At Front Desk Supply, we encourage hotels to take a customized approach with their products. However, when it comes to hotel key cards there are a few things to consider before you start customizing. To help you sort out what type of card you need an estimate for, we’ve created a guide to help you narrow down which hotel key card is right for your business.
Do I Need Magnetic or RFID?
First, and most importantly, what type of hotel key card do you need? There are two types that Front Desk Supply offers: magnetic and RFID. If you are reordering supplies, but can’t recall the type of key card, below are tips to determine which one your hotel uses.
Magnetic Key Cards are the keys you insert into the lock and need regular lock and encoder cleaning to keep them working.
RFID Key Cards are the keys you wave in front of the lock.
Now that you know which one your business uses, you’ll need to confirm a few other details before you request an estimate or start customizing products. The reasoning behind this is that magnetic and RFID cards have compatibility considerations.
Related Resource: RFID vs. Magnetic Key Cards: Which is Better for Your Hotel?
Magnetic Hotel Key Cards
For this key card, you will need to confirm the coercivity/degree of magnetization of the magnetic key cards you require. Our best tip is to check with your lock manufacturer if you are uncertain. Below are several degrees of magnetization that you can ask about:
Types of Magnetic Hotel Key Cards
- LoCo 300-350 OE: 88% of hotels use LoCo. Budget-friendly, but easily demagnetized by cell phones and other electronic devices.
- MedCo 650 OE: Offers moderate protection against demagnetizing.
- HiCo 2750 OE: The most reliable magnetic key cards. Very difficult to demagnetize.
LoCo vs MedCo or HiCo Hotel Key Cards
The main difference is LoCo keys are less durable and secure than MedCo or HiCo hotel key cards. LoCo magnetic key cards are the most budget-friendly option and are suitable for hotels with basic security needs. However, if your hotel prioritizes enhanced security and durability, consider upgrading to MedCo or HiCo key cards. These options offer greater protection against demagnetization, reducing the risk of key card failure and ensuring a smoother guest experience.
If you use MedCo or HiCo key cards, know that these magnetic key cards offer more protection from demagnetizing compared to the LoCo magnetic key cards. Although LoCo key cards are the most common type of magnetic key cards, it’s best to know which coercivity works best with your locks. Once you provide us with that information, our team can send you pricing information and tester keys.
Want to upgrade to reduce keys demagnetizing? Most of the time, a simple software update is all you need to upgrade to MidCo or HiCo magnetization. We can offer guidance on how to make this card system upgrade. Contact us here and we can guide you through this process.
Not Sure Which Magnetic Card Type Your Hotel Uses?
Try a side by side color comparison to the stripe on the back of your credit card. The higher the number which related to higher magnetism, the darker the magnetic strip. LoCo (3000e) is often brown, while HiCo (2750oe) will be deep black, closely resembling the high security stripe on the back of a credit card. If you still aren’t sure, contact us here and we would be glad to help you figure out what card you have.
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RFID Hotel Key Cards
For this key card, you will need to confirm the lock system in your hotel. RDIF key cards require a RDIF lock system that allows for taping the card and not inserting it. The more information you provide, the better Front Desk Supply can assist in getting you the right keys. See the various compatibilities for RFID key cards below:
Types of RFID Hotel Key Cards
- MF1K: 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.
You must have an idea of what lock you have before you ask for an estimate. If you aren’t sure what type you have contact us and we can help you decide since compatibility matters for this type of key card; otherwise, you risk ordering the wrong hotel key card in bulk. We also recommend talking to your lock manufacturer to confirm which RFID key card you need. After you provide us with the lock manufacturer and chipset, we can send tester key cards to verify compatibility.
MF1K vs ULC vs Salto RFID Key Cards
MF1K is a widely used RFID technology, compatible with many hotel lock systems, making it a versatile choice for various needs. ULC (Ultra-Lightweight C) offers enhanced security and is specifically designed for systems like Salto, which prioritize advanced access control features and data encryption. While Salto is a specific brand of lock system known for its robust security and innovative wireless technology, requiring ULC compatible cards for seamless operation. There are many other RFID key card systems out there and we can provide compatible keys for almost any RFID system just contact us and we will help you find the right key for your hotel.
Custom Hotel Key Cards
Before you request an estimate for key cards, you should consider customization options. Elevate your hospitality business by branding your hotel key cards.
Make an impact with key cards–they are seen an average of 6-8 times a day. Provide information about your hotel or simply improve brand recall. Browse our hotel key cards to explore your options.
Be sure to Request an estimate today.
