Which ID card holder fits your card?

Start by measuring the card

Most staff ID, access and membership cards are the same size as a bank card: 85 × 54 mm, known as CR80. That fits our 90 × 60 mm landscape holder. Event passes and printed badges vary, so measure what will go inside and add 1 to 2 mm each side if it is printed on thick card or is a small booklet.

Portrait or landscape

Match the way your card or pass is printed. Landscape suits most ID cards. Portrait suits event passes and taller badges. If you are ordering double ended lanyards, choose a holder with a slot or hole at both top corners; landscape holders are the usual match.

Soft or rigid

Soft PVC holders are clear, flexible pouches. They suit printed passes, paper badges and plastic cards, and they are the usual choice for conferences and events. Our soft PVC card holders are held in stock in portrait and landscape sizes. On custom orders we can print a logo or a block colour fill, and custom size holders can have different window sizes front and back.

Rigid holders are hard, clear plastic. They stop a plastic swipe card bending and keep it readable for longer. Rigid card holders come in closed, open face and slide out styles.

If people swipe or tap

A closed holder can get in the way of some readers. An open face holder leaves the face of the card open, so it can be tapped many times a day. A slide out holder pushes the card out to use it. Pair either one with a badge reel if the reader is at an awkward height.

Holders for particular jobs

• Waterproof zip seal holders keep passes dry in rain and splashes, and can be sized for small devices. They are not made to be submerged.
• Colour strip holders carry a coloured band, so staff, visitors and contractors can be told apart without reprinting cards.
• Leather badge holders have a clear window and a more finished look for executive and front of house teams.
• Curve top holders keep the clip centred for a tidy finish.
• Clear loop holders fasten round a belt, bag strap or luggage handle.
• Armband holders keep a card on the upper arm for lifeguards, sports officials and kitchen staff.

A lanyard with a card holder

Order the lanyard and holder on the same quote so the fittings suit each other: a J hook or trigger clip goes through the slot at the top of the holder. Ask for a card holder or badge reel on the same quote as your custom lanyard. If you only need holders, soft PVC holders are held in stock.

Common questions

What size is a standard ID card?

85 × 54 mm, called CR80. It fits a 90 × 60 mm landscape holder.

Can you print our logo on the holder?

On custom orders, yes: a logo or a block colour fill.

Which holder suits a swipe card?

Open face or slide out, so the card reaches the reader without coming out of the holder.