtle embellishment.
- Less Is More: Fintech companies have successfully reduced the amount of information on the card to highlight their branding with a more modern look and feel.
Metal Cards: The Rise of Premium
Metal and weighted cards have emerged as a symbol of status and exclusivity. Made from materials like stainless steel, titanium, or even precious metals, these cards offer a unique tactile experience and a distinct aesthetic appeal. The manufacturing process for metal cards is more complex and costly than traditional plastic cards, but the premium feel and associated benefits justify the investment for many consumers.
A recent study confirmed that 92% of millennials and Gen Z would prefer a metal or weighted card. Two-thirds of the respondents would have a higher perception of their banking relationship if they were offered a metal or weighted card. Also, the same percentage of those surveyed would switch to a bank or fintech if they were offered this high end product.
Sustainable Materials: A Greener Future
Environmental concerns are prompting a shift towards sustainable materials in secure card manufacturing. Recycled plastic, bio-based plastics, and other eco-friendly materials are being used as alternatives to traditional PVC. These materials reduce the environmental impact of card production and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Contactless Technology: Tap and Go
In the United States, contactless payment technology has become ubiquitous and card manufacturers are primarily incorporating contactless chips into their cards. This enables users to make quick and convenient payments by simply tapping their card on a compatible terminal. The manufacturing process for contactless cards involves embedding a Near-Field Communication (NFC) chip and an antenna into the card’s build, to help provide a seamless user experience.
Dynamic CVV: Enhanced Security Against Fraud
Dynamic CVV technology is an emerging trend that aims to combat online fraud. Instead of a static CVV code printed on the back of the card, dynamic CVV cards feature a small display that shows a CVV code that changes with each use or can even be hidden. This makes it much harder for fraudsters to use stolen card information for online purchases.
Manufacturing dynamic CVV cards requires integrating power and a digital display into the card’s design, giving the card a premium security feel. This technology also requires an integration to the issuer processor to authenticate the current CVV, to ensure a frictionless consumer experience.
Conclusion
The secure card manufacturing landscape is undergoing a transformation, driven by innovation and evolving consumer demands. Premium printing techniques, metal cards, sustainable materials, contactless technology, and dynamic CVV are just a few of the trends shaping the future of card manufacturing.
As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences shift, we can expect to see even more innovative and sophisticated cards in the years to come. To learn more about these advancements and how to take your card programs to the next level, contact IC Group at info@ic-payments.com
About the Author.
Nathan Lemon is Head of Partnerships at IC Payments, working with banks, processors and fintechs to help deliver secure card manufacturing, personalization and fulfillment solutions. Nathan has been in the card and payments space for 12+ years and is passionate about building long term relationships with his partners and clients.
For 43 years, IC Group has collaborated with financial technology companies and financial institutions to leverage the latest technologies in card manufacturing to put their secure cards at the top of their customers’ wallets. IC Group guides our customers through the latest trends shaping the card manufacturing landscape.
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