When you think of a gift card, you probably imagine a sturdy, glossy card similar to a credit card. But did you know there are multiple ways to manufacture gift cards, each with different costs, appearances, and levels of durability?
Whether you're running a retail store, loyalty program, or promotional campaign, choosing the right gift card "recipe" matters. In this article, we break down the three most common methods of gift card construction: Platen Laminated, Roll Laminated, and Paper, and help you decide which one is right for your brand and budget.
- Platen Laminated: The Payment-Grade Gold Standard
Used by: Major retailers, financial institutions, national brands
Best for: Gift cards that need to look premium, feel premium, and last long
What is it?
Platen laminated cards are manufactured using sheets of plastic that are printed, laminated under heat and pressure, and then precisely die-cut. This is the same process used to produce credit cards, hotel key cards, and payment cards.
Why choose platen laminated?
- Superior durability – Built to handle years of use in wallets and purses
- High-end look and feel – Thick, glossy finish with vibrant color and crisp detail
- Best for magstripe/barcode accuracy – Tighter tolerances and encoding reliability
- Ideal for POS integration – Especially in retail environments where cards are scanned or swiped frequently
The tradeoff? It’s the most expensive option but for brands that value quality, consistency, and a premium customer experience, it’s worth every penny.
- Roll Laminated: Budget-Friendly with Decent Durability
Used by: Loyalty programs, mid-size retailers, quick-turn promotions
Best for: Projects that need a plastic card look without the full premium cost
What is it?
Roll laminated cards are printed on plastic and then laminated using a continuous roll process before being die-cut. This method is more economical than platen lamination and offers moderate durability.
Pros:
✔ More affordable than platen laminated cards
✔ Good visual quality for most use cases
✔ Suitable for short-term or seasonal gift cards
Cons:
✖ Slightly thinner and less rigid than platen cards
✖ Lamination may not be as scratch-resistant
✖ Not ideal for long-term wallet use or rugged handling
If your card program is promotional or time-limited, roll laminated may be the sweet spot between quality and cost.
- Paper Gift Cards: The Plastic Impostor
Used by: Eco-conscious brands, 1x use campaigns, lower value gift offers
Best for: Short-use promotions or businesses prioritizing sustainability
What is it?
Paper gift cards are crafted from thick, coated card-stock and engineered to mimic the look and feel of plastic, so much so that customers often can’t tell the difference.
Believe it or not: We’ve had customers call us to say, “You accidentally sent us plastic cards instead of paper,” only to realize (after trying to rip one) that the card was indeed paper.
Pros:
✔ Extremely cost-effective
✔ Great for one-time use or low-dollar-value promotions
✔ Eco-friendly and recyclable
✔ Fast turnaround times
Cons:
✖ Not waterproof or tear-resistant
✖ Not suitable for long wallet storage or repeat scanning/swiping
✖ Not ideal for POS integration requiring magstripe
Use premium paper cards when you need the look of plastic when you want to take a sustainability direction or have a lower “use” need, but don't expect them to hold up to frequent use.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Recipe for the Right Purpose
If your gift cards are an extension of your brand and customer experience, investing in platen laminated cards will pay off in professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction. But there’s a time and place for roll laminated and paper cards, too especially for budget-sensitive or short-term campaigns.
At CARDSource, we manufacture all three and will work with you to determine the right fit for your use case, budget, and brand standards.
