Credit cards are just about everywhere these days. They’re a key part of how most of us handle our finances and how businesses operate.
Have you ever wondered why all credit cards are the same size and shape? This article will explore the dimensions of credit cards and why they are standardized. What is the size of a credit card in inches, exactly? We’ll get to that!
The size of a credit card is set by something called the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard. Let’s dive into what that means.
Standard Credit Card Dimensions in Inches
While credit cards follow the ISO/IEC 7810 standard, it can be useful to know their dimensions in inches, especially if you’re in the United States, where inches are still commonly used.
The standard dimensions
- Width: 3.37 inches
- Height: 2.125 inches
- Thickness: 0.03 inches
Why inches matter
While much of the world has adopted the metric system, inches are still a common unit of measurement in the United States. Knowing the dimensions of a credit card in inches can be helpful if you’re designing or buying a wallet or other kind of cardholder.
The Importance of Standardization
Why is it so important that credit cards be a uniform size?
Universal Compatibility
Standard sizes mean you can use your credit card just about anywhere.
ATMs and Card Readers
Because all credit cards are the same size, they can be used in ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) devices around the world.
Global Acceptance
The standardization of credit card sizes allows for seamless transactions in a variety of countries.
Portability and Convenience
The size of credit cards makes them easy to carry and use.
Wallet and Cardholder Design
Wallets and cardholders are designed to hold cards of a particular size, so that they’re easy to carry and easy to access.
Ease of Use
The standardized size also makes it easier to swipe or insert cards quickly and accurately.
Credit Card Materials, Weight, and Thickness
While the dimensions of credit cards are standardized, the materials, weight, and thickness can vary.
Common Materials
Most credit cards are made of plastic, specifically PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). However, metal cards are becoming more common because they’re more durable and have a certain cachet.
Weight and Thickness Variations
A plastic credit card usually weighs around 5 grams, while a metal card can weigh from 13 to 18 grams.
Interestingly, the thickness of a credit card is pretty consistent, no matter what it’s made of. The standard thickness is 0.76 mm (or about 0.03 inches).
Credit card size vs. other cards
You may have noticed that many other types of cards are the same size as your credit card.
Debit cards and ID cards
Debit cards and many ID cards also adhere to the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard, which allows them to be used in the same machines as credit cards.
Other card sizes
SIM cards are a different size than credit cards. They follow the ID-000 standard, which is much smaller than ID-1.
Many gift cards follow the same standard as credit cards so they can be swiped or inserted into payment terminals.
Conclusion
So, how big is a credit card? The standard size is 3.37 inches wide and 2.125 inches high. That consistent size is vital. It means your credit card will work in ATMs and card readers around the world, and it easily fits in your wallet or purse.
The ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard is the reason for this global compatibility. This standard has shaped the credit card industry, ensuring we can all rely on the convenience and universal acceptance of these little rectangles of plastic.