Lock compatibility
Hotel key card lock compatibility.
The short answer
Most hotel door locks read 13.56 MHz chips from the MIFARE family; the exact chip depends on your lock make, model and encoder. We confirm the chip before printing and send blank test cards to try on your doors.
Lock systems
Lock systems we supply cards for
Lock makers, their RFID systems and the chips they most often use
- Systems
- Quantum, RT, Confidant and other RFID models
- Chips most often used
- MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight, Ultralight C
- Systems
- RFID guest room locks
- Chips most often used
- MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight family
- Systems
- Serenity, ADVANCE, HT RFID and other RFID models
- Chips most often used
- MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight family; older locks use magnetic stripe
- Systems
- XS4, Neo and other RFID models
- Chips most often used
- MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight C, MIFARE DESFire
- Systems
- RFID guest room locks
- Chips most often used
- MIFARE family on most models; send us a card to confirm
- Systems
- Essence, Signature RFID, Allure and other RFID models
- Chips most often used
- MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight C, MIFARE DESFire
| Lock maker | Systems | Chips most often used |
|---|---|---|
| Saflok (dormakaba) | Quantum, RT, Confidant and other RFID models | MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight, Ultralight C |
| Kaba (dormakaba) | RFID guest room locks | MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight family |
| Onity | Serenity, ADVANCE, HT RFID and other RFID models | MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight family; older locks use magnetic stripe |
| Salto | XS4, Neo and other RFID models | MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight C, MIFARE DESFire |
| MIWA | RFID guest room locks | MIFARE family on most models; send us a card to confirm |
| VingCard (ASSA ABLOY) | Essence, Signature RFID, Allure and other RFID models | MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight C, MIFARE DESFire |
Lock and chip names are trademarks of their owners. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with these lock manufacturers. Using a lock system not listed? Tell us the make and model and we will check it.
Not sure?
How to find out what you have
01
Check the lock or the encoder
The make is usually on the lock face. The model is on a label on the card encoder at the front desk.
02
Send us a photo
A photo of a door lock and the encoder is usually enough for us to identify the system.
03
Or send a current key card
Post us a card you use today and we read the chip type directly. We return it if you need it.
04
Try test cards
We send blank cards or bands with the chip we propose, so you can encode them and try them on your own doors.
Try before you order
Request test cards for your locks
- Blank samples with the chip matched to your lock system
- Encode and test them on your own doors and encoder
- No obligation to order
Key cards compatible with Saflok
Systems: Quantum, RT, Confidant and other RFID models. Chips most often used: MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight and Ultralight C. We confirm the exact chip for your model before printing.
How to confirm your model: the make is usually on the lock face and the model is on a label on the card encoder. Send us a photo of both, or post us a card you use today and we read the chip directly.
We then send blank test cards with that chip to encode and try on your own doors before you order.
Saflok is a trademark of its owner. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with this lock manufacturer.
Cards that suit Saflok locks: RFID Hotel Key Cards, Colored Core Key Cards, Wooden RFID Key Cards, Paper Key Cards, Recycled & Bio-Based Key Cards, Adjustable Silicone Wristbands
Request test cards for SaflokKey cards compatible with Kaba (dormakaba)
Systems: RFID guest room locks. Chips most often used: MIFARE Classic 1K and the MIFARE Ultralight family. We confirm the exact chip for your model before printing.
How to confirm your model: the make is usually on the lock face and the model is on a label on the card encoder. Send us a photo of both, or post us a card you use today and we read the chip directly.
We then send blank test cards with that chip to encode and try on your own doors before you order.
Kaba and dormakaba are trademarks of their owner. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with this lock manufacturer.
Cards that suit Kaba (dormakaba) locks: RFID Hotel Key Cards, Colored Core Key Cards, Wooden RFID Key Cards, Paper Key Cards, Recycled & Bio-Based Key Cards, Adjustable Silicone Wristbands
Request test cards for Kaba (dormakaba)Key cards compatible with Onity
Systems: Serenity, ADVANCE, HT RFID and other RFID models. Chips most often used: MIFARE Classic 1K and the MIFARE Ultralight family. We confirm the exact chip for your model before printing.
Older Onity locks use magnetic stripe. For those doors, or while you move to RFID, we supply magnetic stripe and dual-technology cards.
How to confirm your model: the make is usually on the lock face and the model is on a label on the card encoder. Send us a photo of both, or post us a card you use today and we read the chip directly.
We then send blank test cards with that chip to encode and try on your own doors before you order.
Onity is a trademark of its owner. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with this lock manufacturer.
Cards that suit Onity locks: RFID Hotel Key Cards, Magnetic Stripe & Dual-Technology Cards, Colored Core Key Cards, Wooden RFID Key Cards, Paper Key Cards, Recycled & Bio-Based Key Cards
Request test cards for OnityKey cards compatible with VingCard
Systems: Essence, Signature RFID, Allure and other RFID models. Chips most often used: MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Ultralight C and MIFARE DESFire. We confirm the exact chip for your model before printing.
How to confirm your model: the make is usually on the lock face and the model is on a label on the card encoder. Send us a photo of both, or post us a card you use today and we read the chip directly.
We then send blank test cards with that chip to encode and try on your own doors before you order.
VingCard is a trademark of its owner. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with this lock manufacturer.
Cards that suit VingCard locks: RFID Hotel Key Cards, Colored Core Key Cards, Wooden RFID Key Cards, Paper Key Cards, Recycled & Bio-Based Key Cards, Adjustable Silicone Wristbands
Request test cards for VingCardKey cards compatible with Salto
Systems: XS4, Neo and other RFID models. Chips most often used: MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight C and MIFARE DESFire. We confirm the exact chip for your model before printing.
How to confirm your model: the make is usually on the lock face and the model is on a label on the card encoder. Send us a photo of both, or post us a card you use today and we read the chip directly.
We then send blank test cards with that chip to encode and try on your own doors before you order.
Salto is a trademark of its owner. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with this lock manufacturer.
Cards that suit Salto locks: RFID Hotel Key Cards, Colored Core Key Cards, Wooden RFID Key Cards, Paper Key Cards, Recycled & Bio-Based Key Cards, Adjustable Silicone Wristbands
Request test cards for SaltoKey cards compatible with MIWA
Systems: RFID guest room locks. Chips most often used: the MIFARE family on most models; send us a card to confirm which. We confirm the exact chip for your model before printing.
How to confirm your model: the make is usually on the lock face and the model is on a label on the card encoder. Send us a photo of both, or post us a card you use today and we read the chip directly.
We then send blank test cards with that chip to encode and try on your own doors before you order.
MIWA is a trademark of its owner. Band and Key is independent and is not affiliated with this lock manufacturer.
Cards that suit MIWA locks: RFID Hotel Key Cards, Colored Core Key Cards, Wooden RFID Key Cards, Paper Key Cards, Recycled & Bio-Based Key Cards, Adjustable Silicone Wristbands
Request test cards for MIWAChip guide
The chips, in plain English
HF 13.56 MHz
MIFARE Ultralight and Ultralight EV1
The most economical hotel key chip. Ideal for single-stay cards that are recycled at checkout.
HF 13.56 MHz
MIFARE Ultralight C
Ultralight with added encryption. The current default on many newer lock systems.
HF 13.56 MHz
MIFARE Mini
A smaller-memory version of MIFARE Classic, used by some older lock systems.
HF 13.56 MHz
MIFARE Classic 1K
The long-standing hotel standard. Enough memory for room access plus extras such as lifts or the spa.
HF 13.56 MHz
MIFARE Classic 4K
Four times the memory of 1K, for properties that also run cashless payments or loyalty on the card.
HF 13.56 MHz
MIFARE DESFire
High-security chip used by newer access control and some premium lock systems.
HF 13.56 MHz
NTAG (NFC)
Readable by any smartphone. Used for tap-to-review, digital menus and NFC business cards rather than door locks.
LF 125 kHz
125 kHz proximity
An older technology still found on some staff doors, car parks and lockers.
UHF 840 to 960 MHz
UHF
Reads from several metres away. Used for parking, laundry tracking and asset tags, not guest room doors.
Make it yours
Finishes and options
Hot-stamp foil
Gold or silver foil for logos and lettering. The most requested upgrade.
Spot UV
A raised gloss layer over part of the design, best on matt or dark cards.
Glitter
Gold or silver sparkle printed across the card or part of it.
Coloured core
PVC coloured all the way through, so the edges match the face.
Hologram
A holographic patch or foil that is hard to copy.
Transparent
Clear or frosted cards with the antenna visible or printed over.
Magnetic stripe
HiCo or LoCo stripe for properties running older systems alongside RFID.
Signature panel
A writable strip for room numbers or a guest signature.
Embossed numbers
Raised numbers, plain or tipped in gold or silver.
Laser-engraved numbers
Permanent numbering that cannot rub off.
Printed numbers or chip ID
Sequential numbers or each chip's unique ID printed on the card.
QR code or barcode
Variable codes printed per card, linked to the chip if needed.
UV barcode
A barcode visible only under ultraviolet light, for security.
Hole punch
A slot or hole for a lanyard, key ring or wristband.
Artwork template
Our key card template shows the trim size (86 x 54 mm), 2 mm bleed and the safe area for text. Supply artwork as PDF, AI or EPS with fonts outlined. Not sure about the artwork? Send your logo and we lay it out for your approval.
FAQ
Compatibility questions.
Ready to order? Browse key cards or request a quote.
Will your cards work with my locks?
In most cases, once we know your lock make and model. We confirm the chip before quoting, and if there is any doubt we send test cards for you to try first.
Can new cards work alongside the ones we use now?
Yes, as long as they use the same chip type. Your encoder writes the room data, so new and old cards behave the same at the door.
Can a wristband open guest room doors?
Yes. A wristband with the same chip as your key cards is encoded at the front desk in the same way. Resorts and waterparks use them so guests can swim without a card.
Do I need a new encoder?
Usually not. Cards with the right chip work with the encoder you already have.
Our locks use magnetic stripe cards. Can you help?
Yes. We supply HiCo and LoCo stripe cards, and cards with both a stripe and a chip for properties moving to RFID.
How long does an order take?
Most orders take 4 to 8 weeks from artwork approval. Your quote gives you a firm date.
Guides
- Why do hotel key cards stop working?A checklist of stripe, RFID and lock causes, and what the front desk can check first.
- RFID vs magnetic stripe key cardsHow the two card types are read, what wears them out, and how to move from stripe to RFID.
- 125 kHz vs 13.56 MHz: proximity and smart cards comparedHow low-frequency proximity cards and 13.56 MHz smart cards differ, and how to tell which one your system reads.