A machine that processes gift cards in an in-line process where the gift cards travel along a generally straight transport path from a card feed mechanism to a delivery end where the cards and carrier combinations are discharged. During the in-line processing, a magnetic stripe, integrated circuit chip or RFID tag on the gift cards can be encoded with account information, a serial number or other information. In addition, the cards are transported to a print mechanism that personalizes the cards with a bar code, account information, serial number or other information. After printing, the cards are transported to a gluing system which applies adhesive to one side of the cards. The cards are then transported to a feeding mechanism that feeds and applies a carrier to one or more cards.