Re-transfer printers offer exceptional quality, comparable to litho, and the ability to print "over the edge" or use a bleed in card art work. If you need the best quality cards possible, choose a re-transfer printer from Davies.
Re-transfer printers differ from "direct to card" printers. The print head on a direct to card printer applies the ribbon colours, via dye sublimation, directly to the card to print the image. Re-transfer printers print on to the laminate material, which is then applied to the card with a heated roller. The print head on a re-transfer machine never touches the card surface directly or indirectly through the ribbon.

Re-transfer and reverse transfer mean the same.  Re-transfer derives from Reverse Transfer.  Major card manufacturers recommend using a reverse transfer printer - check Schlage-Allegion's Card Printing and Handling Guide.