Hotel Key Cards Compatible With Hotek
Hotek HTLC RFID locks and e-Access guest management.
The direct answer
Yes — American Hotel Cards supplies RFID key cards compatible with Hotek HTLC locks and the e-Access guest-management system. They use 13.56 MHz MIFARE credentials on the ISO/IEC 14443-A standard, in CR80 format, custom-printed and supplied blank (or pre-encoded to your profile) for your property to program on its own Hotek system. We never copy a guest’s active card.
Overview
How Hotek reads a key card
Hotek Hospitality Group builds the HTLC RFID lock line and the e-Access guest-management platform, used by hotels that want a fully contactless, MIFARE-based access system. The HTLC locks and Hotek SmartLock units read 13.56 MHz credentials, and the system is built around contactless RFID from the ground up — there is no magnetic-stripe legacy to work around here. Cards we supply are standard CR80 RFID cards with the chip matched to your Hotek setup.
Because Hotek is a MIFARE platform (Classic or, where configured, encrypted DESFire), the correct card is simply the one matched to your specific configuration. We supply blank cards for your own Hotek encoder to program, or pre-encoded cards to a profile you provide, plain or fully custom-printed to your brand.
The credential is always written by your own e-Access software and encoder; we provide compatible card stock. On encrypted DESFire configurations the credential cannot be cloned, which is exactly why on-site encoding on your own system is the secure path — and the only one we follow.
Card specification
The Hotek-compatible card, in detail
MIFARE Classic / DESFire (13.56 MHz)
| Chip | MIFARE Classic 1K · MIFARE DESFire (matched to your HTLC config) |
|---|---|
| Protocol | ISO/IEC 14443-A |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Management system | Hotek e-Access (your encoder writes the credential) |
| Format | CR80 — 85.6 × 54 mm (0.76 mm / 30 mil) |
| Encoding | Blank for on-site encoding, or pre-encoded to your profile |
| Printing | Full-bleed CMYK, Pantone, metallic foil, spot UV, sequential numbering |
| MOQ | From 500 cards |
| Lead time | Approx. 2–3 weeks after artwork approval |
How encoding works
Hotek HTLC credentials are written by your own Hotek e-Access software and encoder, not by us. We supply the blank or custom-printed card; your property programs the room, dates and access rights on-site. On DESFire configurations the credential is encrypted and cannot be cloned, so encoding on your own system is the secure path. We supply compatible stock and never copy a live guest card.
What we make for Hotek
We supply cards compatible with Hotek HTLC, Hotek e-Access and Hotek SmartLock (13.56 MHz MIFARE, encoded on your own Hotek system). Hotek is a contactless RFID platform with no magstripe legacy. Send us your lock model or a sample card and we will confirm the exact chip — Classic or DESFire — before you order.
Recommended cards
Cards we recommend for Hotek
Every one carries the right credential for your locks — choose the material and finish that fits your property.
RFID Hotel Key Cards
MIFARE® & NFC key cards encoded for any U.S. hotel lock system.
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Custom Printed Key Cards
Full-bleed CMYK, metallic foil, spot UV and Pantone brand matching.
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Eco Recycled & rPVC Key Cards
Ocean-bound rPVC, rPET and seed-paper cores that drop into your locks.
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RFID Key Fobs & Tags
Back-of-house fobs and asset tags on the same credential as your cards.
View productQuestions
Hotek compatibility, answered
What key cards work with Hotek locks?
Hotek HTLC and SmartLock units read 13.56 MHz MIFARE credentials managed through Hotek e-Access. American Hotel Cards supplies compatible CR80 cards — MIFARE Classic or DESFire to match your configuration — custom-printed and shipped blank for your encoder, or pre-encoded to your profile.
Can you copy or duplicate our existing Hotek card?
No. We supply compatible blank or custom-printed cards that your own Hotek e-Access system encodes with each guest’s details. On encrypted DESFire setups the credential cannot be cloned. We never copy a live guest card; you keep control of access.
What chip and technology does Hotek use?
Hotek HTLC is a contactless RFID system operating at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 14443-A using MIFARE credentials (Classic or encrypted DESFire). It is built around RFID with no magnetic-stripe legacy, so the card is always a tap-to-open contactless card.
Can you print our branding on Hotek-compatible cards?
Yes. Hotek-compatible cards are fully custom — full-bleed CMYK, Pantone matching, metallic foil and spot UV — all surface finishes that do not affect how the lock reads the card.
What is the minimum order for Hotek-compatible cards?
Minimums start at 500 cards, with most custom orders shipping in roughly 2–3 weeks after artwork approval. Plain stock and reorders are typically faster — tell us your timeline and we will plan around it.
Do Hotek locks need a magstripe card at all?
No. Hotek HTLC is a fully contactless RFID platform, so a 13.56 MHz MIFARE card is all you need — there is no magnetic stripe to read. If you are consolidating from an older mixed estate, we can still supply combo stock for transition doors elsewhere on your property.
Ready when you are
Get Hotek-compatible cards made for your property
Request a free sample pack to test the chip and the print against your own Hotek doors, or send us your lock model and quantity for a tailored quote. We confirm compatibility before anything prints.
Prefer email? sales@americanhotelcards.com · samples@americanhotelcards.com
Hotek and Hotek Hospitality Group are trademarks of their respective owners. American Hotel Cards is an independent supplier and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by Hotek Hospitality Group or any lock manufacturer. “Compatible with Hotek” describes technical interoperability only — we supply compatible blank or custom-printed card stock that your own system encodes; we do not copy guest cards.