Both your guests and guest service agents will love how smoothly your hotel runs with RFID key cards. Programming keys and opening doors requires only a single tap. Enjoy higher security and customizability, with fewer costs and technical errors. Designs are ready in under 24 hours to ensure your keys get to your doorstep as quickly as possible.
- RFID Cards - Types/Dimensions/Finishes/Colors/Designs
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
- MF1K & MF Mini, Ultralight C (ULC), Ving
- Memory: 1K (most common) or 4K (for staff cards etc. – holds more data)
- CR80 size, Gloss finish most popular, full color (similar to Mag Stripe Cards)
- Important to learn lock system as Lock system determines chip set in the card
- Vendor selection will vary based on type/chipset
- Technology/Quality can be an important factor
- Utilize both American and Chinese Vendors
- NXP (mifare) vs Compatible (mf1k)
- For compatible call them “compatible” of mf1k
- Other Form Factors: Wristbands, Fobs, Smart Chip cards, Staff Cards
Lock System: Purchased from Lock companies
Includes: Encoder at front desk, locks on room doors
Common Ones:
MF1k Typical
- Saflok
- Onity
- Miwa
- Kaba
Ultralight C Typical
- Salto
Ving Typical
- Ving
- Assay Abloy
RFID Key Cards (and fobs and wristbands): 2 main components – Chipset and Antenna (to send and receive the signal from the lock).
Common Chipsets:
- MF1k
- Ultralight C
- MF Mini
Chipset Choice Determines
Price of RFID key
- MF1k: Least expensive
- Ultralight C: Next Most
- MF Mini: Varies
- Ving: Ving uses the above, but also adds encoding which is what makes it more expensive
The best way to ensure the chipset is correct is to ask for both the lock system and the chipset. Best way for customer to know is to ask the lock system vendor.
Key Fobs and Wristbands:
- Key Fobs:
- MF1K or MF4K, Ving (1K or 4K) and ULC
- In general use NXP technology for additional reliability
- Limited space for design so normally one color
- Can have a higher end finish (Leather or Crystal)
- Wristbands (wearables)
- MF1K or MF4K, Ving (1K or 4K) and ULC & no RFID technology (used for separation purposes only – i.e over 21 years old etc.)
- Silicon Wristbands: One size fits all vs elastic
- Plastic, Vinyl, Cloth and Crystal and leather Options
- Printed or Unprinted
- Staff Cards
- CR-80 card with 4K of memory (MF4K) – sometimes called ISO-PVC Printing Cards
- Contact Smart Chip Cards (From Cardz)
Ways to Use RFID Key Cards
Hotel Logo RFID Key Cards
The most popular RFID key design is the hotel logo. Oceanpoint Ranch upgraded their key with a matte finish for a simple, clean, and luxurious look.
Hotel Photo RFID Key Cards
The second most popular RFID key design is a photo of the property: on-site dining, fun amenities, etc.
Hotel Event RFID Key Cards
We can make RFID keys for conferences, weddings, and other events. Most guests love the exclusive feeling of having an event-specific room key.
Local Shop/Coupon RFID Key Cards
Have a special partnership with a local store or restaurant? Add a coupon on the front or back of your room key to help spread the word.
VIP or Membership RFID Key Cards
VIP or Membership RFID keys allow hotels to offer special discounts, exclusive access, rewards, or shopping benefits.
Amenity Access RFID Key Cards
This is a great option if your property has special access points. Winter Park Lodging included a badge hole to help guests keep track of their keys.
Generic Fobs
Genergic fobs for your hotel staff typically ship within one business day! You can choose all the same color, or different colors for each department.
Custom Crystal Fobs
Our crystal fobs have a crystalline fully molded enclosure. They’re nearly unbreakable and look great!
Wristbands
We offer Tyvek, elastic, water resistant, and adjustable wristbands. They give your guests or staff hands-free access at different areas on your property.
RFID Key Card Ordering Process
1. Give Us Your System Info
In order to provide you with a quote, we will need to confirm which type of RFID technology your hotel uses. Your lock manufacturer or access management software can tell you which type of card you use, or you can reach out to Front Desk Supply. We can give you pricing information once we have these specs.
MF1K Compatible
Budget Friendly since these are the most common.
ULC
Many brands are moving to this technology.
Salto
These can use Salto or ULC.
Other Compatible
Used on Other Major locks. Locks are highly secure with an elegant, minimalist design.
2. Give Us Your Design
Provide us with your design ideas and we will create a beautiful card for you in 24 hours or less. Our in-house design team can lend you a hand with sizing specifications, and they can also create something dazzling from scratch if you don’t have time to come up with your own design.
3. Give Us the Go-Ahead
We’ll make sure that you love the design of the RFID key cards before the order is placed, and we can send you tester cards to verify the compatibility of the chips. After you’ve received the first shipment, you can easily schedule additional shipments throughout the year so you’ll never have to worry about running out.
RFID Hotel Key Card FAQ
All I know is that I have RFID keys. Is that enough information to process my key order?
Not all RFID key types will work for your locks which is why we will need to confirm the details before we quote and print your order. You can look on the outside of the box of your current keys, a previous invoice, or contact your lock installer to get the information you need. From there we can send out tester keys to be sure they will open your doors. We work with all the main lock systems, but there certainly are some small, inexpensive ones we need more information for.
Why is there a difference in price between RFID keys?
It is typically a combination of reasons: the demand for that type of RFID key – the more demand, the lower the price, similarly supply – if a vendor reduces the supply by using a technology that is not easily available, and the quantity of keys that are being ordered. For some of the higher cost technologies, we stock generic or blank versions, so hotels of all sizes and budgets have some less expensive options for higher cost items.
Do you offer RFID key fobs or RFID wristbands for guests and staff?
We do! The memory size of the fob will vary depending on who will be using it. Speak with one of our account managers to be sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Like the key cards, we need to know the lock system to get you the right product.
I am planning an event like a conference or a wedding at a hotel. How would I know what RFID key information to provide?
It would be best to contact your Event Manager or Front Desk Manager at the hotel and get the RFID key information directly from them. Our team is happy to work together to make sure the design works for you and the key works for them.
I am thinking about switching from magnetic to RFID locks. Do you install them?
No, we don’t do installations but we can introduce you to our preferred lock vendor who offers a good combination of technology, price, service, and experience. In the meantime, if you need more magnetic keys, you can learn more about our magnetic key options here.
What is your standard lead time for RFID Hotel Keys? What if I am running low and can’t wait that long?
Our standard lead time is 3 weeks from the time the final production proof is completed and confirmed, plus 3-5 business days for ground shipping. If you are tight on time, you can order our “Hot Off the Press” RFID keys to hold you over by clicking here. They typically ship the same day or next day.
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