Lanyards are the go-to accessory choice for many ID card programs for a reason – they keep your cards close at hand so your cardholders aren’t digging in backpacks and purses when it comes time to swipe or scan their cards, and they can help improve security by keeping photo ID’s front and center.

Most Popular Lanyard Attachments

The attachment you choose will have a big impact on how functional your lanyards will be for cardholders – so choose the one that will work best with how you plan to use your cards, as described below.

Lobster Clip – This metal attachment is easy to use, essential if you will be frequently replacing the cards on this lanyard. The lobster clip attachment will swivel around, so it’s not the best option if you need cards to stay facing out at all times.

If you want a lobster clip, consider these Premium Flat Braided Lanyards.

Bulldog Clip – This clip will keep your cards level and facing forward because it does not have a swivel attachment, so if you need badges to face forward at all times for security (common with healthcare and government) this is a great option. Bulldog clips are also easy to open and close.

If you want a bulldog clip, consider these Round Braided Lanyards.

Swivel Hook – With a hook that opens and close with continuous pressure, the swivel hook is a great way to make sure your card stay on the lanyard even when pulled or snagged because it won’t easily open. Swivel hook attachments do swivel, so you cards may not stay facing out. Swivel hooks can easily hold more than one card, or other items like keys or USB drives.

If you want a swivel hook, consider these 3/8″ Flat Braided Lanyards.

Trigger Hook – Also sometimes called a Lobster Claw, the trigger hook attachments have a small lever you press on to open and close the attachment. Similar to a swivel hook, the trigger hook can also hold multiple cards or other small items including keys or USB drives. Trigger hooks are easy to open, making it a good choice if you remove cards often. This attachment also swivels, so your cards may not always face out.

If you want a trigger hook, consider these Detachable Microweave Lanyards.

Split Ring – Also known as a key ring, the split ring attachment is the easiest attachment type to hold multiple cards, keys, USB drives, and other items. The cards are securely attached to the split ring so they cannot easily fall off and get lost. Cards placed on a split ring may not lie flat and won’t always face forward, so they are often more useful for access control cards and swipe cards instead of photo ID cards that you need to be visible.

If you want a split ring, consider these Round Braided Lanyards.

Thin Plastic Hook – This attachment is similar to a lobster clip or swivel hook, in that you press on the holder to open it up and attach your card. Thin plastic hooks do not swivel, so your card will continue facing outward where they can easily be read by security or other personnel (often a requirement in government and other secure locations). Because of their thin size, however, cards will not be perfectly level and can tilt to one side or other other.

If you want a thin plastic hook, consider these 3/8″ Flat Braided Lanyards.

Wide Plastic Hook – This attachment is similar to a lobster clip or swivel hook, in that you press on the holder to open it up and attach your card. Wide plastic hooks do not swivel, so your card will continue facing outward where they can easily be read by security or other personnel (often a requirement in government and other secure locations) . Unlike a thin plastic hook, however, the wide hook keeps your cards level so they are easier to read.

If you want a wide plastic hook, consider these Premium Flat Braided Lanyards.

Lanyard Reel – Don’t feel forced to choose between a lanyard and a badge reel, when you can get both with this lanyard reel attachment! Lanyard reel attachments keep your cards conveniently close at hand, but the reel cord allows you to swipe or scan cards without taking off the lanyard. The reel attachment may not keep your card facing forward though.

If you want a lanyard reel, consider these 5/8″ Flat Lanyard/Reel Lanyards.

Detachable Hook – The plastic hook on this attachment is detachable, allowing your cardholders to easily hand over their cards for scanning or swiping without taking the entire lanyard off. Some detachable hooks come off right at the attachment, while others will have a length of lanyard attached. Detachable hooks come in a variety of styles including thin plastic hook, bulldog clip, split ring, and swivel hook. Depending on which attachment you choose, these lanyards also easily hold multiple cards and other items including keys and USB drives.

If you want a detachable hook, consider these Flat OptiWeave Lanyards.

With so many attachment options to choose, you can find a lanyard for any ID card program. Shop all lanyards on AlphaCard.