Hotel key cards only work if the card matches your lock. RFID locks need a card with the right chip; magnetic stripe locks need the right stripe. The card design does not matter to the lock, but the card type does. Here is how to check what you need before ordering.
RFID or magnetic stripe?
- RFID (contactless): a chip inside the card is read when the guest holds it to the lock. Most newer hotel locks use RFID.
- Magnetic stripe: the guest inserts or swipes the card. Common in older installations.
For the basics, read how hotel key cards work.
Common hotel lock brands
Lock systems used in UK hotels include Saflok, VingCard, Onity and Tesa, among others. Each brand, and often each model, expects a particular card type. A Saflok RFID lock and a Saflok magnetic stripe lock need different cards.
How to find your card type
- Check your lock supplier’s documentation or your maintenance contract.
- Look at the encoder at reception: the model often shows whether it writes RFID or magnetic stripe cards.
- Send us one of your current cards or its specification. For RFID, the chip type is the key detail.
What we need from you
Tell us your lock brand and model, and the card or chip type your system uses. We will confirm the right card before anything is printed.
Encoding
In most hotels, reception encodes each card at check-in using the hotel’s own encoder. Tell us how your system works and we will confirm what the cards need.
Test a small batch first
If you are switching supplier, order a small pack, encode a few cards and test them on several doors before ordering your full quantity.
Options and prices
Options include QR codes, barcodes, numbering, magnetic stripe, signature panel, contactless chips, hole punch, spot UV, and a matt or gloss finish. Every file is checked and proofed, and nothing is printed until you approve the proof.
Hotel key cards are sold in packs: 15 for £30, 30 for £45, 60 for £80 and 120 for £160, with 45, 75 and 90 packs in between. Magnetic stripe, NFC contactless and RFID versions cost the same. Prices are for full-colour print from supplied artwork and exclude delivery. We are not VAT registered, so no VAT is added. For larger runs, contact us for a quote.
See how custom hotel key cards are printed, or order hotel key cards.
See all hotel key card options, features and prices on our Hotel key cards page.