Acrylic and PVC are the two most popular materials for school ID cards today. Both look good and both last the whole school year. But they feel very different in the hand, and they are not the same price.
Quick answer: Choose PVC if you want a thin, light, bank-card style card at the lowest price (for example, ₹12–₹30 for our PVC parent card). Choose acrylic if you want a thick, glossy, premium card that can be cut to any shape (₹45–₹70 for our acrylic ID card, lanyard included). Many schools use acrylic for students and PVC for parents and staff.
Acrylic vs PVC at a glance
| Acrylic ID card | PVC ID card | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Glossy, crystal clear, premium | Smooth, like a bank card |
| Thickness | Thick and solid (usually 1.5–3 mm) | Thin, 0.76 mm |
| Weight | Heavier, feels solid | Very light |
| Shape | Any shape: rectangle, round, school crest | Standard rectangle with round corners |
| Size | Flexible (mustprint: 58 × 88 mm) | Standard 85.6 × 54 mm |
| Water | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Strength | Hard to bend; can scratch if rubbed on rough surfaces | Bends a little without breaking; scratches less |
| Fits in a wallet | No, too thick | Yes |
| Price (mustprint, per card) | ₹45–₹70, lanyard included | ₹12–₹30 (parent card) |
| Best for | Students, events, special occasions | Parents, staff, wallet cards |
What is an acrylic ID card?
An acrylic ID card is printed on a clear acrylic sheet and then cut by laser. Because the material is clear, the design can have see-through parts, and the edges shine. It feels solid and expensive.
Good points
- Looks premium and modern; students like wearing it
- Can be cut to any shape, such as your school crest
- Room for a bigger photo
- Waterproof and does not tear
Things to know
- Costs more than PVC
- Too thick for a wallet; it is made to hang on a lanyard
- Keep it away from rough surfaces to avoid scratches
Our Acrylic ID Card comes with a 16 mm printed lanyard attached and can be printed on one side or both.
What is a PVC ID card?
A PVC card is the same plastic and the same size as an ATM card: 85.6 × 54 mm and 0.76 mm thick. It is printed in full colour and has rounded corners.
Good points
- Lowest price per card, especially in large quantities
- Light and thin; fits in a wallet or a card holder
- Bends a little instead of cracking
- Standard size works with every holder and card printer
Things to know
- Looks simpler than acrylic
- Only in the standard rectangle shape
- The printed surface can wear if it rubs inside a pocket for years
Our Parent Card (ATM Style) is waterproof PVC in the exact bank card size. For the full size details, see our standard ID card size guide.
A third option: holder ID cards
Holder cards are printed cards placed inside a strong plastic holder. The holder protects the card from bending, water and scratches, and comes in white or transparent. They cost a little less than acrylic and are very popular for students.
Comparing PVC with laminated paper instead? Read PVC vs laminated paper ID cards.
Which card should your school choose?
| Your need | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Lowest cost for a large school | Holder ID card, ordered in bulk |
| A premium look that students love | Acrylic ID card |
| A card parents keep in their wallet | PVC parent card |
| Staff cards that last for years | PVC or holder card |
| A special card for an event or school anniversary | Acrylic, cut to a custom shape |
Tip: You do not need one material for everyone. A common mix is acrylic for students and PVC for parents. Both can follow the same school colours, so they still look like one set.
How to make either card last all year
- Print the session year, so cards are replaced each year instead of worn for three
- Choose a strong lanyard with a metal hook (see our lanyards)
- Use a holder for very young children, who chew and bend cards
- Clean acrylic cards with a soft, dry cloth, never with sanitiser or rough tissue
Not sure about the budget? Our school ID card price guide has worked examples for 500 students.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, an acrylic or a PVC ID card?
Neither is better for everything. Acrylic looks more premium and can be any shape. PVC is cheaper, thinner and fits in a wallet. Many schools use both.
Is an acrylic ID card waterproof?
Yes. Acrylic does not absorb water, and the print is sealed, so rain and spills do not harm it.
Do acrylic ID cards break easily?
No. Acrylic is hard to bend and does not tear. It can crack if it is hit very hard or bent with force, so a good lanyard and normal care are enough.
What is the thickness of a PVC ID card?
A standard PVC ID card is 0.76 mm thick, the same as a bank card.
Can a PVC card be cut into a custom shape?
Standard PVC cards are rectangles with rounded corners. If you want a custom shape, choose acrylic.
