RFID Hotel Key Cards
Custom-printed 13.56 MHz RFID hotel key cards in MIFARE Classic, DESFire and NTAG — encoded blank or pre-programmed for every U.S. hotel lock.
Overview
RFID hotel key cards are contactless 13.56 MHz cards that open a guest-room lock with a tap instead of a swipe. American Hotel Cards prints and supplies them in CR80 format with MIFARE Classic, MIFARE DESFire or NTAG chips, shipped blank for your front desk to encode or pre-encoded to your specification — compatible with VingCard, Saflok, Onity, SALTO and every major lock brand used in American hotels.
The RFID key card is our core product and the credential most U.S. hotels run today. Each card is a sealed PVC laminate built around a 13.56 MHz inlay and antenna, read by the proximity field of your door lock — no contact, no magnetic stripe, no read-direction to explain at check-in. Because there is nothing to swipe, the card does not demagnetize in a wallet next to a phone, and the lock has no slot to wear out.
We match the chip to what your locks actually read. Older VingCard, Saflok and Onity RFID platforms read MIFARE Classic 1K; newer encrypted platforms read MIFARE DESFire EV1/EV2/EV3 or proprietary secure profiles, and some reader fleets accept NTAG. If you are not sure which your system uses, send us your lock model and we will spec the right inlay — or read our compatibility guide first.
Cards ship two ways. Blank cards arrive ready for your own encoder so every credential is written on your PMS and lock system, which is the most secure path and the one we recommend. Pre-encoded cards arrive sequentially or randomly programmed to a profile you provide, useful for staged openings and multi-property rollouts. Either way the artwork is fully yours: full-bleed CMYK, Pantone brand colors, metallic foil, spot UV and sequential numbering are all standard.
- Replacing demagnetizing magnetic-stripe keys across a property
- Standardizing one card design across a multi-property hotel group
- Reorders and seasonal restocks for high-occupancy properties
- Branded keepsake cards that double as a check-in moment
- Staff and back-of-house access on the same credential family
Specification
The technical sheet
Real, verifiable specs — the numbers your facilities and procurement teams will ask for.
| Format | CR80 — 85.6 × 54 mm (standard credit-card size) |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.76 mm (30 mil) standard; 0.84 mm available |
| Material | PVC laminate (rPVC, PET and wood/bamboo also available) |
| Chip options | MIFARE Classic 1K · MIFARE DESFire EV1/EV2/EV3 · NTAG213/215 |
| Protocol | ISO/IEC 14443-A |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Full-bleed CMYK, Pantone, metallic foil, spot UV, sequential numbering | |
| Encoding | Blank or pre-encoded to your lock & PMS profile |
| Finish | Gloss or matte laminate; optional signature panel |
| MOQ | From 500 cards |
| Lead time | Approx. 2–3 weeks after artwork approval |
Compatibility
Works with your lock
RFID Hotel Key Cards carry standard 13.56 MHz credentials, so they drop into the readers you already own. Pick your system to confirm the exact chip — or send us your lock model and we will spec it for you.
All lock systemsQuestions
RFID Hotel Key Cards, answered
Which RFID chip do I need for my hotel locks?
It depends on your lock platform. Many legacy VingCard, Saflok and Onity RFID systems read MIFARE Classic 1K, while newer encrypted platforms use MIFARE DESFire EV1/EV2/EV3 or a proprietary secure profile, and some readers accept NTAG. Send us your lock model and we will confirm the correct inlay, or check our MIFARE Classic vs DESFire guide.
Can you copy or duplicate our existing guest cards?
No, and you would not want us to. Modern systems write encrypted, system-specific credentials that cannot be cloned. We supply compatible blank or custom-printed cards that your own front desk encodes on your own lock and PMS — the secure way every reputable supplier works.
Should we order cards blank or pre-encoded?
Most hotels order blank cards and encode each one at check-in on their own system, which keeps full control of access security. Pre-encoding to a profile you provide is useful for staged openings, test batches or multi-site rollouts — we support both.
Will RFID cards work in our current locks without new hardware?
If your locks are already RFID (contactless) readers, yes — you simply switch the card stock and inlay to match. If you are still on magnetic stripe, you will need RFID-capable lock heads or readers first; our RFID vs magnetic-stripe guide walks through the retrofit.
What is the minimum order and how fast can you ship?
Minimums start at 500 cards, and most custom orders ship in roughly 2–3 weeks after artwork approval. Plain-stock and reorder runs are typically faster; tell us your opening date and we will plan the run around it.
Keep exploring
Pairs well with
Custom Printed Key Cards
Full-bleed CMYK, metallic foil, spot UV and Pantone brand matching.
View
NFC & Mobile-Key Cards
Tap-to-enter NFC cards that bridge plastic and mobile-key rollouts.
View
Eco Wood RFID Hotel Key Cards
FSC®-certified maple, walnut & birch cards with a natural, warm feel.
View
Key Card Sleeves & Holders
Printed paper sleeves, eco kraft holders and welcome-folder inserts.
ViewReady when you are
See and feel rfid hotel key cards first
Request a free sample pack to check the stock, the print and the fit with your locks — or send us your lock model and quantity and we will come back with a tailored quote.
Prefer email? sales@americanhotelcards.com · samples@americanhotelcards.com