Choosing the right hotel key card is not simply a matter of selecting an RFID chip. The card must match the hotel door lock system, card technology, encoding requirements and, in some cases, the specific lock or encoder configuration.
Newbega supplies custom RFID hotel key cards for a wide range of hotel access systems, including VingCard, Saflok, Onity, MIWA, SALTO, Orbita and other major hotel lock brands. Available chip options include MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight and T5577, depending on the requirements of the access system.
For hotels replacing existing cards, opening a new property or standardizing cards across multiple locations, confirming the lock system and required chip before production helps avoid compatibility problems.
Hotel Lock Brands and RFID Chip Compatibility
Different hotel lock systems use different card technologies and encoding methods. Even when two systems use the same RFID frequency, their cards may not be interchangeable.
Newbega offers a range of hotel key card configurations for different lock systems, with chip and card specifications selected according to the requirements of the installed system.
| Hotel Lock Brand | Available Chip Options* | Card Technology |
|---|---|---|
| VingCard | MIFARE Classic, Ultralight EV1, Ultralight C, MIFARE Plus and other options | RFID |
| Saflok | MIFARE Classic, Ultralight C | RFID |
| Onity | MIFARE Classic, SRI512 and other system-specific options | RFID |
| MIWA | MIFARE Classic 1K，SRI512 | RFID |
| SALTO | MIFARE Classic | RFID |
| Orbita | MIFARE Classic 1K | RFID |
| KABA | MIFARE Classic, Ultralight C | RFID |
| HUNE | MIFARE Classic, T5577 | RFID |
| HID | T5577 | RFID |
| Other systems | Based on lock and encoder requirements | RFID / LF |
Chip availability and compatibility depend on the specific hotel lock system, model and encoding requirements. Confirm the existing card or system information before production.
Newbega’s hotel key cards are available in standard CR80 dimensions of 85.5 × 54 mm with a 0.86 mm thickness. Depending on the system, chip options include 13.56 MHz HF RFID chips and 125 kHz T5577.
VingCard Key Cards
VingCard is widely used in hotel access control, and its RFID credentials include keycards as well as other formats such as wristbands and key fobs. VingCard states that its RFID credentials are designed for VingCard locks that support RFID, with compatibility varying across its access-control portfolio.
Newbega supplies VingCard-compatible hotel key cards with chip options including MIFARE Classic, Ultralight EV1, Ultralight C and other configurations listed for the relevant system. For a VingCard key card project, it is useful to provide:
- VingCard lock model or system
- Existing hotel key card
- Encoder information
- Required chip, if known
- Card size and thickness
- Artwork and quantity
If the chip specification is uncertain, an existing working card or encoder information can help determine the appropriate card configuration before production.
Saflok Key Cards
Saflok hotel locks use RFID credentials across compatible access-control systems. Newbega supplies Saflok key cards with options including MIFARE Classic 1K and Ultralight C, subject to the requirements of the installed system.
When replacing Saflok cards, the hotel should not select a chip based only on the Saflok brand name. The lock model, card technology and encoding requirements should be confirmed first. Custom Saflok key cards can include:
- Hotel logo and branding
- Full-color artwork
- Room or property information
- Custom surface finishes
- RFID chip configuration
- Serialized card numbers where required
This allows replacement cards to maintain the existing access function while matching the hotel’s visual identity.
Onity RFID Key Cards
Onity offers electronic locking systems with both magnetic-stripe and contactless RFID technologies. Its product range includes RFID keycards and other credentials, with different RFID technologies available across its systems.
Newbega supplies Onity RFID key cards with chip options such as MIFARE Classic and system-specific configurations.
Before ordering Onity key cards, confirm whether the property uses an RFID or magnetic-stripe system and identify the specific lock or access-control configuration. For RFID systems, useful information includes:
- Onity lock model
- Existing working key card
- Encoder model
- Required chip or card technology
- Card dimensions
- Quantity and artwork requirements
This information allows the card specification to be checked before bulk production.
MIWA Key Cards
MIWA hotel access systems may require specific RFID card configurations depending on the installed system.
Newbega supplies MIWA-compatible hotel key cards with MIFARE Classic 1K options for applicable systems.
For a MIWA key card order, the safest approach is to confirm the existing card and access system rather than selecting a card based only on the brand. This is particularly important when replacing cards for an existing hotel because the new cards need to work with the property’s current encoding and access-control setup.
The cards can also be customized with hotel branding, printing and surface finishes to match the property’s existing card design.
SALTO Key Cards
SALTO uses contactless RFID smart cards for access control. Its current key card specifications include MIFARE-based technologies, and SALTO documentation also shows MIFARE Classic 1K being used in specific third-party system configurations.
Newbega supplies SALTO-compatible hotel key cards according to the required system and chip configuration. When sourcing SALTO key cards, confirm:
- SALTO platform or system
- Lock model
- Card technology
- Existing card type
- Encoder or card-writing requirements
- Required card quantity
This information is more useful for compatibility confirmation than the SALTO brand name alone.
Orbita Key Cards
Newbega also supplies Orbita-compatible hotel key cards with MIFARE Classic 1K options for applicable systems.
Orbita key cards can be produced with standard hotel card dimensions or customized specifications. Hotels can also customize the card artwork, finish and other visual elements while maintaining the required RFID configuration.
For replacement orders, providing an existing Orbita key card or the relevant encoder information is recommended before production.
MIFARE Hotel Key Cards
MIFARE is one of the most common RFID technologies used in contactless access-control applications, but “MIFARE” alone does not identify a complete hotel key card specification.
Different MIFARE products have different memory structures, security features and system requirements. For example, MIFARE Classic and MIFARE Ultralight are not interchangeable simply because both operate at 13.56 MHz.
Newbega provides several RFID chip options for hotel key cards, including:
| Chip Option | Frequency | Typical Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| MIFARE Classic 1K | 13.56 MHz | Common hotel access card configuration |
| MIFARE Classic 4K | 13.56 MHz | Systems requiring additional memory |
| MIFARE Ultralight EV1 | 13.56 MHz | Used in selected access systems |
| MIFARE Ultralight C | 13.56 MHz | Used in selected secure RFID applications |
| T5577 | 125 kHz | Low-frequency systems requiring compatible credentials |
The correct chip should always be selected according to the lock system and encoding requirements rather than the frequency alone.
How to Choose the Right RFID Hotel Key Card
If you are comparing different types of hotel key cards, our hotel key card guide also explains the main card technologies, features and selection considerations.
1. Identify the Hotel Lock Brand
Start with the brand installed at the property, such as VingCard, Saflok, Onity, MIWA, SALTO or Orbita.
The brand provides a starting point, but it is not always enough to determine the correct card specification.
2. Confirm the Lock Model or System
Different generations and models from the same manufacturer may use different card technologies.
If possible, provide the exact lock model, access-control system or encoder model.
3. Check the Existing Key Card
If you are replacing an existing hotel key card, sending a sample or clear images of the front and back can help identify the required specifications. Useful information may include:
- Printed information
- Chip type
- Card thickness
- Magnetic stripe
- Serial number
- Existing card dimensions
4. Confirm the RFID Chip
Once the system has been identified, confirm the required chip.
Common options include MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight and T5577, but the appropriate chip depends on the access-control system.
5. Confirm Card Specifications
Standard hotel key cards are commonly produced in CR80 dimensions. Newbega’s standard hotel key card specification is 85.5 × 54 × 0.86 mm, with PVC construction and glossy, matte or frosted finishes.
Custom specifications can also be discussed when the hotel system requires different dimensions, thickness or construction.
6. Confirm Printing and Customization
Once the technical specification is confirmed, the card can be customized to match the hotel’s branding. Available options can include:
- Offset printing
- Silk screen printing
- Hotel logo
- Custom artwork
- Glossy, matte or frosted finish
- QR code
- Barcode
- Serial number
- Other card personalization requirements
The technical specification should be confirmed before finalizing the artwork so that design and functionality are both addressed.
Custom Hotel Key Cards for Your Lock System
Custom hotel key cards can be produced with different PVC card specifications, finishes and printing options.
Hotel key cards serve both an access-control function and a branding purpose. A well-designed card can carry the hotel’s visual identity while maintaining the required RFID configuration. Newbega supports customization across several areas.
Custom Card Design
Hotels can provide their own artwork, logo and brand guidelines. Cards can be printed with hotel names, logos, colors, patterns and other visual elements.
Custom Card Specifications
Depending on the project, customization can include:
- Card size
- Card thickness
- RFID chip
- Material
- Surface finish
- Printing method
- Serialization
- Additional card features
- RFID and Other Card Features
Hotel cards can also be configured with additional features where required, such as QR codes, barcodes or magnetic stripes.
The key consideration is to ensure that additional features do not interfere with the required card construction or access-control function.
Why Choose Newbega for Hotel Key Cards?
Hotel key card production requires more than printing a design onto a PVC card. The card specification needs to match the access-control system before production. Newbega provides:
- Multiple RFID chip options
- Compatibility support for major hotel lock systems
- Custom card dimensions and specifications
- Custom printing and finishing
- Sample approval before production
- Machine and manual quality inspection
- Custom production for hotel and resort projects
Newbega’s standard custom hotel key card MOQ is 200 pieces, with a typical production time of 3–10 working days depending on order size and project complexity.
The production process covers requirements confirmation, artwork and specifications, sampling, production, personalization, quality inspection and delivery.
FAQ About RFID Hotel Key Cards
Can you make key cards compatible with VingCard locks?
Yes. Newbega supplies VingCard-compatible hotel key cards with multiple RFID chip options. The exact chip and card configuration should be confirmed according to the lock system, model and encoding requirements.
What chips are used for RFID hotel key cards?
Common options include MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight and T5577. The appropriate chip depends on the hotel lock system and its card encoding requirements.
Can you supply Saflok and Onity key cards?
Yes. Newbega supplies compatible RFID hotel key cards for Saflok and Onity systems. Providing the lock model, existing card or encoder information helps confirm the appropriate specification.
Do you support MIFARE hotel key cards?
Yes. MIFARE Classic and MIFARE Ultralight options are available for applicable hotel access systems. The specific MIFARE product should be selected according to the requirements of the installed system.
Can hotel key cards be customized with our logo?
Yes. Hotel key cards can be customized with hotel logos, artwork, printing, surface finishes and other specifications.
How do I confirm which chip my hotel lock requires?
The most reliable method is to provide the hotel lock brand and model together with information about the encoder or an existing working key card. Newbega can use this information to help confirm the appropriate card specification before production.
Get Custom RFID Hotel Key Cards
Whether you need VingCard key cards, Saflok key cards, Onity RFID key cards, MIWA key cards, SALTO key cards, Orbita key cards or another hotel access card, the first step is confirming the required card technology.
Send us your hotel lock brand, lock model, existing card or encoder information, required quantity and card design. Newbega can help confirm the appropriate RFID hotel key card specification and provide a customized production solution.
