Membership ID cards are required at most gyms and private clubs. The cards give the organization the ability to keep non-members from gaining access to facilities. They can also keep track of information regarding dues payments and the number of times a member has visited the site within a certain time frame.

There are different ways to make use of membership cards. Some groups require a member to show their card to an employee upon entrance, or to swipe it through a reader to move beyond a certain point in the club. Other organizations have outside doors that cannot be opened without a card. This provides a first line of security that can then be followed up by other measures once the member is inside.

Smart Membership ID Cards

Groups have begun to realize that membership cards can actually help them make money. A lot of gyms feature juice bars, massage rooms, spas, and vending machines filled with nutritional supplements. People are more likely to spend money on these items and services if they have prepaid accounts on their ID cards. The money cannot be spent outside of the gym, so they want to make sure that it does not go to waste. Some gyms even offer discounts on items that are purchased using membership cards. They use this as one of the "perks" when making a pitch to a prospective member.

A smart membership ID updates the status of a card each time it is used. Money is deducted and added instantly when necessary. Also, if a member is overdue on payments, the card can register this information. When the person goes to use his card, access will be denied. When the payment is made, the card is promptly rewritten, and the member can once again come and go as he pleases.