A method of producing a plurality of transaction cards comprising the steps of providing a plurality of blank cards to which at least one element is to be applied, each card comprising at least one card tag, each card tag carrying production information identifying at least one element to be applied to the card and/or a location on the card at which at least one element is to be applied, wherein the production information carried by at least one of the plurality of card tags differs from the production information carried by at least another one of the plurality of card tags; reading the card tag; sorting the plurality of cards into at least first and second sorted groups based on the production information; and applying the at least one element to the card.