Rigid ID Card Holders for UK Workplaces

An open-faced holder is practical when staff need their ID visible and easy to remove. If you’re comparing rigid ID card holders in the UK, the key trade-off is simple: an open face gives quick access, while an enclosed holder covers more of the card.

Weigh protection against convenience. A rigid open-faced holder keeps a card in position for display but leaves one side exposed. An enclosed holder surrounds more of the card, while a flexible PVC wallet offers a softer alternative.

The right option depends on your card’s size and orientation, how staff will wear it, and whether they need to remove it regularly. This guide explains how to match a holder to your card, compare open-faced and enclosed styles with PVC wallets, and plan a bulk order for your workplace.

Portrait and landscape orientations

Rigid ID card holders come in portrait and landscape formats, including open-faced and enclosed styles. Imagin stocks an Open Faced ID Card Holder and an Enclosed ID Badge Holder in landscape. Match the holder’s stated orientation and size to the finished card, rather than relying on the artwork file alone.

Portrait Orientation

A portrait holder suits artwork arranged vertically, with the card’s shorter edges across its top and bottom. If your design includes a logo near the top or a photograph near the bottom, check the finished card in portrait format before selecting a holder.

Landscape Orientation

A landscape holder is designed for a card read horizontally, with its longer edges across the top and bottom. Landscape rigid holders include options for standard CR80 credit-card-sized cards. Review the approved card artwork in its final orientation, particularly where text runs across the width. A landscape layout can place a name, photograph and organisation details differently from a vertical design.

Confirm orientation using the card artwork at its intended size. A design shown sideways on a computer screen can make the format unclear. Preview the final layout upright, then note whether it reads vertically or horizontally. This simple check helps you select the right holder format for each approved card design.

• Check the artwork: Confirm the reading direction of names and other key details.
• Compare measurements: Compare your card’s dimensions and thickness with the holder’s stated insert capacity. External dimensions do not guarantee fit.
• Separate formats: Record portrait and landscape card quantities on different order lines.

For example, an organisation might use portrait artwork for staff cards and landscape artwork for visitor passes. Keep those specifications separate in the order record, even if both designs carry the same logo. Match the layout, card dimensions and holder format for each group.

Before ordering, compare the card design with the holder description and record the chosen format. If the artwork changes from portrait to landscape, review the holder selection too. A clear specification helps whoever manages artwork or replacement orders keep each card type consistent.

Single-sided and double-sided card holders

The terms “single-sided” and “double-sided” can describe two different things: display visibility (whether one or both faces of a card can be seen) or card capacity (whether a holder carries one card or two). Check which meaning applies before choosing, and consider comfortable access and your site’s risk assessment. Attachment options include lanyards, clips and reels.

Single-Sided Holder Options

A single-sided holder suits a card with essential information on one face. If a staff card’s reverse is blank, a holder that exposes the front may be all you need. Check how the card sits against the opening and attachment point. Then test the finished card in its holder to ensure the photograph, name and organisation details remain visible when worn.

For a batch of staff cards, test one complete setup before issuing the rest. This can catch layout or visibility issues while changes are manageable. A holder’s label describes its display format, so inspect the actual card rather than assuming every single-sided design presents information in the same way.

Double-Sided Holder Options

A double-sided holder suits cards with useful information on both faces. For example, a workplace might print a person’s details on one side and site instructions on the reverse. Check that staff can read both sides without removing the card. Also distinguish a holder that shows both faces of one card from one designed to carry two separate cards.

Before ordering, review the card artwork and decide whether reverse-side information is needed during routine checks. This helps avoid hiding useful details or choosing a display style that staff must keep turning around. For a mixed team, clearly label each card specification in the order record.

Contactless cards generally do not need an exposed card face to be read. Test the card, holder and reader together, as results depend on that combination. Remove the card only when chip insertion or swiping is obstructed. The holder does not configure access or encode the card; printing personalises its appearance, not its chip or permissions.

Choose an attachment based on the task and workplace assessment. Lanyards, clips and badge reels are options. Imagin Products Ltd's clip strap has a clothing clip and a plastic strap with metal poppers. It attaches to a suitable holder or directly to a slot-punched card. A workplace risk assessment may rule out lanyards if snagging is a concern. Also consider whether each wearer can comfortably reach and present their card at a staffed check or reader.

Our workplace identification options include holders and lanyards for displaying cards.

Clear and coloured holders

A clear holder keeps a card’s printed design visible, while a coloured holder adds a distinct edge. Coloured holders and PVC wallets are general alternatives, pending confirmation of stock availability. Compare the opening with your card before choosing, and check the card dimensions separately from the holder’s outside size.

Clear holders suit layouts where photographs, names or logos need to remain visible. Check the finished card inside the holder, not just the empty holder, as a border or opening may cover part of the design. If a photograph sits close to the card’s edge, make sure it remains readable once fitted.

Colour can help organise an identification scheme. A workplace might assign one colour to visitor cards and another to staff cards. Record what each colour means, and pair colour coding with written role labels so the card is clear to everyone.

• Clear: Check whether all printed details remain visible through the holder.
• Coloured: Decide what each colour means before issuing cards.
• Mixed designs: Compare a sample card in each holder style.

Some holder listings specify the card size they accept. Compare that stated card size with your own card, rather than using the holder’s outside dimensions as a guide. This matters when a team uses more than one card format.

Consider the complete setup when worn. A card in a clear holder paired with a coloured lanyard creates a different visual scheme from a coloured holder on a plain lanyard. Badge reels offer another attachment option, so assess the holder’s attachment point alongside the reel. Keep the printed face visible.

For a bulk order, list each holder colour beside its intended card group. Check each colour’s quantity against the team breakdown, then review an assembled example. This helps prevent different colours being combined under one unclear description. Keep the record for replacements so each colour continues to identify the same group.

Comparison with enclosed holders and PVC wallets

Imagin’s Open Faced ID Card Holder gives quick card access, while its Enclosed ID Badge Holder surrounds more of the card. A flexible PVC wallet is a general alternative, pending confirmation of stock availability.

A rigid open-faced holder supports the card while leaving at least one face accessible. It can suit staff who need to remove a card for a visual check or present it to a reader. The exposed surface remains open, so this design prioritises access over enclosure. Check that the opening and attachment suit your daily routine.

Imagin’s enclosed holder has a thumb slot for removing the card and allows both card faces to remain visible. Check how the card goes in and comes out. Enclosure alone does not make a holder waterproof or tamper-proof.

A PVC wallet is flexible rather than rigid. It may suit staff who need a soft sleeve that bends with movement, or a card format that does not fit a rigid holder. Compare the wallet’s internal dimensions with the card: a loose fit can let it shift, while a tight fit can make insertion awkward.

• Open-faced rigid: Choose when direct access to the card matters more than enclosing it.
• Enclosed rigid: Choose when surrounding the card is a priority and the card can stay housed.
• Flexible PVC wallet: Choose when a softer sleeve better suits the way the card is carried.

Consider how the card will be used at a staffed desk or access reader. Because the enclosed holder has a thumb slot and shows both faces, frequent removal does not require an open-faced holder. Choose open-faced where you prefer a single exposed face.

Before ordering for a team, compare a card with each holder style. Check the visible area, fit, insertion method and attachment point. Then test the holder when worn, rather than judging it only on a desk. A lanyard, clip or reel can affect how easily someone reaches and presents the card.

For example, a receptionist who regularly presents a card might prefer an accessible open face. A staff member carrying a card throughout a shift might prefer an enclosed design. A flexible PVC wallet offers another option when a softer sleeve is more practical. Match the holder to the task, not just its material or appearance.

Bulk ordering and discounts

For a workplace order, settle the holder specification before comparing quantities. Open-faced and enclosed holders are priced per holder, with bulk pricing shown on each product page.

Bulk unit pricing depends on the product listing and quantity tier. Some listings show lower unit prices at higher quantities, but a larger pack only makes sense if the holders match your cards and workplace needs. Compare the total pack quantity, format and holder type, rather than choosing by the largest discount claim alone.

Start by making a count for each card group. For example, list staff and visitor cards separately, then record each group’s holder orientation and style.

• Count by card format: Keep portrait and landscape quantities separate.
• Count by holder style: Separate open-faced and enclosed designs.
• Allow for replacements: Include holders for planned team changes.

Bulk pricing discounts can be useful when they apply to a holder your organisation will use. Check the selected product and quantity, then confirm whether the listing refers to individual holders or a pack. Review the details for your chosen option, including any colour or orientation selections. Don’t assume similar-looking holders have the same order options.

Before submitting a workplace order, check that the card count matches the pack total and every line identifies the correct holder. Keep an order sheet with the card group, orientation, holder style, pack quantity and total required. A second person can review it against the cards to help catch a mixed-format order before checkout.

Related products: Standard Name Badges

For staff names alongside photo ID, see our Standard Name Badges.

Put your holder choice into practice

Before rolling out your chosen holders, make them part of your workplace ID process. Decide who issues them, how staff request replacements, and what to do if a card is lost or damaged. A clear process helps new starters and existing colleagues use identification consistently.

If you’re choosing rigid ID card holders in the UK, document the agreed holder and attachment for each card type. This gives whoever manages future orders a useful starting point, while leaving room to update the setup if card designs or workplace procedures change.

Choose a setup that works for the people wearing and checking the cards. A considered choice can make everyday identification simpler for your team.

We’d be glad to help you take the next step when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose an open faced holder?

Choose an open-faced holder when staff need to remove or present their card regularly. A receptionist, for example, might take a card out during check-in and return it afterwards. The open face makes access straightforward but leaves that side exposed. Consider how often the card is handled and whether its details need more coverage.

Which UK suppliers sell rigid ID card holders in bulk?

Imagin Products supplies ID Card Holders in the UK. For a workplace bulk order, prepare a breakdown of card formats and quantities before selecting holders. Make sure each product description and pack quantity matches your requirements. If the order includes several card types, keep each specification separate to reduce the risk of receiving holders that do not suit the cards.

What is the difference between single-sided and double-sided rigid ID card holders?

“Single-sided” and “double-sided” can describe display visibility (one or both faces of a card visible) or card capacity (one card or two). Check which meaning a listing uses against your card artwork.

Can rigid ID card holders be used in portrait and landscape orientation?

Yes, rigid holders are available in portrait and landscape formats. Choose the orientation that matches the card’s printed layout so names and photographs appear upright when worn. If your organisation uses both layouts, label each card type clearly when ordering. Testing a printed sample helps confirm that the card sits and reads correctly in its holder.

How much do rigid ID card holders cost in the UK, including VAT and delivery?

Imagin’s open-faced holder is £0.65 excluding VAT (£0.78 including VAT) and the enclosed holder is £1.40 excluding VAT (£1.68 including VAT). These are Imagin’s prices, not universal UK prices. Delivery charges vary by order, and standard delivery is free over £150. Orders are usually dispatched in 2–4 days; dispatch is not the same as delivery.

What materials are rigid ID card holders made from, and which are most durable?

PVC is a plastic, and “vinyl” typically refers to PVC. Durability depends on material, construction, thickness and usage, so compare holders on those points rather than on material name alone.

Which rigid ID card holders fit standard UK ID badge dimensions?

CR80 is an international standard measuring 85.60 × 53.98 mm, not a UK-specific one. Compatibility depends on the specific holder model and card thickness. Choose portrait or landscape to match the card’s orientation.

What are the best rigid ID card holders for workplace, event and visitor badges in the UK?

For quick access, choose a rigid open-faced holder; for more card coverage, choose an enclosed rigid holder. Clear holders keep printed details visible, while coloured holders can help distinguish staff and visitor groups.

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Team Imagin :)

Team Imagin helps businesses look their best with quality name badges, photo ID cards, lanyards and branded workwear. Based in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, we combine friendly, personal service with professional printing and embroidery to bring your branding to life. From small teams to large organisations across Scotland, the UK, Europe and America, we help you boost your brand and build connections.