Credit Card Standard Size, Weight, Material, and Dimensions
Does it ever strike you, how every credit card fits easily in every wallet? Your friend may have a different credit limit than you, but one thing they do have in common is the size of their credit cards.
The International Organization for Standardization has created specific standards for debit cards, government cards, and credit card dimensions.
Curious to know more? In this blog, we will look at credit card size, thickness, weight, and other details.
What is the Standard Credit Card Size?
The size of each credit card is the same. The standard width is 3.375 inches (85.60 mm), and the height is 2.125 inches (53.98 mm).
Talking about the thickness, all credit cards and debit cards have a standard measure of 0.0299 inches (0.76 mm). The length, breadth, and thickness of the cards are supposed to be the same, no matter which design you choose.
Due to their standard size, all credit cards can be used in ATMs and swiping machines (POS). These dimensions, known as ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 size, are established by the International Organization for Standardization.
Credit Card Dimensions in Different Units
Credit card dimensions differ in every measuring unit, but the size is the same. Please do not get confused with other characteristics like font, positioning, and design, as it depends on the issuer.
| Units | Width | Height | Corners | Thickness |
| Centimeters (cm) | 8.56 cm | 5.39 cm | 0.318 cm | 0.159 cm |
| Inches (in) | 3.37 Inch | 2.125 Inch | 0.125 Inch | 0.0625 Inch |
| Millimeters (mm) | 85.6 mm | 53.98 mm | 3.18 mm | 1.588 mm |
| Pixels | 242.64 px | 225 px | 9 px | 4.5 px |
It makes no difference whether you have a Destiny credit card, a Milestone credit card, or any other card; simply take it out and measure it yourself. Sounds fun, right?
Why Do Credit Cards Have Standard Sizes?
It seems reasonable that all credit and debit cards have the same size to fit into the slots of all types of wallets. This is just one of the benefits of standardization.
The measurements were set so that credit card processing machines and equipment could process every type of card available in the market, regardless of the origin and intended purpose. Credit cardholders can travel to another ISO member country and use the same card for withdrawals and purchases as they do in their native country.
Uniformity was the main reason behind the standardization of credit, debit, and government cards.
What is the Weight and Thickness of a Credit Card?
The weight of the credit cards may differ. The only standard dimensions are its height, width, and thickness. Credit cards made with plastic generally weigh about 5 grams, whereas metal cards weigh about 17 grams.
As you are aware, one of the factors that determines the weight of the cards is the variety of designs that the issuers offer, featuring fashionable fonts and printed images. So you can explore different credit cards from different issuers and find the one that feels right.
Which Material is Used to Make Credit Cards?
A large portion of the credit card industry manufactures cards made of plastic, specifically polyvinyl chloride, a synthetic polymer. The material is dense, flexible, and water-resistant, which makes it ideal for rough and tough use.
Another type of material used to design these cards is metal. Metal cards are expensive compared to the plastic alternatives, but are heavy-duty.
Did You Know? — The first plastic credit card was made by American Express in 1959.
What is the Font Size of the Credit and Debit Card?
The letters and fonts on the credit and debit cards do not have any standardization in thickness or length. However, generally, all the cards have font sizes between 12 and 16 points.
Moreover, the style and color of the font can also differ depending on the card design chosen by the customers.
So this is all about credit card sizes, their dimensions in various measuring units, and why they have a standard size. We hope this blog has imparted insights and some new facts to you. If you liked it, please share it with your friends and family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Its dimensions are 8.56 cm by 5.398 cm and 85.6 mm by 53.98 mm.
Ans: In millimeters, a credit card measures 85.6 mm wide and 53.98 mm high.
Ans: Yes, all credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are similar in standard size.
Ans: Yes, there is no standard measurement for credit card thickness.
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