NOTE: This article pertains to ordering new physical gift cards. For information on selling, applying, or refunding gift cards, see this article.

Boulevard has partnered with eCard Systems to manage the ordering and printing of new physical gift cards for businesses. Click here to be redirected to Boulevard's landing page at eCard Systems.

Q: What is the difference between a laminate and a UV finish?
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Those great-looking gift cards you see from top merchant brands are premium quality, offset printed cards with a thin but very durable sheet of clear PVC that is heat applied to seal and protect the printing. Our specialty is providing this type of high-end card at quantities and prices that are not much more than a UV card.

UV-coated cards are what many other card producers offer as their best-quality cards. They can still look great (ours do), but the finish just isn't quite as durable and it is normally applied only to the front of the card so that numbers and barcodes may be printed on the card back (printing doesn't adhere well to UV). Anytime you see lower pricing or faster production time from our competitors, it's probably a UV card. We do them too, but it's our second-tier-quality card.

NOTE: Cards with solid black backgrounds or other dark solid colors will benefit greatly by using our satin matte finish. We recommend it for resisting fingerprints and surface scratches that can adversely affect the look of the gloss finish.

Q: Will the cards work with my POS system or card program?

eCard Systems produces cards for hundreds of different POS systems and card programs and can generate various types of number sequences and barcode formats as needed. If there is any uncertainty, your equipment or software provider should be able to provide you or us with the information needed to properly number, encode, and/or barcode your cards. We will always 100% confirm these details before completing and shipping your cards.

Q: What is the standard card size?
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Most cards are the exact same size as a credit card: 3 3/8” x 2 1/8” x 0.30 mil (thickness).

Q: How should my card artwork be prepared?
​Full bleed artwork should be exactly 1/16 larger than the card size (3.5" x 2.25"). The magnetic stripe is placed 3/16” from the top edge of the card. A 2-track mag is 5/16" wide, and a 3-track mag is 7/16." It is recommended that all types and other essential elements be placed at least 1/8" away from the card edge. Download Graphics Specs PDF

Q: What file formats are accepted for artwork?
Electronic files are the preferred format for submitting card designs to us for production. We currently accept digital files for both the Mac and PC platforms created with any of the following programs:

Q: Do you accept physical, camera-ready artwork?
​Yes. But keep in mind that photocopies and pre-printed materials (business cards, brochures, etc.) are less suitable for high-quality graphic production.

Q: Can I have eCard Systems design my card?
​Yes. Utilizing your logo and/or other artwork, or photos from our image library, complete card design services range from $20 to $50 in cost. The basic layout is free.

Q: How quickly will my card artwork layout be created?
Once acceptable artwork has been received, a card design will be developed and an electronic proof provided via email normally within 24 hours or the next business day. Up to 4 revisions may be made with no additional charge.

Q: What is the time frame for receiving my completed gift card order?
Once you have approved and signed your proof, the normal card production turnaround is 15 business days from proof approval to ship date + shipping time. Rush production is 8 to 10 business days. Quick card production turnaround is 3 business days + shipping time.

Q: What is the minimum card order quantity?
The minimum quantity for custom card production is 500. Preprinted, Quick Card card designs may be ordered in quantities of 125, 250, or 500.