The Benefits of Using Plastic Cards: Why We All Love Them
Plastic Cards
Plastic Cards: From Concept to Convenience
Introduction
In this article, we'll be exploring the concept of plastic cards and their widespread use for all sorts of purposes. We will cover the different types of plastic cards, why they are so popular, the benefits of using them, and also guide you on how to make the most of them.
What Are Plastic Cards?
A plastic card is any card that has been printed onto a plastic substrate. Commonly these include credit cards, debit cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, prepaid cards, medical cards, and identification cards. The plastic card itself generally consists of plastic of about 0.76 mm in thickness with the design and other information printed onto its surface.
Types of Plastic Cards
There are a number of different types of plastic cards available for use.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are the most prevalent type of plastic card. They are typically issued by banks and offer a convenient way to pay for goods and services.
Debit Cards
Debit cards are very similar to credit cards, except they typically use funds already deposited in a bank account.
Loyalty Cards
Loyalty cards are issued by businesses to reward existing customers for their loyalty. The cards are used to accumulate points or rewards that can be redeemed for discounts or other benefits.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a popular way to give someone an easy gift. Typically they can be purchased with a predetermined amount of money with the recipient having the ability to use it towards goods or services.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are similar to gift cards however they require the holder to deposit money beforehand in order to use the card.
Medical Cards
Medical cards are cards that are used to store medical records and identity information with regards to a particular patient.
Identification Cards
Identification cards are used to verify a person's identity, typically for access control or to prove they are authorized to access certain locations or products.
Benefits of Plastic Cards
The widespread acceptance and use of plastic cards has brought about a number of advantages.
Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of plastic cards is their convenience. They are lightweight, portable, and can be used for a variety of transactions, from paying for items at stores, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and shopping online.
Security
Plastic cards provide an additional layer of security for credit and debit transactions as they reduce the risk of card theft and fraud. As there is no need to provide personal details such as name, address, or account number, cards provide a secure payment method.
Accelerated Spending
Using a plastic card makes spending money faster and more convenient as customers don't have to carry cash around or wait for transactions to be approved. Additionally, plastic cards also help prevent losses due to theft or fraud as signatures are no longer necessary.
Case Studies
Coca-Cola
One of the most successful loyalty programs featuring plastic cards is the My Coke Rewards program run by Coca-Cola. The program rewards customers for purchasing Coca-Cola products with points that can be redeemed for various rewards.
Uber
Uber has recently begun accepting prepaid and debit cards as payment for its ride-hailing services. This has made using Uber even more convenient as customers no longer have to rely on credit cards or cash to pay for their rides.
Starbucks
Starbucks is known for their successful loyalty program built around their plastic card. Customers can earn points with every purchase which can then be used to redeem rewards such as free drinks and food items.
FAQ's
Are plastic cards accepted everywhere?
Most businesses accept plastic cards however there may be some that don't accept them. It's best to check in advance to see if a particular business accepts plastic cards.
How safe are plastic cards?
Plastic cards are highly secure and remain safe as long as they are not lost or stolen. Cardholders should always take extra precaution when using their cards to ensure the security of their cards.
Do I need an identification card to use a plastic card?
Identification cards are only necessary for certain types of plastic cards, such as debit and credit cards. For other types of cards, such as gift cards, no identification is needed as long as the card has enough funds available.
Mistakes People Make When Using Plastic Cards
Not Staying Within Credit Limit
One of the most common mistakes people make when using a credit card is going over their credit limit. Not only does this lead to extra charges and fees, it also adversely affects a person's credit score.
Not Checking for Fraudulent Charges
Cardholders should regularly check their card statements to ensure that none of their purchases are fraudulent. If any suspicious charges are found, cardholders should contact their card issuer or bank immediately.
Not Redeeming Rewards
Many plastic card users are not taking advantage of the rewards programs that come with their cards. For example, points earned from a loyalty program can be redeemed for discounts and free items.
Best Practices When Using Plastic Cards
Carefully Choose Your Credit Card
Before getting a credit card, it's important to carefully research different options and select one that meets your spending needs and budget.
Pay Your Bills on Time
Delinquent payments can lead to late fees and extra charges. To ensure that you avoid any extra charges, make sure to set up automatic payments to pay your bills on time.
Keep Track of Your Credit Card Spending
It's important to keep track of your spending with a credit card to ensure that you are staying within budget. Use a mobile app such as Mint to help monitor your spending and stay within budget.
Redeem Rewards
Take advantage of the rewards and benefits that come with plastic cards. Almost all cards offer rewards such as discounts or points which can be redeemed for cash back, discounts, or free items.
Final Notes
Plastic cards are a convenient and secure way to pay for goods and services. Understanding the different types of cards and their benefits can help you make the most of your plastic card. Additionally, taking advantage of rewards programs can help you save money and earn rewards. By taking extra steps to protect your card and staying within budget, you can maximize the benefits of plastic cards.