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ID Cards That Do More: Encode Magstripe, Smart & NFC Data (Without the Headache)

Posted: Categories: Spotlight

When you hand someone an ID card, you’re not just handing them plastic—you’re giving them access, identity, and trust. Encoding turns that card into a key: a swipe that clocks in an employee, a tap that opens a door, a touch that launches a website or saves a contact. With Bodno, it’s simple to make cards that do something.

Quick Answer (for readers in a hurry)

Yes—Bodno printers can encode data onto ID cards. Depending on your setup, you can add magnetic stripe, smart card (MIFARE/DESFire), or NFC/contactless data to standard CR80, 30-mil cards—then print in the same pass using Bodno software.

Which Encoding Do You Actually Need?

Magnetic Stripe (HiCo)
Best for: legacy swipe systems, memberships, time & attendance
Why choose it: rugged, affordable, works with existing magstripe readers
Good to know: choose HiCo for durability (daily swipes)

Smart Card (MIFARE/DESFire)
Best for: secure building access, staff IDs, closed-loop payments
Why choose it: strong security (keys, encryption), enterprise-grade
Good to know: needs readers (phones don’t read DESFire credentials natively)

NFC (NTAG)
Best for: phone-friendly taps—digital business cards, event check-ins, web links
Why choose it: great UX, iOS/Android read NDEF from NTAG213
Good to know: not the same as encrypted access badges

Rule of thumb:
Doors & security → MIFARE/DESFire
Phone taps & links → NFC (NTAG213)
Your system expects a swipe → HiCo magstripe

Magstripe: Swipe-Simple, Rock-Reliable

When your software expects a swipe, magstripe “just works.”

  • Tracks: 2-track fits basic IDs; 3-track adds capacity (banking/advanced access).

  • Software: Works with Bodno Bronze Edition and above.

  • Printers: Seaory S25/S26/S28, R330/R660; Zebra ZC100/ZC300/ZC350; Evolis Primacy 2.

  • Encoders (Seaory): 18100 (S-Series) / 18200 (R-Series) — $499.00 each.

Smart & NFC: Tap Once, Unlock Everything

Write secure credentials (MIFARE/DESFire) or tap-to-act NDEF (NTAG) and print in one workflow.

  • Software: Bodno Platinum Edition required for smart/NFC.

  • NFC Best Pick: NTAG213 for the broadest phone compatibility.

  • Security Note: For encrypted door access, use MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3.

Supported printer paths at Bodno:

  • Seaory S25/S26/S28/R330/R660 → Add OmniKey 5127CK encoders

    • S-Series encoder 19100 — $699.00

    • R-Series encoder 19200 — $699.00

    • Field-upgradable: add encoding later if you start with print-only.

  • Magicard 400X & Magicard D → Smart/NFC only (no magstripe)

    • Same encoder family across both models

    • Must be factory-configured at time of purchase (cannot add later)

NFC Best Practices (Fewer Returns, Better UX)

  • Use NTAG213 for iPhone + Android compatibility.

  • Encode short HTTPS links (use a branded short domain).

  • Avoid metal surfaces or choose on-metal NFC cards.

  • Keep text ≥ 6 pt; allow 2–3 mm bleed; print on CR80 30-mil stock.

Real-World Use Cases (Make It Tangible)

  • Schools: student IDs that tap to attendance or cafeteria accounts.

  • Clinics: badges that open HIPAA training modules on tap.

  • Warehouses: station badges that launch SOP videos instantly.

  • Events: print on-site; tap to check-in, redeem perks, or join Wi-Fi.

  • Sales Teams: NFC business cards that save contact details in one tap.

Step-by-Step: From Box to “Tap to Open”

  1. Order Your NFC Bundle (printer, encoder, Platinum software, cards).

  2. Plug & Play Setup (USB/Ethernet; quick software install).

  3. Open Bodno Platinum → NFC Wizard, choose your action (URL/contact/etc.).

  4. Tap Encode, then Print. Hand the card over—it’s live.

Recommended NFC Card Printing Bundle

  • Seaory S28 Dual-Sided Printer — $1,949.00

  • Seaory 19100 Smart Card Encoder (OmniKey 5127CK) — $699.00

  • Bodno Platinum Edition Software — $1,499.99

  • Bodno Premium NTAG213 NFC Cards (100-pack) — $59.00

  • TotalCare – 5-Year Protection (S28) — $499.00

Essential Supplies

  • Seaory 23021 YMCKOK Ribbon (S28) — $99.00

  • Seaory CC002 Cleaning Kit — $69.99

  • Bodno Lanyards (100-pack) — $28.99

  • Horizontal Badge Holders (100-pack) — $49.00

Why Bodno
4.95/5 | 4,497 reviews • Annual 1-hour training included • Annual remote printer check-up included

Compatibility Cheat-Sheet

Printer Family Magstripe Smart/NFC Add Later?
Seaory S25/S26/S28 Yes (18100) Yes (19100, 5127CK) Yes (field-upgradable)
Seaory R330/R660 Yes (18200) Yes (19200, 5127CK) Yes (field-upgradable)
Magicard 400X No Yes (factory option) No (order at purchase)
Magicard D No Yes (factory option; same family as 400X) No (order at purchase)
Zebra ZC100/ZC300/ZC350 Yes Model-specific Varies
Evolis Primacy 2 Yes Model-specific Varies

Software Requirements:
Magstripe → Bodno Bronze+
Smart/NFC → Bodno Platinum

FAQ

Can I encode data onto ID cards?
Yes. Bodno supports magstripe, smart, and NFC encoding with compatible printers/encoders and Bodno software.

What’s the difference between 2-track and 3-track HiCo?
2-track covers most IDs. 3-track adds capacity often used by banking or advanced access systems.

Will NFC work with iPhones and Android phones?
Yes—modern phones read NDEF on NTAG cards. For encrypted door access, use MIFARE DESFire with readers.

Can I add encoding to my printer later?
Seaory: yes, add encoders any time.
Magicard 400X & Magicard D: must be ordered with the smart/NFC encoder at purchase (no magstripe, not field-upgradable).

Ready to Make Cards That Do More?

Start with the Seaory S28 NFC Bundle or talk to a Bodno specialist to match encoding to your system. Your cards can carry more than a photo—they can carry your workflow, your security, and your brand.

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