Same. I just renewed mine in September and ordered the plastic card.I had to renew my NRA instructor credentials. If I want a nifty plastic card, it's $6. Yeah, six bucks.
I'm rather irked with the NRA instruction programs. They eliminated the certificate from the student packet. They want too much control over the enrollment process. I just maintain my certification so that I can say that "I'm an instructor". Twenty years ago, it allowed me to help out at the rifle range at Boy Scout camp.
I've been a life member for I don't know how many years. I've gotten one card from them, years and years ago. Nothing since. That's kind of why I ordered the plastic card with my instructor credentials.
I use mine mainly to work with the Young Marines.