How to Choose the Right RFID Key Card for Your Property

If you're ordering RFID key cards from Imprint Plus for the first time, here's everything you need to know to make the right choice for your property or business.

 

What Is an RFID Key Card?

RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification. These key cards allow users to unlock doors by tapping or hovering the card near a reader. The card communicates with the lock wirelessly using a small chip and antenna embedded inside the card.

RFID key cards are the hospitality industry standard because they are:

• Contactless and easy to use
• More durable than magnetic stripe cards
• Secure and tamper-resistant
• Ideal for fast-paced environments like hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and events

 

Which RFID Card Type Should I Choose?

Imprint Plus offers several types of RFID key cards depending on your locking system and how you plan to encode the cards.

1. Unencoded Key Cards

• These cards arrive blank and need to be encoded on-site.
• Best for properties that manage their own card programming.
• Compatible with many systems depending on the chip selected.

2. Salto Encoded Cards

• Pre-encoded to work with Salto access control systems.
• Great for properties already using Salto hardware.

3. VingCard Encoded Cards

• Ready to use with VingCard locks (by ASSA ABLOY).
• Popular across hotel chains and global hospitality groups.

4. Kaba Encoded Cards

• Compatible with dormakaba electronic locks.
• Common in many North American hotels.

5. MIFARE® 1K and Ultralight

• MIFARE 1K: Higher memory, ideal for longer stays or multi-use cards.
• MIFARE Ultralight: Cost-effective for short-term access like conferences or quick stays.
• Ask us if you're unsure which chip is compatible with your system.
  
  

How Do I Know What I Need?

Here are a few tips to help you choose:

• Check your door lock brand. The type of card you need depends on the lock system (e.g., Salto, Kaba, VingCard).
• Decide who encodes the cards. If you have an encoder on-site, unencoded cards are flexible. If not, pre-encoded cards save time.
• Order for one or multiple properties. We support both small businesses and large-scale distributors.

If you're not sure, we're happy to help. Contact us with the name of your locking system and we’ll recommend the best option.

 

Can I Add My Branding to the Cards?

Yes. RFID cards from Imprint Plus can be custom printed with your logo, colors, Wi-Fi information, QR codes, and more. This adds a professional look to your access cards and reinforces your brand at every guest interaction.

 

Why Order RFID Cards from Imprint Plus?

• Trusted by hospitality brands for over 40 years
• Quality you can rely on
• Distributor and multi-property support
• Seamless integration with our name badges and signage programs
• In-house expertise to help you choose the right chip and encoding option
  
  

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. If you have questions about encoding, chip types, compatibility, or placing an order, feel free to contact us directly.

 

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