Normally, we don’t think about the size of any credit card, but it is imperative to maintain a standard dimension for several purposes. Not only for credit cards but also applies to all other banking cards and government-issued IDs.
All types of credit cards can be used globally as they have the same dimensions, and are predefined globally.
So, this is a predetermined size suitable for inserting into the different reader machines to read data. And thus all the reader machines can read the data of any credit card easily. It is also convenient to carry in your wallet anywhere in the world.
Indeed, the size of a credit card is a pre-determined size that matches internationally at any given point. It may be your wallet, bank ATMs, swipe machines, etc. So, what is the actual dimension of a credit card after all? Let’s see it.
Credit card size inches
Credit card size is usually about the size of a standard card deck, whose width is approximately 3.375 inches (85.60 mm) and height is 2.125 inches (53.98 mm). However, the thickness of a credit card can vary but it is found around 0.029 inches (0.76 mm).
The size of a credit card ensures that it will fit in any credit card swipe machine (PoS) or ATM. These dimensions are standardized by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization), which we commonly know as the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 size.
Credit card size in mm, cm, and inches
Below are the standard sizes of all types of credit cards in millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), and inches globally:
| Dimensions | Width | Height | Thick |
|---|---|---|---|
| All dimensions are in cm (centimeters) | 85.60 | 53.98 | 0.76 |
| All dimensions are in cm (centimetres) | 8.56 | 5.398 | 0.076 |
| All dimensions are in inches | 3.375 | 2.125 | 0.029 |
Its size will remain constant, but, the design, colors, credit card numbers, placement of numbers, and material will vary by the credit card issuer. This is to identify the credit card for each individual.
Credit card weight
The sizes are the same in terms of height and width, but they may differ in weight. Because there are several types of credit cards you will find, naturally, metal credit cards weigh much more than plastic cards.
The “American Express Platinum Card” weighs 17.5 grams, while the all-plastic credit card weighs only 5 grams. But the thickness is the same for all the credit cards i.e. .76 mm thick.
| Credit card type | Weight |
|---|---|
| Plastic Credit Card | 5 grams |
| Metal Credit card | 17.5 grams |
See also – How to get a refund of credit card bill
Why all credit cards are the same size?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sets standards for everything. The first credit cards were made to fit easily into wallets, but they were made to meet specific standards. This standard was developed by both ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
All banking cards such as credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards fall under the ID-1 category, which means they need to be 85.6 mm x 53.98 mm or 3.375 × 2.125 inches.
Credit cards have changed a lot over the years, but their dimensioning requirements will remain the same. To operate your credit card, the numbers on the card, magnetic stripe, chip readers, and technology are always being updated.
What material is used to make credit cards?
Most of the credit cards in the market are made of plastic (PVC). Specifically, PVC is a composition of polymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride. It is a dense, water-resistant material that is flexible and durable, making it ideal for credit cards as they withstand heavy use.
Credit card security features
Credit cards are directly linked to your money, so they will be rejected if any errors or lack of security are found. But this is not the case, credit cards are designed with complex security features to prevent fraud. These features include the card’s account number, signature panel, magnetic stripe, and PIN.
Now all credit cards have special features that make them difficult to duplicate, such as complex holograms. But, in a credit card, its PIN and Card Verification Value (CVV) are important security features, they should be kept confidential.
Contactless credit card size
Over the past few years, it does not require any physical contact, it works wirelessly by using Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology during transactions. However, contactless credit cards have the same dimensions as being able to work with any type of reader machine.
See also – TATA Credit card encash
FAQs
A: Most of the credit cards in the market are made of plastic (PVC). Specifically, PVC is a composition of polymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride.
A: Now all credit cards have special features that make them difficult to duplicate, such as complex holograms. But, a credit card PIN is an important security feature, it should be kept confidential.
A: The “American Express Platinum Card” weighs 17.5 grams, while the all-plastic credit card weighs only 5 grams.
A: The thickness of a credit card is 0.76 millimeters.
A: The width and height of a credit card are 85.6 mm and 53.98 mm.
Conclusion
Most all types of credit cards are used domestically and internationally. Hence, the dimensions of a credit card such as its width, height, and thickness will remain the same as it is used globally. It is inserted or swiped into the swipe machine to read the data. If its dimensions do not match the machine, the machine will be unable to read the data.
Therefore, the credit card dimension is pre-defined and the same size, which is accepted globally. But, over the past few years, it does not require any physical contact. It uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for transactions. In this method, the credit card is placed near the reader machine to communicate during the transaction.
