Boost Your Direct Mail Open Rates with CR-80 Cards

In today’s competitive marketing landscape, getting your audience to notice—and engage with—your direct mail can be a challenge. Digital channels dominate the conversation, but direct mail remains one of the most effective tools for generating response. The key is making sure your mailpiece stands out from the pile.

One proven strategy? Affixing a paper or plastic card to your direct mail promotion.

These CR-80 cards—also known as “credit card size” cards—aren’t just visually appealing; they also trigger curiosity and perceived value. Whether it’s a loyalty reward, membership card, or promotional incentive, including one can dramatically improve your campaign performance.

Why CR-80 Cards Work So Well in Direct Mail

In marketing, perception is everything. When a recipient feels that a mailpiece contains something of value, they’re far more likely to open it. That’s exactly why affixing a CR-80 card works.

• Up to 30% higher open rates occur when a paper or plastic card is attached to the mailpiece.

• Up to 50% higher open rates occur when the outer envelope clearly communicates a loyalty reward, membership benefit, or promotional campaign.

Why? Because a card often suggests exclusivity—access to something special. Recipients instinctively think: This might be valuable to me. That little spark of curiosity is what drives them to open, read, and engage.

What Exactly Is a CR-80 Card?

In the printing and mailing industry, a CR-80 card is the standard size for most plastic cards: 2-1/8" x 3-3/8". It’s the same size as a credit card, driver’s license, or gift card.

Many clients simply call them credit card-sized cards, but in professional print terms, CR-80 refers to both the size and the format.

Schiele Group specializes in producing both paper CR-80 cards and plastic CR-80 cards—each with their own benefits depending on the campaign.

Paper vs. Plastic: Which Is Right for Your Campaign?

Both paper and plastic CR-80 cards can deliver outstanding results, but the choice depends on your goals, budget, and brand image.

Paper CR-80 Cards

• Cost-effective for high-volume campaigns

• Easy to print and customize with variable data

• Ideal for short-term promotions, coupons, and event passes

• Can be fully recyclable, supporting eco-conscious initiatives

Plastic CR-80 Cards

• Durable and premium feel for long-term use

• Perfect for loyalty programs, gift cards, and membership IDs

• Resistant to wear and tear—remains in the customer’s wallet longer

• Can be printed with full-color, high-gloss finishes, and specialty features like magnetic stripes or barcodes

When paired with an eye-catching mailpiece, either option can provide a substantial lift in engagement.

The Schiele Advantage: Expertise in Card Affixing

At Schiele Group, we’re not new to this game. In fact, last year alone, we produced more than 70 million CR-80 cards for our clients—many of which were affixed directly to direct mail campaigns.

Our advanced affixing capabilities ensure:

• Precise placement of cards on the mailpiece

• Secure adhesion so cards arrive intact

• Clean presentation for a professional, high-quality look

• USPS-compliant formats for smooth mailing and delivery

We manage the process from design to printing, affixing, and mailing, ensuring your campaign is both visually compelling and logistically seamless.

How Card Affixing Boosts Campaign Results

Adding a CR-80 card to your direct mail piece isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a proven conversion tool.

1. Increases perceived value

When recipients see or feel a card through the envelope, they assume it has some tangible benefit—whether monetary or exclusive access.

2. Creates an interactive experience

Opening an envelope and physically removing a card engages more senses than simply reading a flyer. That tactile interaction boosts retention and response.

3. Supports multi-channel integration

Your card can feature unique codes, QR codes, or personalized URLs (PURLs) that drive recipients to digital experiences, enabling better tracking.

4. Encourages longer brand exposure

Plastic CR-80 cards in particular tend to stay in wallets for weeks or months, keeping your brand visible long after the mailpiece is delivered.

Designing the Perfect Direct Mail Campaign with CR-80 Cards

If you want to maximize the impact of your card-affixed campaign, here are some best practices:

1. Tease the card on the envelope

Use your outer envelope to promote what’s inside:

• “Your exclusive loyalty card enclosed”

• “Activate your $25 gift card now”

• “Member rewards inside”

This can push open rates closer to that 50% lift mark.

2. Align the card with a clear offer

Cards should tie directly to the promotion—whether it’s a discount, special event, or loyalty membership. Ambiguous cards confuse recipients and reduce response.

3. Personalize whenever possible

Variable printing allows each card to be printed with the recipient’s name, unique ID, or custom QR code. Personalization boosts engagement and redemption rates.

4. Make it wallet-worthy

Especially for plastic cards, design something recipients will want to keep. A sleek design with your brand colors and logo ensures it stays visible.

Industries That Benefit from CR-80 Card Mailings

CR-80 cards are versatile and can enhance direct mail campaigns across industries:

• Retail – Loyalty rewards, gift cards, discount cards

• Hospitality – Membership perks, VIP passes, promotional stays

• Financial Services – Pre-approved offers, customer ID cards

• Healthcare – Member ID cards, benefit reminders

• Education – Alumni perks, event invitations, fundraising drives

• Nonprofits – Donor recognition cards, volunteer badges

No matter your industry, card-affixed mailings send a clear message: This is valuable—open it now.

Schiele Group’s End-to-End Direct Mail Capabilities

When you work with Schiele, you don’t have to juggle multiple vendors for your card mailing project. We handle everything in-house, including:

• Graphic design & layout for both cards and mailpieces

• Offset and digital printing for high-quality results

• Card production in both paper and plastic formats

• Affixing & assembly with automated precision

• Variable data printing for personalization

• USPS mailing & logistics to ensure timely delivery

By keeping every step under one roof, we control quality, maintain tight deadlines, and keep costs efficient.

Real-World Impact: The Numbers Speak

While results vary by campaign, industry studies consistently show:

• +30% average lift in open rates for card-affixed mailpieces vs. flat mail

• +50% average lift when paired with a clear reward message on the envelope

• Higher redemption rates for offers when cards include personalization and easy-to-use redemption methods

With over 70 million cards produced by Schiele last year, we have the experience and infrastructure to deliver campaigns that move the needle.

Ready to Add CR-80 Cards to Your Next Campaign?

Direct mail works—but it works even better when you give your audience a reason to open and engage. CR-80 cards deliver that reason, combining tactile interaction, perceived value, and lasting brand presence.

If you’re ready to create a direct mail campaign that stands out, Schiele Group is here to help. From concept to delivery, we’ll manage every detail so you can focus on strategy and results.

Contact us today to learn more about our paper and plastic CR-80 card options and how we can affix them to your next mailpiece for maximum impact.