10 Best Printers For Gift Cards 2025 in the United States

The Magicard 600 Dual Sided ID Card Printer is a specialized device designed for printing high-quality ID cards, badges, and gift cards. It comes with essential supplies, including a color ribbon, 100 PVC cards, and Card Imaging design software, making it an all-in-one bundle for creating custom cards with photos, text, and barcodes. The LCD display aids in providing clear instructions and messages, which can be especially helpful for users new to card printing.

Additionally, the inclusion of free tech support ensures assistance is readily available for setup and troubleshooting needs, which is a valuable feature for non-tech-savvy users. The certified three-year manufacturer protection adds an extra layer of security and confidence in the product's durability and longevity. However, the printer uses dot-matrix printing technology, which might not deliver the sharpest print quality compared to more modern printing technologies like laser or inkjet.

Connectivity is primarily through USB, limiting flexibility for wireless printing. Also, the printer appears to be a bit bulky (17.11 pounds) and may require significant desk space. The cost of consumables such as color ribbons and PVC cards should be considered, as they can add up over time. For those specifically looking to create professional-quality gift or ID cards and who value the bundled package and support, the Magicard 600 is a solid choice. However, it may not be the best for those seeking a more versatile, compact printer with higher print quality and advanced connectivity options.

The Fargo DTC4500e Dual Sided ID Card Printer is designed for high-volume printing, making it suitable for businesses or institutions needing to produce a large number of gift cards, employee badges, or membership cards. It offers impressive print quality with its thermal printing technology, delivering clear and professional-grade plastic (PVC) cards. The dual-sided printing feature enhances efficiency, and the high card hopper capacities (200 input, 100 output) support continuous operation without frequent reloading. With a print speed of 16 seconds per full-color card, it balances speed and quality effectively.

Connectivity options include USB and Ethernet, making it versatile for different setups. However, it lacks wireless connectivity, which might be a drawback for some users. The device’s durability is backed by a 3-year warranty, indicating robust build quality. The Bronzo edition of the included Bodno software covers the basics of card design and printing, which may be sufficient for simple tasks but might limit more advanced design needs.

One notable strength is the package's completeness, including a camera and necessary consumables, which simplifies the initial setup. Yet, potential users should consider the cost of consumables like the YMCKO color ribbon, which might add up over time, especially in high-volume environments. In summary, the Fargo DTC4500e is a reliable option for users needing a sturdy, high-volume ID card printer with secure and efficient performance, although it might not be the best fit for budget-conscious buyers or those needing advanced software features.

The Fargo DTC4500e Dual Sided ID Card Printer is a solid choice if you're looking to print high-quality gift cards. It offers a print quality of 300 DPI, which ensures clear and sharp images and text on your cards. The dual-sided printing feature is particularly useful if you need to print on both sides of the card, saving time and effort in flipping cards manually. However, it should be noted that the maximum printing speed is relatively slow, with 4 cards per minute in color and 10 cards per minute in monochrome. This might be a drawback if you need to print cards in large volumes quickly.

The printer supports a media size of 3.37 x 2.125 inches, ideal for standard gift card sizes. It uses dye-sublimation and thermal printing technology, which generally produce durable prints but can be costly over time. In terms of connectivity, it includes both USB and Ethernet options, providing flexibility in how you set it up. Build quality is solid, and the printer is backed by a three-year warranty, indicating reliability.

One downside to consider is the cost of consumables, like dye-sublimation ribbons, which can add up. Additionally, while the printer is lightweight at 1 pound, its dimensions are relatively large, requiring sufficient space for setup. If you're ready to invest in a durable printer that provides high-quality prints and dual-sided printing capability, the Fargo DTC4500e is worth considering.