The amount of data that can be encoded on a card with magnetic stripe is the same for both types of boats HiCo and LoCo cards. The primary difference between Hico and LoCo cards has to do with how difficult it is to code and delete information for the two different types of magnetic stripes.
High Coercivity Magnetic Stripe Plastic Card (Hico - High Coercivity):
High coercivity or “Hico” cards are recommended for most applications. HICO magnetic stripe cards are typically black in color and are coded with a stronger magnetic field (2750 Ørsted / Oersted).
The stronger magnetic field makes HICO cards more durable because data encoded on the stripes are less likely to be accidentally erased when exposed to an external magnetic field.
HICO cards are common in applications where they require a longer life for the card and are used frequently. Credit cards, debit cards, borrower cards, access control cards, time registration cards and employee ID cards and etc. often use Hico technology.
Low Coercivity Magnetic stripe plastic card (Loco - Low Coercivity):
Low coercivity or “Loco” cards are good for short-term applications. LOCO magnetic stripe cards are generally brown in color and are coded by a low intensity magnetic field (300 Ørsted / Oersted).
LOCO cards are typically used for short-term applications, including hotel room keys and season tickets for theme parks, annual passes and etc.
When choosing a plastic card with a magnetic stripe, ask yourself how long you have your cards to last. Many of us have experienced a situation where a hotel room key stopped working due to cards being worn. Magnetic stripe cards can be reprogrammed several times, but the more worn it is the more cumbersome the process.
Standard ISO 7811-2, 7811-4, 7811-5, 7811-6
MAGNETIC CARDS AND CARD PRINTERS
All magnet card types can be used in our card printers, then you need a card printer, so read more here.
All technical standards for ISO cards can be found at http://www.iso.org/iso/home.htm.
Remember - in order for magnetic cards to comply with the ISO standard, there are some things to comply with - read the article below (English):