What Size Is a Standard Plastic Card?
A standard plastic card measures 85.6mm x 54mm (3.375" x 2.125"), with a thickness of 0.76mm. That is the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 format — the universal spec used for credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, and most printed plastic cards worldwide.
If you are ordering plastic cards and wondering what size to go for, this is almost certainly the size you need.
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The numbers at a glance
- Width: 85.6mm (3.375")
- Height: 54mm (2.125")
- Thickness: 0.76mm (0.030")
Why is this the standard?
The ID-1 format is defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and has been the global standard since the 1980s. It was designed to fit wallets, card slots, and card readers — and because every card manufacturer in the world uses it, your cards will work in lanyards, cardholders, display stands, and readers without any guesswork.
Do all plastic cards use this size?
Most do — but not all. Here are the common exceptions:
Key fobs / keytags — much smaller, designed to attach to a keyring. Not wallet-format.
Loyalty sticker cards — sometimes printed slightly smaller to sit inside a booklet or leaflet.
RFID / NFC cards — same physical dimensions as ID-1, but with a chip or antenna embedded inside.
Wristbands / NFC tags — different form factors entirely.
If you have been asked to supply "standard plastic cards" for any purpose — loyalty, membership, gift, hotel key, staff ID — ID-1 (85.6 x 54mm) is what is expected.
What about artwork? Is the size the same?
No — and this catches people out. Your print-ready artwork file needs to be set up slightly larger than the finished card, to account for bleed. The standard setup for a plastic card artwork file is:
- 91.6mm x 60mm — this gives you 3mm bleed on all sides
- Keep text and logos at least 3mm inside the trim line (the safe zone)
If you submit artwork at exactly 85.6 x 54mm with no bleed, you will likely see white edges on the finished cards. Always build in bleed.
Is 85.6 x 54mm the same as a credit card size?
Yes. A standard credit card, debit card, and virtually every plastic card you carry in your wallet is 85.6mm x 54mm x 0.76mm.
Can I order plastic cards in a different size?
Non-standard sizes are possible but come at additional cost and longer lead times. For nearly all applications, ID-1 is the right choice.
What format should I supply my artwork in?
PDF or AI file, set up at 91.6mm x 60mm (includes 3mm bleed all round), with text and logos kept 3mm inside the trim.
Ready to order?
At CP Cards, we print standard 85.6 x 54mm plastic cards manufactured in England, with free UK delivery. Full colour, any design, from small runs upwards.
View our plastic card printing options or get in touch with your requirements.
