Light emitting diode (LED)-embedded payment cards empower issuers to elevate their brand identity and create a trend intended to keep them top-of-wallet. Since the card design informs the build of the card, issuing brands have the opportunity to use LEDs to create fun, buzzy, social-media worthy moments. Moreover, create a sense of interaction between the user and the brand. Although LED-embedded cards aren’t yet widely used, there’ve been some interesting advancements in this area.

CPI Wins Élan Award for LED-Embedded Card

One such development is CPI Card Group Inc.’s LED card, an International Card Manufacturers Association (ICMA) Élan Award winner. With a fun card design that accentuates the lights, the “Robot” payment card is one of a three-card series; featuring a big-eyed octopus, owl and robot, with embedded LEDs that activate when the card is close to a reader. The closer the credit card or debit card gets to the reader, the brighter the LEDs become. A power-harvesting antenna inside the card provides power to the LED light, without impacting communication during the transaction.

“CPI views LEDs as a natural extension of the universal presence of contactless payments,” said Toni Thompson, senior vice president, credit and debit operations at CPI. “As the card approaches the point-of-sale (POS) reader the LEDs begin to glow, growing brighter as the card gets closer. LED-embedded cards bring an interactivity between the cardholder and the payment experience.”

ICMA, the leading global card association for card manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers driving industry innovation, honored CPI with its Élan Award at the 2024 ICMA EXPO. Among the winners, CPI earned the award in the People’s Choice category.

“Winning an Élan Award in the People’s Choice category carries a special honor, since it’s voted on by industry peers at the ICMA EXPO,” Thompson continued. “CPI believes this recognition speaks to how appealing this card will be to issuers, as well as the broader public. LEDs definitely draw attention, and when it comes down to it, they’re simply fun to use.”

LED-Embedded Card Manufacturing Process   

Thompson also provides the following details on the unique manufacturing process for LED-embedded payment cards.

• LED payment card manufacturing enhances existing secure card manufacturing methods with key modifications, including the addition of an LED inlay. This enables the unique lighting feature, while retaining the core functionalities of a standard payment card.

• A thin inlay with the LED element is included during lamination. This inlay contains an antenna which is designed to run on the RF field produced by compatible POS terminals, eliminating the need for a battery.

• Currently, 1, 2, and 3 LED configurations are available. There are parameters governing the allowed placement of the LEDs within the card body, to ensure no interference with the payment chip or antenna occurs. 

• The card artwork design, including the customer’s information and branding, is printed on separate layers. These layers are then bonded to the LED inlay with pressure and heat.

• Rigorous inspections verify that the card meets functionality and security standards. The final steps are performed, including adding a holographic security layer, and applying the Primary Account Number (PAN) and cardholder name.

In conclusion, LED-embedded payment cards are an intriguing concept, with viable convenience and security advantages. However, greater adoption will likely be dependent on tackling security issues, addressing production hurdles and adapting to the ever-changing digital payments landscape.

More Insights on Card Trends

For more than 30 years, ICMA has represented the interests of the card manufacturing industry—which includes manufacturers, personalizers, issuers and suppliers—as its leading global association.

Throughout the year, ICMA members have the opportunity to share insights and knowledge by giving presentations during ICMA webcasts and events. The association’s main event is its annual Card Manufacturing & Personalization EXPO. The 2025 EXPO will take place from May 12-15 in Orlando, Florida.

ICMA offers regular educational opportunities, including ACE-Manufacturing, ACE-Personalization and ACE-Advanced Technologies training and exams at the ICMA EXPO. ICMA also offers ACE-Commercial training, which provides sales, marketing, customer service and other key personnel at ICMA member companies with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of card manufacturing.

Learn more about the benefits of ICMA membership.