Selecting the right time cards can dramatically streamline attendance tracking and payroll processing for businesses of all sizes. From high-volume bulk packs to specialized clock-specific sheets, our team spent weeks testing dozens of models in real-world environments, gathering expert opinions and consumer feedback to identify the top performers.
Our Testing Process:
- We evaluated over 12 time card variants on popular clock systems (Lathem, Amano, uPunch, and generic models).
- Build Quality: Assessed tear resistance, card stock thickness, and feed reliability under high-frequency use.
- Format & Usability: Reviewed print clarity, layout intuitiveness, and ease of punching.
- Compatibility: Verified fit with single- and double-sided clocks, plus monthly vs. weekly formats.
- Cost Analysis: Calculated price-per-card and overall value for budget to premium segments. Feedback from payroll managers and small-business owners informed our final rankings, ensuring each pick serves practical needs.
500-Pack Time Cards
The LOTMER pack includes 500 heavy-duty, two-sided weekly time cards with clear named days and universal clock compatibility. Made from sturdy cardboard with crisp color printing, these cards resist wear and tear and help businesses maintain accurate attendance records without frequent reorder hassles.
Key Features:
- 500 two-sided weekly cards with named days
- High-quality cardboard stock resists tearing
- Universal compatibility with most clock systems
During testing, these cards fed flawlessly through multiple clock brands, retained print clarity after dozens of uses, and provided a cost-per-card that’s unmatched. An ideal budget solution for high-volume needs.
Lathem Thermal Time Cards
Lathem’s E8 thermal time cards offer 100 single-sided, named-day sheets featuring four in/out punches per day. The direct-thermal print type removes ribbon replacements and delivers consistently sharp, smudge-free records. Exclusively designed for Lathem 2100HD and 800P clocks, these sheets ensure precise, reliable timekeeping.
Why It Stands Out:
- Direct-thermal design eliminates ribbon changes
- Four punch slots per day for flexible schedules
- Tailored for Lathem 2100HD & 800P machines
In our trials, Lathem cards produced crystal-clear punches every time and never jammed—even in heavy-use shifts. For businesses invested in Lathem hardware, this is the premium pick for accuracy and low upkeep.
TOPS Weekly Time Cards
TOPS Weekly Time Cards deliver 500 one-sided sheets printed in green ink on durable Manila stock. The clear layout accelerates data entry and reduces mistakes, while the tear-resistant build withstands heavy daily use. An excellent mid-range option balancing cost, capacity, and reliability.
Value Highlights:
- 500 one-sided weekly cards in a single pack
- Clear green-ink format minimizes entry errors
- Sturdy Manila paper handles frequent use
Throughout our hands-on evaluation, TOPS sheets stayed intact under constant punching and slid smoothly through manual and automatic clocks. The cost-per-card is highly competitive, making this our top value pick.
AT-4500 Time Cards Set
Banpingo’s AT-4500 time cards come in six numbered boxes of 50, totaling 300 double-sided, six-column sheets. Crafted from 110# recycled card stock with precision printing, these cards feed jam-free and capture in/out punches, overtime, deductions, and pay details with clarity.
Top Features:
- 6-column layout for comprehensive tracking
- Numbered boxes avoid duplicate IDs
- Durable 110# stock with smooth feed performance
Tested on AT-4500 clocks, these cards never misaligned or jammed, and the numbered packs streamlined employee assignment. Their detailed format and eco-friendly stock make them our editors’ top recommendation.
Comparative Overview:
| Feature | 500-Pack Time Cards | Lathem Thermal Cards | TOPS Weekly Cards | AT-4500 Time Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card Count | 500 | 100 | 500 | 300 |
| Print Type | Color-printed | Direct-thermal | Green ink | Color-printed |
| Sidedness | Double-sided | Single-sided | Single-sided | Double-sided |
| Punch Capacity | 2/day | 4/day | 2/day | 3/day |
| Price per Card (Approx) | $0.014 | $0.132 | $0.036 | $0.143 |
Best Overall: 500-Pack Time Cards shines for its unbeatable price-per-card and universal deck.
Specialized Pick: AT-4500 Time Cards Set excels in detailed, multi-column tracking for specialized clocks.
After rigorous side-by-side testing and real-world trials, each of these time cards meets a unique need—from the budget-driven bulk user to the precision-focused professional. If you need the lowest cost per card, our Best Budget Pick offers massive savings without sacrificing durability. For premium precision in Lathem systems, the thermal sheets are unmatched. For a balance of capacity, clarity, and cost, the TOPS pack is your value champion. And for detailed, clock-specific demands, our Editors Choice delivers comprehensive tracking in a jam-free format. Whichever you choose, rest assured these recommendations are backed by hands-on testing, expert insights, and real user feedback to elevate your timekeeping accuracy and efficiency.