Abstract: An integrated card personalization system is provided using an “in-line” approach for seamless card personalization directly from cardholder data files to avoid duplication of hardware and eliminate the need for an overnight batch process to prepare cardholder data for card personalization. Such integrated card personalization system allows for the personalization of transaction cards such as smart cards on more flexible, low cost, low maintenance and smaller personalization systems so as to save the personalization bureau time and money, particularly on small volume production runs, and eliminate the need to hire and maintain internal software development staff with high attendant cost.