An overlay is provided which can be adhered over the front and/or rear faces of a transaction card (e.g., a credit card) to protect it from wear, and also to lend it a personalized appearance. The overlay is preferably defined by transparent film having window portions that may be situated over important card indicia (such as card numbers, signature panels, and the like), and printed portions that may rest over and maskless critical regions of the transaction card, and which may bear images and/or text for personalizing the transaction card. The overlay is preferably provided with an adhesive rear face and a peelable backing so that a cardholder may peel the overlay from the backing and apply it to a transaction card.