Understanding Mastercard and VISA Graphic Design Elements

Artwork Specifications for Mastercard and VISA Cards

The dimensions of a standard plastic card are 86mm x 54mm, featuring 3mm radius corners that provide a smooth finish. When supplying artwork for these cards, it is crucial to ensure that a 3mm bleed is included, which results in an overall artwork size of 92mm x 60mm. This bleed is essential to prevent any unprinted edges from appearing after the card is cut. Due to manufacturing tolerances, it is advisable to maintain borders no less than 3mm from the edge of the card and ensure that any text or important elements are positioned at least 1.5mm away from the edge of the card to avoid any risk of being trimmed off during production.

All fonts and images must be included alongside the artwork when submitting your design files. If you cannot supply the fonts in their original format, you may outline them to ensure they are preserved. However, it is important to note that if fonts are outlined, no alterations to the text can be made after submission. Text that is placed above or below the magnetic stripe should be centered between the stripe and the edge of the card, maintaining a minimum distance of 1.5mm from the trim to ensure visibility and clarity. All black text should be set to overprint to enhance legibility, with a minimum type size of 4 points to ensure that it is readable.

Supported Software and File Formats

The following software is supported for creating card artwork, ensuring compatibility and ease of use:

• InDesign (compatible with 2015 Adobe Cloud and later versions)

• Adobe Photoshop (compatible with 2015 Adobe Cloud and later versions)

• Adobe Illustrator (compatible with 2015 Adobe Cloud and later versions)

• Encapsulated PostScript files (.eps) exported from Corel Draw, which are widely accepted for professional printing

When it comes to file formats, Photoshop images should be set as CMYK, Greyscale, or Duotone, while avoiding RGB or Indexed Color formats, as these are not suitable for print. The resolution must be at least 300 dpi at actual size or higher to ensure high-quality output. Preferred file formats include editable .psd, .ai, and .tiff files, especially if PC files are provided. It is advisable to avoid submitting JPEG files, as we cannot guarantee image quality if they are low resolution, which may lead to unsatisfactory results in the final printed product.

Mastercard and VISA Requirements

For Mastercard, the back of the card should include specific text as follows, ensuring compliance with branding guidelines:

• Long text: "This card is issued by Paynetics AD pursuant to a license by Mastercard International. If found, please return to Paynetics AD, blvd. James Bourchier 76A, Hill Tower, ground fl., Sofia 1407, Bulgaria."

• Short text: "This card is issued by Paynetics AD pursuant to a license by Mastercard International."

For VISA, the requirements are similar and must be adhered to for proper branding:

• Long text: "This card is issued by Paynetics AD pursuant to a license by VISA. If found, please return to Paynetics AD, blvd. James Bourchier 76A, Hill Tower, ground fl., Sofia 1407, Bulgaria."

• Short text: "This card is issued by Paynetics AD pursuant to a license by VISA."

Re-Transfer Printing Overview

Re-Transfer Printing is a modern technique that allows for edge-to-edge printing in full color on punched plastic cards, ensuring increased abrasion resistance compared to traditional 'direct to card' technologies such as Thermal or Dye Sublimation. The process first transfers the information to be printed onto a clear ribbon and then re-transfers it from that ribbon onto the card, effectively keeping the design protected from wear and tear.

This method achieves full edge-to-edge printing without the print head making direct contact with the card surface, which can lead to damage or imperfections. While Dye Sublimation and Thermal technologies yield high-quality results, they cannot replicate the full edge-to-edge printing capabilities that are possible with Re-Transfer Printing, making this method preferable for many applications.

Benefits and Limitations of Re-Transfer Printing

Re-Transfer Printing is particularly suitable for small runs of cards or situations where multiple designs are required. It is ideal for personalized payment cards that feature cardholder-selected images, as well as Photo ID cards, which can have photographs printed directly onto them. This printing method promotes durability, as the image becomes trapped between two layers of material, significantly enhancing the card's longevity and resistance to fading.

However, certain limitations exist with this printing method. For instance, it is not possible to replicate spot colors or produce metallic colors, which may be a drawback for some designs. Additionally, pre-printed elements may require a clear zone around the image to accommodate registration tolerances, which can affect the overall design layout. Due to the speed of the process, high-volume orders are less suitable for Re-Transfer Printing, often making traditional printing methods more cost-effective for larger production runs.