The Future of Membership Cards: Digital vs. Physical
What’s Changing and What’s Here to Stay
Membership programs look very different today than they did even a few years ago. What used to be built around plastic cards and printed materials has grown into a world of mobile apps, QR codes, and digital wallets.
That shift has led many organizations to ask an important question: Are physical membership cards still relevant in a digital world?
The short answer is yes. They still matter, but the strategy behind them is changing.
To understand where membership programs are heading, it helps to see that digital tools and physical credentials are no longer competing for attention. They now work together to support a better member experience.
What’s Changing: The Growth of Digital Membership
Digital tools have reshaped how organizations manage members and deliver benefits. Through mobile apps, members can now:
- Store digital credentials
- Get alerts and updates
- Renew instantly
- Check in with a barcode or QR code
- Access events and exclusive content
Digital wallets such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet make it simple to keep membership credentials on a smartphone. With Pew Research Center reporting that more than 90 percent of U.S. adults own a smartphone, it is no surprise that digital membership options are becoming more common.
For organizations, digital systems reduce administrative work, improve tracking, and provide real-time updates. There is no question that digital tools will continue to shape membership programs in the years ahead. That said, physical credentials remain an essential part of the mix.
What’s Staying: Why Physical Membership Cards Still Matter
Even with the rise of mobile access, plastic cards continue to bring value to many membership programs. Here are a few reasons why:
- Accessibility for Every Member: Not everyone is comfortable using apps or digital wallets. Some members simply prefer something familiar that they can hold in their hands. Offering custom cards ensures that every member can participate without relying on a smartphone, a data connection, or a charged battery.
- Reliability in Real-World Situations: Phones freeze. Batteries die. Connections drop. A plastic card always works. It does not depend on software or updates. For gyms, community centers, libraries, schools, and busy events, that kind of reliability is essential and keeps check-in lines moving smoothly.
- Stronger Brand Presence: A tangible card leaves a lasting impression. Research from ElectroiQ shows that physical marketing materials create much higher recall than digital interactions. A well-designed membership card reinforces a sense of belonging and keeps your brand visible in a wallet, bag, or on a keychain. Digital credentials offer convenience, while physical cards strengthen the emotional connection.
- Security and Controlled Access: Physical credentials still play a major role in secure environments. Barcodes, QR codes, magnetic stripes, and RFID technology make cards an important part of access control for schools, offices, recreation centers, and ticketed events. They work well on their own and can easily complement digital systems.
The Hybrid Approach: Digital and Physical Working Together
The conversation is no longer about choosing between digital and plastic membership cards. The most effective programs use both.
A 2025 consumer report from Vericast found that 98 percent of people still believe a physical card adds a sense of trust and reliability. With a hybrid model, members can choose what works best for them. They may use a digital wallet for convenience and keep a plastic card as backup. Staff can easily scan either one.
For organizations, this flexibility improves accessibility and strengthens the overall experience.
What This Means for Your Organization
If you are reviewing your membership card strategy, it may help to ask:
- Do all of your members want digital access?
- Do you operate in environments where fast and dependable entry is important?
- Would a physical card enhance your brand presence?
- Is security a key part of your membership program?
In many cases, offering both digital credentials and plastic cards creates the strongest and most inclusive experience. Technology will continue to evolve, but the need for durable, secure, and professional membership credentials will remain.
If you are looking into high-quality membership card printing for your program, PermaCard can provide durable, professional cards that help bridge the gap between digital and physical.