HiCo and LoCo Cards - What Does it Mean and What's the Difference?

A magnetic stripe card is a type of card capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism of tiny iron-based magnetic particles on a band of magnetic material on the card. The magnetic stripe, sometimes called swipe card or magstripe, is read by physical contact and swiping past a magnetic reading head。


HiCo stands for high-coercivity and LoCo stands for low-coercivity. Coercivity refers to the magnetic material's resistance to becoming demagnetized - therefore, HiCo and LoCo represent different standards of card durability and security.

Coercivity is usually measured in Oersted (Oe) units to denote the magnetic stripe's strength or intensity. High-coercivity (HiCo) stripes are magnetically harder, while low-coercivity (LoCo) stripes are magnetically softer.

HiCo mag stripe cards can run as high as 4000 Oe; however, a 2750 Oe is common for most HiCo cards. In contrast, LoCo cards are 300 Oe.

LoCo is best suited for cards used infrequently and/or where data is routinely changed, such as with hotel key cards. HiCo cards are best for cards used frequently and that are expected to have a long life. Most credit cards use at least 2,750 Oe and are considered HiCo.

HiCo vs LoCo? How to Choose the Right Card for Your Needs?

HiCo
Harder to erase
Harder to erase
Requires a higher amount of magnetic energy to record
Best for frequently used cards or cards requiring a long life
Resistant to damage from most magnets users may come into contact with
Can be read by any card reader
Card writers are more costly than LoCo recording machines
HiCo card writers can write both HiCo and LoCo cards
Commonly used for bank cards, drivers licenses, access control cards, library & membership cards
LoCo
Less durable
Requires a lower amount of magnetic energy to record
Best for infrequent use or cards where data is changed often
More easily damaged by brief magnetic contact (such as a purse snap)
Can be read by any card reader
Card writers are much cheaper than HiCo recording machines
LoCo Card writers can write only LoCo cards
Commonly used for hotel key cards, gift cards, phone cards, transit passes

Questions?

For help choosing the right magstripe card to fit your needs, contact our expert sales staff at fiona@xinyesmartcard.cn. We're happy to walk you through your options and answer questions.