What are the most common encoding instructions for magstripes? (Q&A)

What are the most common encoding instructions for magstripes? (Q&A)

Q

What are the most common encoding instructions for magstripes?

A

Encoding instructions vary greatly for magstripe cards. Card are encoded on either track 1, track 2 or both tracks of a magstripe (think of track as a line in a paragraph). The number of encoded characters generally ranges from 8 to 16 and may require a specific start number or numbering sequence.

We will actually ask the following questions prior to encoding data onto the cards during production.

Data/Encoding Questions

  • Are the cards being processed/tracked through the actual POS system or is a Credit Card Processor being used?
    • If through the POS system what system is it? (Name)
    • If through a Credit Card Processor who is the processor?
  • Will the card require a magstripe or a barcode?
    • If magstripe
      • What track or tracks get encoded? (T1, T2 or both T1 and T2)
      • Is there a specific number of digits needed?
      • Are there any prefixes needed at the beginning of the number?
    • If Barcode
      • What type of barcode is needed (C128, Code39, UPC-A or other)
      • Is there a specific number of digits needed?
      • Are there any prefixes needed at the beginning of the number?

    • Related Articles

    • Encoding Plastic Cards (How-To GUIDE)

      Q How do Magnectic Strips work? How do you encode? A Magnetic stripe cards include a magnetic stripe on the back, which are used to encode data. The stripe is comprised of iron particles in a plastic film. They’re often used for credit and debit ...

    • What is your IRON ON Instructions for Embroidered Patches? (Q&A)

      Q What is your IRON ON Instructions for Embroidered Patches? A Home Application: How to Apply Iron Patches 1) Garment should be clean & freshly laundered (including new items). 2) Set iron to 330 degrees Fahrenheit 3) Thoroughly iron area of garment ...

    • What is your Point of Sale System Encoding Capability List?

      Q What is your Point of Sale System Encoding Capability List? A Systems that require a supplied data file from your customer’s POS provider ~ We will not be able to encode plastic cards for these vendors without a proprietary data file. Clover First ...

    • What is the difference between a Magstripe and a Barcode? (Q&A)

      Q What is the difference between a Magstripe and a Barcode? A Barcodes and magstripes are very similar in that they both encode data and both are mechanisms for embedding a number that references a record in a database on a software system. Barcodes: ...

    • What is your vinyl wristband thickness? (Q&A)

      Frequently Asked Questions Q What is your vinyl wristband thickness? A Our vinyl wristbands are 0.425 mm.

    • Popular Articles

    • Less Than Minimum Formula

      Frequently Asked Questions Q We will walk you through the Less Than Minimum Formula (LTM), and how it works. A On the Product Display Page (PDP), if the product states LTM formula applies you can order less than the 1st published increment and price ...

    • Tariff Escalation Timeline

      U.S. Tariff Escalation Timeline • February 1, 2025: The Trump administration imposed an initial 10% tariff on Chinese imports. • March 3, 2025: An additional 10% tariff was added, bringing the cumulative tariff rate to 20%. • April 2, 2025: A ...

    • Do you allow Drop-Shipping to different locations? (Q&A)

      Question: Do you allow Drop-Shipping to different locations? Answer: Yes, we do allow drop-shipping to different locations with a majority of our products. Split/Drop Shipment: First location is Free + Normal Shipping Costs; Each additional location ...

    • Embroidered Patch - Thread Chart

    • Our Lead Time & Carrier Transit Time (estimated) (How-To GUIDE)

      OUR LEAD & CARRIER TIMES Our lead times and product origination are clearly published on our website for each product we offer. (These are subject to change without notice) IDProductsource makes every effort to guarantee ship dates on RUSH PRODUCTS ...

    • Recent Articles

    • SPS: Fire Safety Week

      Our Self-Promo Suite is built for distributors. Download, save, and customize with your own logo to promote yourself and your brand. It’s just one more way IDProductsource proves we’re partners—not competitors. October 5–11, 2025 is Fire Prevention ...

    • What is the difference between Quick Release Attachment & Saftey Breakaway Attachment (Q&A)

      Q What is the difference between Quick Release and Breakaway on Lanyards? A Quick Release and Breakaway features on lanyards serve different purposes: Quick Release is a clip or buckle near the badge end that allows users to easily detach the ID or ...

    • TOS - Terms of Service

      Terms of Products & Services for IDProductsource These Terms of Service ("TOS") govern the relationship between IDProductsource ("Supplier," "we," "us," or "our") and its distributors and resellers ("Distributor," "you," or "your") concerning the ...

    • Tariff Escalation Timeline

      U.S. Tariff Escalation Timeline • February 1, 2025: The Trump administration imposed an initial 10% tariff on Chinese imports. • March 3, 2025: An additional 10% tariff was added, bringing the cumulative tariff rate to 20%. • April 2, 2025: A ...

    • PRESS RELEASE 5/13/2025 - Tariff Update from IDProductsource

      Tariff Escalation Timeline (click here)