Have you ever wondered why some of your cards, like credit cards or hotel key cards, seem to work flawlessly every time, while others get easily demagnetized or stop working after a while? The secret lies in the type of magnetic stripe technology used on those cards, and today we're going to explore the differences between High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards and Low Coercivity (LoCo) Magstripe cards.
High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards are designed to be more resistant to magnetic fields and external interference. They use a stronger magnetic material on their stripes, which makes it harder for the data encoded on them to be erased or corrupted accidentally. This makes High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards ideal for applications where data security and longevity are important, such as credit cards, access control cards, and transportation passes.
There are several advantages to using High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards:
Increased Data Security: The stronger magnetic material used in High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards makes it more difficult for the encoded data to be accidentally erased or tampered with.
Extended Card Life: Because High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards are more resistant to demagnetization, they tend to have a longer lifespan compared to their Low Coercivity counterparts, reducing the need for frequent card replacements.
Improved Reliability: With their enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and external interference, High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards are less likely to experience read errors or failures, ensuring smooth and reliable transactions.
Low Coercivity (LoCo) Magstripe cards, on the other hand, use a weaker magnetic material on their stripes. While this makes them more susceptible to demagnetization and data corruption, it also allows for easier encoding and rewriting of data. Low Coercivity (LoCo) Magstripe cards are commonly used in applications where frequent data updates are required, such as gift cards, loyalty cards, or temporary access cards.
High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards are the preferred choice in situations where data security, longevity, and reliability are paramount. Some typical applications include:
While High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards may be more expensive to produce, their added security and durability make them a worthwhile investment for applications that require extended card life and protection against data loss or tampering.
Understanding the differences between High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards and Low Coercivity (LoCo) Magstripe cards is essential for choosing the right card technology for your specific needs.
For applications where data protection and longevity are the top priorities, High Coercivity (HiCo) Magstripe cards are the best option due to their increased data security, longer card life, and increased dependability.
