Sacoa Cashless System
RFID vs. Magnetic Stripe Game Cards: What’s the Best Choice for Your Arcade?
At Sacoa, we know that selecting the right card system is a key decision that shapes your business success. Your game cards are not just payment tools—they’re central to how your guests interact with your venue, how smoothly your operations run, and how much revenue you generate.
Here’s what you need to know when comparing Magnetic Stripe and RFID technologies.

Magnetic Stripe Cards: An Outdated Standard
Magnetic stripe cards transformed the amusement industry decades ago by replacing coins and tokens. But times—and technology—have changed. Magnetic stripe systems are gradually being phased out across industries, as they no longer meet today’s expectations for speed, reliability, and guest convenience.
RFID Cards: Smarter, Faster, More Reliable
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards contain a chip that connects wirelessly to readers—no swiping required. A simple tap is all it takes to launch games, making the experience quicker and smoother for your players.
Because there’s no physical contact, RFID reduces wear and tear, meaning fewer breakdowns and less maintenance. Plus, with Sacoa’s self-service kiosks, you can reset cards automatically without manual effort—saving valuable staff time and improving efficiency. RFID cards are also much more durable and can be reused many times, delivering better long-term value.
Comparing Costs: Think Beyond the Price Tag
Although RFID cards cost slightly more upfront, they last significantly longer and require less maintenance. The result? Lower replacement costs, less downtime, and higher guest satisfaction—turning your initial investment into greater savings over time.
And when it comes to supply, we’ve got you covered. Sacoa maintains a large stock of RFID cards to ensure fast delivery, whether you need generic or custom-designed cards.
Make the Right Move for Your Business
We recommend speaking with other operators, looking at real-world performance, and considering how each technology affects your day-to-day operations and guest experiences.
At Sacoa, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you choose a solution that not only meets your current needs but also grows with your business for years to come.
Contact Sacoa today!.
Call +1 407.499.1876, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.sacoacard.com