Magnetic Stripe Card Technology Guide
Learn how magnetic stripe cards work, the difference between high-coercivity and low-coercivity magnetic stripes, and how stripe width and data tracks affect card encoding.
Magnetic stripe technology has been used for decades to store information on plastic cards. Although newer contactless and smart card technologies are increasingly common, magnetic stripe cards continue to be used in identification, access control, membership, loyalty, hospitality and other card-based applications.
Selecting the correct magnetic stripe involves more than simply adding a stripe to a card. The coercivity, stripe width and data track requirements should be considered based on how the card will be encoded and used.
Magnetic Stripe Basics
A magnetic stripe contains magnetically encoded information that can be written and read using compatible card encoding equipment. The three primary specifications to consider are coercivity (Oersted rating), stripe width and the number of available data tracks.
HiCo vs. LoCo Magnetic Stripes
Magnetic stripes are commonly available in two categories: High Coercivity (HiCo) and Low Coercivity (LoCo). Coercivity describes the magnetic field strength required to encode or alter the information stored on the stripe and is measured in Oersteds (Oe).
HiCo Magnetic Stripe
High-coercivity magnetic stripes require a stronger magnetic field to encode and are more resistant to accidental erasure or alteration.
2750 Oe is a widely used HiCo specification, with other high-coercivity options such as 4000 Oe also available for certain card applications.
HiCo is commonly selected for:
- Employee ID cards
- Student and campus cards
- Access control credentials
- Membership cards
- Cards intended for repeated or long-term use
LoCo Magnetic Stripe
Low-coercivity magnetic stripes require less magnetic energy to encode. Because the encoded information is easier to alter, LoCo stripes are generally better suited to applications where cards are frequently reissued or have a relatively short service life.
LoCo has traditionally been used for:
- Hotel key cards
- Temporary-use cards
- Short-term identification
- Applications where cards are regularly re-encoded
What Does the Oersted Rating Mean?
The Oersted (Oe) rating indicates the magnetic field strength associated with magnetizing or encoding the stripe. In practical terms, a higher-coercivity stripe requires a stronger magnetic field to change the encoded information.
This increased resistance to alteration is one reason HiCo magnetic stripes are often preferred for cards that will be carried and used repeatedly over an extended period.
Magnetic Stripe Widths
Magnetic stripes are available in different widths depending on the number of data tracks required. Two common configurations are:
| Stripe Width | Typical Configuration | Available Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Inch | Standard 3-track stripe | Tracks 1, 2 and 3 |
| 5/16 Inch | Narrower stripe configuration | Typically used where fewer tracks are required |
Understanding Magnetic Stripe Tracks
A standard magnetic stripe can contain up to three separate data tracks. Each track occupies a defined area of the stripe and can be used to store encoded information.
Supports alphanumeric data and is used by applications requiring both letters and numbers.
Supports numeric data and is one of the most commonly used magnetic stripe tracks.
Provides an additional numeric data track for systems and applications designed to use it.
Which Magnetic Stripe Should I Choose?
Start with the requirements of your existing system and card encoder. The magnetic stripe must be compatible with the equipment used to encode and read the card.
Before ordering, confirm:
- HiCo or LoCo magnetic stripe
- Required Oersted rating
- Magnetic stripe width
- Required encoding track or tracks
- Compatibility with your magnetic stripe encoder and reader
Magnetic Stripes on ID & Access Control Cards
A magnetic stripe can also be one component of a multi-technology credential. Depending on the card construction and manufacturer, an ID or access card may combine a magnetic stripe with technologies such as 125kHz proximity, contactless smart card technology, printed identification, barcodes or other credential features.
This allows a single credential to support multiple applications, such as physical access, identification, time and attendance, campus services or other card-based systems.
Magnetic Stripe Card FAQs
What is the difference between HiCo and LoCo magnetic stripes?
HiCo magnetic stripes require a stronger magnetic field to encode or alter their data, making them more resistant to accidental erasure. LoCo stripes require less magnetic energy and are often used for shorter-term or frequently reissued cards.
What does 2750 Oe mean on a magnetic stripe?
The 2750 Oe designation refers to the coercivity rating of the magnetic stripe. A 2750 Oe stripe is a commonly used high-coercivity magnetic stripe for identification and other card applications.
Is a black magnetic stripe always HiCo?
No. Although black has traditionally been associated with HiCo stripes and brown with LoCo stripes, stripe color should not be relied upon to determine coercivity. Check the product specifications.
How many tracks are on a magnetic stripe card?
A standard full-width magnetic stripe can support three data tracks, commonly referred to as Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3. The tracks actually used depend on the application and encoding system.
Can an ID card have both a magnetic stripe and proximity technology?
Yes. Many credential configurations can combine magnetic stripe functionality with proximity or contactless technology, allowing one card to support multiple applications.
