What Are Standard Credit Card Dimensions
What Are Standard Credit Card Dimensions – Metal Thickness & Size Guide
Need help designing cards that meet these specs? Don’t wing it – go with a provider who understands CR80 standards inside and out. Your customers (and their wallets) will thank you.
Credit Card Dimensions: Why Every Card in Your Wallet Is the Same Size
Have you ever noticed how every card in your wallet – credit cards, debit cards, driver’s licenses, gym memberships – all magically fit into the same little slots? It’s not luck. It’s not a design coincidence. It’s international standardization at work. We specifically recommend Metal Kards are made to this size as well, and it’s included FREE with every order we make.
These cards weren’t just made to match your wallet; they were made to match the machines, the networks, and the expectations of billions of users across the globe.
So let’s talk about credit card dimensions – what they are, why they matter, and how knowing this stuff can actually be useful (especially if you’re designing a gift card or loyalty program for your business).
What Are the Standard Credit Card Dimensions?
Let’s get right to it: A standard credit card is 3.375 inches wide and 2.125 inches tall.
In metric terms, that’s 85.6 mm × 53.98 mm and we’ve simplified this to 85mm x 54mm for all orders. It’s the same size as your government-issued ID, your driver’s license, and most ATM cards.
This specific format is known as ID-1, part of a set of international card size standards defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). You might also hear this size called CR80, especially in the printing world.
Download our FREE Metal Credit Card Template
Why Are All Credit Cards the Same Size?
You don’t need to be a tech genius to figure this out – uniformity makes life easier. While “US Business Card” size works, it’s really not ideal for your wallet, bifolds, or credit card holders. A secret we’ve tested: 99% of business card holders also fit credit card size cards. Making Credit Card Size the ideal size for Metal Business Cards.
Here’s why a universal size matters:
- Wallet Compatibility: Standard wallets are designed with card slots made for CR80 cards. Business Card holders also fit them!
- Machine Compatibility: Payment terminals and Card Readers (POS) fit them – they’re all built to accept the same dimensions.
- Gift Card Holders: Whether you choose envelopes, boxes, sleeves and more, the size is standardized!
If you’re a small business owner printing cards, sticking to CR80 standards ensures your cards actually work where they need to.
What Is the Standard Credit Card Thickness?
Let’s talk thickness – because yes, it’s also standardized.
A typical credit card is 0.76 mm thick (that’s about 0.03 inches), or 30 mil in printing lingo. We’ve simplified this to our .7mm thickness, or go bold with our 1.0mm!
Fun Fact: “Mil” stands for one-thousandth of an inch, not to be confused with millimeters.
Do All Cards Have the Same Thickness?
Not exactly.
The ISO standard applies to payment cards, but other types of plastic cards vary. Here’s a quick guide:
| Card Type | Thickness (in mils) | Use Case |
| Thin promo card | 10 – 20 mil or our .3mm Metal | Temporary use, mailers |
| Loyalty or punch card | 20 – 24 mil or our .5mm Metal | Flexible, low-use cards |
| Standard credit/gift | 30 mil or our .7mm Metal | Long-term use, high durability |
| Secure access cards | 40+ mil or our 1.0mm Metal | Hotel keys, parking, security passes |
We have the most customization options in the industry, and as you can tell – a size for any occasion and price point. The most prestigious credit cards are metal, and while we don’t make actual credit cards – we do make business cards, membership cards, reward cards and more that’re the same category of Luxe presentation, quality, and we can make they look very similar. Better, actually, because our high grade stainless steel is thicker and more durable than any credit card on the market!
What Are Credit Cards Made Of?
Most credit cards are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – a plastic that’s good enough and cost effective, since they make and ship so many.
But not all cards stick to plastic. The way to stand out against your competition, is to go with Metal Kards™ Genuine Stainless Steel!
Some banks now issue metal credit cards, which feel heavier and more premium. Metal cards are made from stainless steel, aluminum, or other alloys and often weigh 3 – 4 times more than plastic ones.
Let’s break it down:
- Plastic credit card: ~5 grams
- Metal credit card: ~13 – 18 grams (our cards are heavier because we use a higher grade stainless steel)
- Metal Kards: .3mm = 11grams. 5mm = 18grams .7mm = 24 grams. 1.0mm = 34grams. (weights are approximate as etching, printing, and cut outs will vary slightly)
Aside from the weight, the functionality is the same – they still conform to the CR80 size and thickness standards so they work with any reader.
What Features Are Included on a Credit Card?
While the size stays the same, the features printed on or embedded in the card can vary. Here’s what you’ll usually find:
- Magnetic stripe: Still widely used, especially in older systems
- EMV chip: For secure chip-and-pin or chip-and-sign transactions
- Contactless symbol: For tap-to-pay (uses NFC tech)
- Credit card number: Embossed or flat printed
- Security code (CVV/CVC): A 3- or 4-digit code used for online purchases
- Signature strip: May or may not be used depending on issuer
- Bank and network logo: Branding and routing info
The placement and design can vary (some cards don’t even show the number on the front anymore), but the functionality remains consistent. The great thing about Metal Kards, is that we can make a faux version of nearly everything a credit card would have – for your Metal Business Card or Metal Gift Card!
Can Credit Cards Be Custom Shapes or Sizes?
Generally, you want to keep an actual credit card at CR80. But for Metal Kards? We start with Genuine 304 Stainless Steel sheets and cut every card to order! We can make any custom card shape you’d like!
There are novelty cards out there – square cards, clear cards, even cards shaped like animals (seriously). If it fits your business – a home, a roof, waterheater, boombox – we’ve done it!
If you’re designing a custom gift card or loyalty card, it’s best to stick to CR80 size and 30 mil (.7mm) thickness unless you’re just using them as promo tools that never need to be swiped.
Credit Card Dimensions in Everyday Life
Here’s where the standard size helps you out – even if you never realized it:
- Everything fits your wallet: No more bulky pockets from weird-sized cards
- Universal compatibility: From New York to Tokyo, your card just works
- Speed and efficiency: Machines are faster because they’re built for one format
So yeah, it might not seem exciting, but the reason your life runs a little smoother every time you tap or swipe? It’s because some folks at ISO got together and said, “Let’s make this easier for everyone.”
Credit Card Dimensions FAQ
Q: What are the dimensions of a credit card in inches and mm?
A: 3.375 in × 2.125 in (85.6 mm × 53.98 mm) – For Metal Kards use 85mm x 54mm
Q: How thick is a credit card?
A: 0.76 mm (30 mil or about 0.03 inches) – for Metal Kards our .7mm is perfect!
Q: What material are credit cards made of?
A: Most are made of PVC plastic. Premium cards may be made of metal. The best are made of Stainless Steel.
Q: Are all credit cards the same weight?
A: No. Plastic cards weigh about 5 grams; metal cards can weigh 13 – 18 grams. Metal Kards can weigh even more!
Q: Can I design a square or round credit card?
A: For any card reader, you want to stick to standard CR80. With custom metal business cards, we can create any custom shape for you absolutely FREE.
Q: Do gift cards follow the same dimensions?
A: Yes, most gift cards use the CR80 format so they work in card readers and fit in wallets.
Final Thoughts: The Little Rectangle That Keeps the World Running
It might just be a rectangle, but it’s a global tool that supports commerce, travel, access, and identity. Whether it’s made of plastic or metal, basic or decked out with high-tech features, the humble credit card remains one of the most carefully designed and standardized tools in your pocket.
And if you’re making a Metal Business Card or Metal Gift Card for your business – understanding these dimensions is your first step to making sure it all works smoothly.
We make the highest quality Metal Cards in the world! Let us help your business reach a new level of success – and “Wow” your prospects, every single time.
