Magnetic Stripe Readers & Encoders

BSD Infotech supplies magnetic stripe readers and encoders for card reading, card encoding and integration into POS, membership, loyalty, ticketing, identification and custom business applications.

Choose from compact USB readers, desktop readers and USB reader-encoders based on your card format, number of tracks, interface, application and integration requirements.

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USB readers & reader-encoders
Track 1, 2 & 3 support
HiCo & LoCo encoding (MSR605X, MSR605)
Single units, bulk & project supply

What is a magnetic stripe reader?

A magnetic stripe reader (MSR or magstripe reader) reads the data stored on the magnetic stripe of a card when the card is swiped through it, and sends that data to a computer, POS system or application. Readers can read one, two or all three tracks, depending on the model; they do not change the card.

What is a magnetic stripe encoder?

A magnetic stripe encoder (reader-writer) writes data onto the magnetic stripe of a blank or re-writable card, so the card can later be read by a magstripe reader. Encoders are used to issue membership, loyalty, gift, access and ID cards. Most encoders also read and verify the data they have written.

Reader vs encoder: what is the difference?

A reader only reads existing card data — it is used wherever cards are swiped, such as a POS counter or a reception desk. An encoder writes (encodes) data to the card and is used where cards are issued or re-issued. Many sites need both: one encoder at the issuing desk and readers at every point of use. Not every reader can encode; the capability is model-specific.

Magnetic Stripe Product Categories

Magnetic Stripe Card Readers

Read-only devices for swiping cards at counters, desks and workstations. Models: MSR90, MSR100.

USB Magnetic Stripe Readers

Plug into a USB port of a PC or POS system. The MSR90 works as a USB keyboard, so card data appears in any text field without a driver.

3-Track Magnetic Stripe Readers

Read Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3 in a single swipe, for applications whose cards carry data on more than one track.

Magnetic Stripe Reader-Encoders

Read, write and verify all three tracks on HiCo and LoCo cards, for issuing your own cards. Models: MSR605X, MSR605.

Desktop Readers for POS

Compact desktop swipe readers for POS counters, cash desks, canteens and reception desks that read loyalty, membership or stored-value cards.

Other Magstripe Requirements

Need an encrypted, mobile, insert-type, embedded/OEM or combined barcode + magstripe device? Share the requirement and BSD will check what can be supplied for your project.

Magnetic Stripe Card Readers

Read-only magstripe readers for card identification, lookup and transactions in your software. Both read ISO magnetic stripe cards on up to three tracks.

MSR90

Mini USB magnetic stripe card reader

A compact, plug-and-play swipe reader that reads up to three tracks in one swipe and types the card data into your application like a keyboard.

Type: Magnetic stripe reader (read only)
Tracks: Up to 3 tracks (Track 1, 2 & 3) in a single swipe
Read direction: Bi-directional swipe
Interface: USB, keyboard emulation (no driver required)
Cards: ISO 7811 and AAMVA formats; HiCo and LoCo cards
Form factor: Compact desktop swipe reader, about 90 mm long
OS: Windows and Mac

Key features

Card data appears in any text field, including existing software
Configuration utility to switch tracks on/off, add prefix/suffix characters and an Enter key
Beep and LED indication on a successful read
Powered from the USB port

Suitable for

POS counters and billing desks
Membership and loyalty card lookup
Reading ID, staff or student cards into software

Contact BSD for current price and availability.

Request Price / Availability

MSR100

USB desktop magnetic stripe card reader

A table-top swipe reader for everyday card reading at desks and counters, reading ISO track data from magnetic stripe cards.

Type: Magnetic stripe reader (read only)
Tracks: Track 1, 2 & 3
Read direction: Not documented — ask BSD
Interface: USB; RS-232 and PS/2 versions on request (confirm availability)
Power: USB bus powered
Form factor: Table-top swipe reader
OS: Windows

Key features

Reads Track 1 (alphanumeric), Track 2 and Track 3 data
No separate power supply needed on USB
Suited to fixed desk and counter installations

Suitable for

Reception and front-desk card identification
Canteen, cafeteria and store counters
Systems that need a serial (RS-232) reader — subject to confirmation

₹1,300 + GST per piece. Bulk pricing on request.

Request Price / Availability

Magnetic Stripe Card Encoders

Reader-encoders let you issue your own magnetic stripe cards: membership cards, loyalty cards, gift cards, event and ticketing cards, identification cards, institutional card programs and other custom card programs. Encoding software writes the data you define, and the encoder verifies what was written.

MSR605X

USB magnetic stripe reader-encoder, HiCo & LoCo

A three-track reader-writer that is powered and connected through a single USB cable, for reading, writing, copying and erasing magnetic stripe cards.

Type: Magnetic stripe reader-encoder
Tracks: Reads and writes Track 1, 2 & 3
Coercivity: HiCo and LoCo cards (300–4000 Oe)
Standard: ISO 7811
Interface: USB (data and power over one cable)
Power: USB powered — no external adapter
Form factor: Desktop swipe encoder
Software: Utility for Windows and Mac

Suitable for

Issuing membership, loyalty and gift cards in-house
Re-encoding or erasing re-usable cards
Card issuing desks in clubs, institutions and events

Contact BSD for current price and availability.

Request Price / Availability

MSR605

Magnetic stripe reader-writer, 3 tracks, HiCo & LoCo

A manual-swipe reader-writer that encodes and verifies up to three tracks, with programmable data formats for card-issuing applications.

Type: Magnetic stripe reader-encoder
Tracks: Encodes and verifies up to 3 tracks
Density: Track 1 & 3: 210 bpi; Track 2: 75 or 210 bpi
Coercivity: HiCo and LoCo cards (300–4000 Oe)
Standard: ISO 7811/1–6
Interface: USB
Swipe: Manual, single-direction swipe
OS: Windows — confirm your version with BSD

Key features

Sequential numbering when writing (up to 12 digits)
Programmable formats: leading bit, raw data, AAMVA and user-defined

₹16,000 + GST per piece. Bulk pricing on request.

Request Price / Availability

HiCo and LoCo on these encoders. The MSR605X and MSR605 are documented to write both high-coercivity (HiCo) and low-coercivity (LoCo) cards. Choose the card type first — HiCo cards resist accidental erasure better and suit cards used every day; LoCo cards are easier to encode and suit short-term cards. Ask BSD about matching magnetic stripe cards when you order an encoder.

Magnetic Stripe Reader vs Encoder

	Reader	Encoder (reader-writer)
What it does	Reads the data already on the magnetic stripe	Writes (encodes) data to the stripe, and reads it back to verify
Where it is used	Every point where cards are swiped: POS, desks, counters	Where cards are issued, re-issued or updated
Typical quantity	One per counter or workstation	Usually one or a few per issuing desk
BSD models	MSR90, MSR100	MSR605X, MSR605

Not every magstripe reader can encode. The MSR90 and MSR100 are read-only. Writing is model-specific, so check the product details or ask BSD before ordering.

Magnetic Stripe Reader & Encoder Comparison

Model	Device type	Tracks	Interface	Form factor	Read	Write / encode	Typical application
MSR90	Reader	1, 2 & 3	USB (keyboard emulation)	Compact desktop	Yes	No	POS, membership & loyalty lookup
MSR100	Reader	1, 2 & 3	USB; RS-232 / PS/2 on request	Table-top	Yes	No	Front desk, counters
MSR605X	Reader-encoder	1, 2 & 3	USB (USB powered)	Desktop encoder	Yes	Yes — HiCo & LoCo	Card issuing
MSR605	Reader-encoder	1, 2 & 3	USB	Desktop encoder	Yes	Yes — HiCo & LoCo	Card issuing, sequential numbering

Specifications are as documented for each model. None of these models is presented as an encrypted or payment-certified reader.

Magnetic Stripe Reader Applications

Magnetic stripe cards remain a low-cost way to identify a person or an account. Common uses for the readers and encoders on this page:

POS & billing

Swipe a loyalty, member or stored-value card at the counter; the USB readers pass the card number to the POS software.

Membership systems

Identify members at reception, facilities and outlets in clubs and gyms, with cards issued on an encoder.

Loyalty & gift cards

Encode card numbers for loyalty programs and gift cards, then read them at every outlet.

Events & ticketing

Issue event or entry cards on an encoder and read them at counters or entry desks with event software.

Identification

Read staff, student or institutional ID cards into attendance, library or records software.

Custom & kiosk applications

Use a reader as the card input for your own business software or self-service station. Payment acceptance is a separate, regulated requirement.

How to Choose a Magnetic Stripe Reader

Reader or encoder?Reading only needs a reader; issuing cards needs an encoder.
Card formatWhich standard and data layout do your cards use?
Number of tracksWhich of Track 1, 2 and 3 carry the data you need?
HiCo or LoCoFor encoding, match the encoder to the card coercivity.
InterfaceUSB keyboard emulation, USB with software, or serial (RS-232).
Desktop, mobile or embeddedWhere will the device be installed and used?
Swipe directionBi-directional reading is easier for staff at busy counters.
Security requirementsDo you need encryption? Not all readers provide it.
Software integrationWhich application will receive the card data?
Operating systemWindows, Mac or another platform on the PC or terminal.
Environment & quantityIndoor counter, kiosk or field use — and how many units.
Standard or customOff-the-shelf reader or an OEM/project requirement.

Not Sure Which Magstripe Reader You Need?

Tell us the following and BSD will recommend a suitable reader or encoder:

What type of card are you reading?
How many tracks, and which ones?
Reader or encoder?
USB, serial, mobile or embedded?
Desktop or OEM installation?
Required quantity?
What software will use the reader?
Do you require encryption or security features?
Do you need custom integration?

Get Product Recommendation +91-8588827540

Magstripe Reader Integration with Business Software

A magnetic stripe reader is usually one component of a larger system. The value comes from what your software does with the card data.

Magnetic stripe cardMember, loyalty, gift, ID or ticket card

↓

ReaderSwipe at a counter, desk or kiosk

↓

USB / serial interfaceKeyboard emulation or software-driven

↓

Business applicationPOS, membership, loyalty or custom software

↓

DatabaseAccounts, balances, members, entitlements

↓

Transaction, membership, POS & reporting

BSD Infotech can help integrate compatible readers with POS software, membership software, web applications, mobile applications and custom software, and combine magstripe with barcode systems, smart card systems and RFID where a project needs more than one card technology. SDK or API availability is confirmed per model; keyboard-emulation readers such as the MSR90 need no SDK at all.

Need More Than a Card Reader?

BSD Infotech can supply the hardware and, where required, help integrate compatible readers into a larger software solution.

Reader + POS
Reader + Membership Software
Reader + Loyalty System
Reader + Ticketing System
Reader + Custom Application
Reader + Database
Reader + Web / Mobile Application
Encoder + Card Issuing Desk

Moving from magnetic stripe to contactless? See contactless & NFC readers, USB smart card readers and mobile card readers. For POS counters with a built-in swipe reader, see the keyboard with MSR.

Buy Magnetic Stripe Readers in India

BSD Infotech supplies magnetic stripe readers and encoders for individual, business, bulk and project requirements — from a single reader for one counter to multiple readers and encoders for institutions, system integrators, OEM builds and multi-site rollouts. Share your application, card type, interface and quantity and our team can help identify a suitable device.

Request a Quote Discuss Software Integration

Magnetic Stripe Reader FAQs

A magnetic stripe reader (MSR) is a device that reads the data stored on the magnetic stripe of a card when the card is swiped through it, and passes that data to a computer, POS system or application. It does not change the card. BSD Infotech supplies the MSR90 and MSR100 readers.

A magstripe card reader is the same device as a magnetic stripe reader: "magstripe" is the short form. It reads the tracks recorded on a card's magnetic stripe, typically to identify a card number, member or account in software.

A magnetic stripe encoder, or reader-writer, writes data onto the magnetic stripe of a card and reads it back to verify it. It is used to issue membership, loyalty, gift, access and ID cards. BSD Infotech supplies the MSR605X and MSR605 reader-encoders.

A reader only reads the data already on a card; an encoder writes data to the card and can also read it. Readers are placed wherever cards are swiped, while encoders are used where cards are issued. Not every reader can encode: the MSR90 and MSR100 are read-only.

Yes. The MSR90 and MSR100 readers and the MSR605X and MSR605 encoders connect through USB. The MSR90 works as a USB keyboard, so no driver is needed. RS-232 and PS/2 versions of the MSR100 can be requested, subject to availability.

Yes. A keyboard-emulation reader such as the MSR90 types the card data into the field where the cursor is, so it works with most POS screens without programming. For deeper integration, such as balance checks or member lookups, BSD Infotech can integrate the reader with the POS or develop the required software.

Yes. Members are issued magnetic stripe cards encoded with a member number, and a reader at reception or at outlets identifies the member in the membership software.

Yes. Loyalty card numbers are encoded on the card, and a reader at the counter passes the number to the POS or loyalty software to record purchases and points.

Yes, for closed-loop event and entry cards issued by your organisation. Cards are encoded at the issuing desk and read at counters or entry desks by the ticketing or event software.

Yes. All four models on this page support Track 1, Track 2 and Track 3. The MSR90 reads up to three tracks in a single swipe, and its configuration utility lets you choose which tracks are output.

Under the ISO 7811 card standard, Track 1 is recorded at 210 bpi and holds up to 79 alphanumeric characters, Track 2 at 75 bpi holds up to 40 numeric characters, and Track 3 at 210 bpi holds up to 107 numeric characters. Your application decides which tracks it uses.

No. The MSR90 is a read-only reader. To write magnetic stripe cards you need a reader-encoder such as the MSR605X or MSR605.

The readers on this page are not presented as encrypted or payment-certified devices. They are intended for membership, loyalty, identification, ticketing and custom applications. Regulated card-payment acceptance normally uses certified terminals supplied through your bank or payment processor.

A HiCo (high-coercivity) card has a magnetic stripe that needs a stronger magnetic field to write, typically around 2,750 Oe or more. It is much harder to erase accidentally, so it suits cards used every day. Writing HiCo cards needs a HiCo-capable encoder such as the MSR605X or MSR605.

A LoCo (low-coercivity) card has a stripe that is written with a weaker magnetic field, around 300 Oe. It is easier to encode but can be erased more easily by magnets, so it suits short-term cards such as event cards. The MSR605X and MSR605 write both LoCo and HiCo cards.

Yes. BSD Infotech supplies magnetic stripe readers and encoders for single units, bulk orders, institutions, system integrators and project rollouts. Share the model or requirement and the quantity for a quote.

Yes. BSD Infotech develops POS, membership, loyalty, web, mobile and custom software and can integrate compatible magnetic stripe readers and encoders with it. SDK or API availability is confirmed for the specific model during the project.

Need a quote or advice on Magnetic Stripe Readers & Encoders?

Tell us your requirement. BSD Infotech can recommend the right hardware and software, and quote for the complete solution.

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