For years, plastic membership cards have been part of everyday life. Gym cards, club IDs, loyalty cards, library cards, all tucked away in wallets and purses. But let’s be honest, how often do people forget them, lose them, or ask for a replacement?
Today, almost everything we need lives on our phones. So it makes sense that membership cards move there too. Digital membership IDs are no longer a “nice-to-have”. They are quickly becoming the smarter, more practical option for organizations and members alike.
If your business or organization is still printing plastic cards, here’s why going digital could make a real difference.
Save Money Without Cutting Corners
Printing physical cards comes with ongoing costs. Cards, printers, ribbons, staff time, replacements for lost cards, and sometimes even courier charges. These costs add up quietly month after month.
Digital membership cards remove most of these expenses. Once your system is set up, issuing a new card takes just a few clicks. No printing, no delivery, no reprints. It’s a one-time setup that keeps saving money in the long run.
Make Life Easier for Your Members
Everyone has experienced that awkward moment at the entrance when they realise they left their membership card at home. It slows things down and creates unnecessary frustration for both members and staff.
With digital cards, this problem disappears. The card stays on the member’s phone, in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or your app. Since people rarely forget their phones, access becomes smooth, fast, and stress-free.
Do Something Good for the Environment
Plastic cards may be small, but in large numbers they create significant waste. Add packaging and shipping, and the environmental impact grows even more.
By switching to digital membership IDs, your organization takes a clear step toward sustainability. Less plastic, less waste, and a smaller carbon footprint. It also sends a strong message to your members that you care about responsible, eco-friendly practices.
Improve Security and Control
Physical cards can be shared, copied, or misused, and once they are out there, controlling access becomes difficult.
Digital cards offer much better security. Features like dynamic QR codes, instant deactivation, and real-time updates ensure only active members can use them. If a membership expires or is cancelled, access can be revoked immediately, no card collection required.
Turn Your ID Card Into a Communication Tool
A plastic card just sits in a wallet. A digital card can do much more.
Digital membership IDs allow you to send notifications, updates, reminders, and even special offers directly to your members’ phones. You can update membership details instantly, show loyalty points, or notify them about renewals. It keeps your brand visible and your members engaged without extra effort.
How to Make the Switch to Digital
Moving to digital membership cards is simpler than many people expect:
- Choose a platform that supports digital cards and works with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet
- Connect your existing member database so cards are generated automatically
- Share cards with members via email or SMS with a simple download link
For new members, digital cards can be part of the welcome process from day one.
The Future Is Clearly Cardless
Digital membership cards are not just a trend. They are the future. They save money, improve member experience, enhance security, and support sustainability.
Organizations that continue relying only on plastic cards risk falling behind modern expectations. Members today want speed, convenience, and simplicity.
If you are ready to modernize your membership system, Unicard Automation can help. With expertise in both traditional ID solutions and digital identity systems, Unicard Automation makes the transition smooth and hassle-free. From planning to implementation, they help you move confidently into a smarter, card-free future.
