Credit Card Skin Template and Exact Card Size: Free Download
Every standard credit and debit card has the same shape, set by the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard. Once you know the numbers, the parts of the card to keep clear and how to prepare your image, designing a card skin is easy. Below you will find all three, plus a free template.
Exact credit card size
| Measure | Millimeters | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 85.60 mm | 3.370 in |
| Height | 53.98 mm | 2.125 in |
| Corner radius | 2.88 to 3.48 mm, about 3.18 mm | about 0.125 in |
| Thickness | 0.76 mm | 0.030 in |
Many ID cards, driving licences and gift cards use the same ID-1 size, so the template works for them too.
Card size in pixels
| Resolution | Card only | With 2 mm bleed |
|---|---|---|
| 300 dpi | 1011 x 638 px | 1058 x 685 px |
| 600 dpi | 2022 x 1275 px | 2117 x 1370 px |
Parts of the card to keep clear
- The chip. On horizontal cards it sits on the left of the front. A skin must leave it uncovered, which is why our skins have a chip cutout. The template marks an approximate chip zone, because chip modules differ slightly from card to card.
- Raised numbers. On cards with embossed numbers a skin cannot lie flat over the digits. A window cut that leaves the number area free solves it.
- Vertical cards. Many new cards are designed to be held upright, with the chip near the top. Rotate the template and check the chip position on your own card.
- The back. Magnetic stripe, signature panel and security code are on the back, and a skin goes on the front.
Free credit card skin template
The template is an SVG at real size: the 85.60 x 53.98 mm card with rounded corners, a 2 mm bleed, a 3 mm safe area and the approximate chip zone. It opens at the correct size in Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity Designer and Canva.
Download the free credit card skin template (SVG)
- Place your image under the template and stretch it to the outer bleed edge.
- Keep faces and text inside the dashed safe area.
- Keep the subject away from the yellow chip zone.
- Print at 100% scale and lay your card on the printout to check the chip position.
Design tips for a card skin
- Horizontal images work best, since a card is wider than it is tall.
- Place faces on the right, away from the chip.
- Keep text at least 3 mm from the edges.
- Decorate, do not imitate. Leave bank logos, card numbers and payment network marks out of the design.
- Use images you have the right to use, like pets, couples, family photos or your own art.
Home printed or ready-made?
Regular sticker paper is not made for something that goes in and out of wallets and card readers: the print scuffs and the edges lift. Our custom credit card skins are printed from your photo on thin vinyl with a scratch and water resistant surface, you get 4 skins in one order, and they keep the chip and tap to pay working. Read whether a skin affects the chip or tap to pay or browse all credit card skins. Your card belongs to your bank, so check its terms about decorative stickers if you are unsure.
