Where magnetic strips are commonly found?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on February 10, 2026
The magnetic stripe, sometimes called swipe card or magstripe, is read by swiping past a magnetic reading head. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation tickets.
What contains a magnetic strip?
The “stripe” contains embedded information that identifies its user. Types of magnetic stripe cards currently in use include driver’s licenses, credit cards, employee ID cards, hotel rooms, gift cards, and public transit cards.
Where is the magnetic strip on ID?
Magnetic stripe ID cards also known as magstripe ID cards are PVC ID cards containing a band of magnetic material embedded in the resin on the back of the card.
How do you put information on a magnetic strip?
Click on the magnetic strip icon in the toolbox, and select the track you want to enter data onto. You may have up to three available tracks, but you will likely only need to use Track 1 for most common card projects. Enter the data into the text field in the magnetic strip options window.
Which device is used to read magnetic strips?
A magnetic card reader is a device used to read magnetic stripe cards, such as credit cards.
What do you need to know about magnetic strips?
Flexible, adhesive-backed magnetic strips can enable notices, photos, instructions, warnings and more to be temporarily displayed on and easily removed from metallic surfaces. Magnetic tape can back lightweight items such as emergency phone number cards, identification cards and more. Shop Grainger when you need magnetic strips for anything. Max.
How is a magstripe similar to a magnetic tape?
A magstripe is quite similar to a magnetic recording tape, which you might find in a videotape or a music cassette. Magnetic stripe cards are widely used in hotel key cards to provide room access and credit/debit cards to handle purchases.
How is the magnetic stripe on a credit card read?
The magnetic stripe, sometimes called swipe card or magstripe, is read by swiping past a magnetic reading head. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation tickets.
Who are the members of the magnetic stripe group?
Other members of the group were David Morgan (Manager), Billy House (Software Developer), William Creeden (Programmer), and E. J. Gillen (Mechanical Engineering/Machining). They were given a recently announced IBM 360 Model 30 computer with 50k of RAM for control of the encoding/embossing of the Magnetic Stripe Cards.
