Hotel key card is also called hotel card. It is a plastic card with a magnetic stripe or RFID chip that is used to gain access to a hotel room. Instead of a traditional metal key, the key card is inserted into a card reader or waved near a sensor to unlock the door. In addition to room access, there are other ways to use hotel cards, including access to hotel amenities, on-site payments, loyalty programs and more. The card makes hotel management more transparent and effective, the check-in and check-out process faster, and door access more convenient and secure.

Hotel key card types

There is a wide variety of hotel cards, but the two most commonly used in hotels include

Magnetic Stripe Cards: Magnetic stripe cards are one of the most common types of hotel key cards. They have a magnetic stripe on the back that contains encoded information. You need to insert the card into the magnetic stripe reader to gain access to the room.

RFID Cards: The RFID cards use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. It contains an RFID chip that can be programmed to allow access to the hotel room and the right to use the water & electricity in the room.

How hotel key card work?

Magnetic hotel cards use magnetic stripe technology to store information that is read by a card reader. When a guest inserts a magnetic hotel card into a card reader on a hotel room door, the card reader reads the information stored on the magnetic stripe and authenticates it against the hotel’s access control system. If the information matches, the door lock opens, allowing the guest to enter the room. The technology provides a secure and convenient way for guests to enter their hotel rooms.

RFID hotel cards use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to wirelessly transmit data to a card reader. When a guest waves an RFID hotel card near a sensor on the hotel room door, the card reader recognizes the card’s unique information and authenticates it with the hotel’s access control system. If the information is verified, the door lock opens, allowing the guest to enter the room. This technology provides a convenient and efficient way for guests to enter their hotel room and is known for its reliability and security.

Magnetic hotel cards vs RFID hotel cards

Magnetic hotel cards and RFID hotel cards are both used for access control in the hotel industry, but they use different technologies. Here’s how they compare:

Frequently used RFID chip for hotel key card:

The main types of RFID chip for key cards are High Frequency (HF), which operates at 13.56 MHz. Common chips are

• NXP Mifare Classic 1k/4k
• Fudan 1k
• NXP Mifare Ultralight EV1
• NXP ICODE SLI
• NXP Mifare Ultralight C
• NXP NTAG 213/215/216
• TK4100

Frequently used magnetic stripe for hotel key card:

• 300 Oe,
• 650 Oe,
• 2750 Oe
• 4000Oe

Hotel Card Types

The types of hotel cards are variable. Any material or product that can be enabled with an RFID chip is suitable. Common types are plastic card, wooden card, metal card, epoxy tag, wristband or wooden ring.

Popular brands of door locks

Vingcard, Salto, Saflok, Kaba, Onity, Adel, Betech, Hefele, MIWA, Ilco, Tesa, Sargent, Cisa, Timelox, Inhova etc.

How to make your own hotel key card?

Step 1: Send us your design or artwork, better vector artwork in AI, PDF or CDR file. Tell us your detailed requirements such as quantity, chip model, printing requirements.

Step 2: We’ll make a proof sheet according to your requirements for your approval before production.

Step 3: After proof sheet is confirmed, you can arrange payment. Production can then be arranged immediately.

Step 4: After production is finished, we’ll arrange shipping. You’ll soon receive your own hotel key cards.

Let’s make your own hotel card now!