How Key Card Access Technologies Work

Choosing the right key card starts with how your lock and reader system authenticates a card. Most access programs use one of three technologies, and the card must be encoded to match.

Magnetic stripe

Magnetic stripe cards store data on a coated stripe that is read when the card is swiped. They remain one of the most widely used formats in hotels because they are cost-effective and simple to reissue. Stripes are encoded to your system’s coercivity requirements, typically low-coercivity or high-coercivity, so the card reads reliably on your existing locks.

Proximity and RFID

Proximity and RFID cards are read wirelessly when the card is tapped or held near a reader, with no swipe required. Low-frequency proximity cards (125 kHz) are typically read-only and well suited to straightforward entry. High-frequency RFID cards (13.56 MHz) support more data and greater security, and are common in newer contactless hotel and office systems. Contactless cards reduce wear because there is no physical contact with the reader.

Smart cards and embedded chips

Smart cards contain an embedded chip that can both store and update information, which supports encryption and multiple applications on a single card, such as room access plus amenity or payment functions. These formats are a good fit where security and flexibility matter. For programs built around chip technology, our custom smart cards [/cards/smart-cards/] cover the same secure, contactless applications.

Because the right choice depends on your specific locks and readers, we confirm the card technology and encoding specifications with you before production.

Compatible Door Lock and Access Control Systems

We manufacture key cards designed to work with the major hotel and access control systems in use today, including Onity, Saflok by dormakaba, VingCard by ASSA ABLOY, and SALTO. For corporate and building access, we support credential technologies from providers such as HID, including HID Prox and iCLASS, and MIFARE-based cards from NXP.

Compatibility depends on your specific lock and reader configuration, so we confirm your system’s requirements and encoding specifications before we produce your cards. This applies whether you are ordering for a single property or standardizing cards across multiple locations. Key cards are a natural fit for hospitality programs, corporate facilities , residential buildings, and other managed-access environments.

Custom Key Cards Built for Business Use

Access programs depend on cards that perform reliably every time they are used. PlastekCards produces custom key cards in plastic and wood materials to align with your access control system and daily operational demands.

Common customization options include:

• Full-color printed branding and artwork
• Magnetic stripe encoding based on system requirements
• RFID and embedded chip formats when applicable
• Matte or gloss finishes [/print-options/]
• Variable data such as room numbers or access identifiers
• Wood material option for hospitality and premium applications

Our key cards are manufactured for durability and consistent performance across repeated issue, collection, and reissue cycles. We work closely with businesses and system providers to confirm card specifications before production, which supports smooth integration with existing access control infrastructure and ongoing reorders.

Ordering and Reordering Key Cards

Getting your cards produced is straightforward. You provide your artwork and card specifications, or start from our free templates, and our team helps confirm the details that matter most: your lock system, the card technology, and any encoding or variable data requirements. You can upload artwork directly, and we can send free samples so you can review material and print quality before committing to a full run.

Once your design and specifications are confirmed, we handle proofing and production to commercial standards. For reorders, we keep your program consistent by matching existing branding, layouts, and color standards, so replacement cards look and perform the same as the originals. To start an order or get pricing, request a quote or call 1-888-762-2737.