Hotel key card questions, answered plainly

We review requests for Saflok, Onity, SALTO, VingCard, dormakaba and other hotel systems. Compatibility depends on the lock model, encoder, software and credential configuration, not the brand alone. Share those details and plan a sample test using your own encoder and doors before a bulk order.

RFID cards contain a chip and antenna and are read contactlessly by tapping; magstripe cards store data on a magnetic stripe and are swiped. RFID is the modern standard — more durable and re-encodable without wear — while magstripe remains the cheapest format for hotels still running swipe locks.

A lock brand or chip family alone cannot determine the order specification. Different installations can require different chips, memory, credential preparation and permissions. Share the exact lock and encoder models, system requirements and current card reference. Use the chip guide and the relevant lock-system guide to prepare a compatibility sample request.

HiCo and LoCo describe the coercivity of a magnetic stripe. The card must match the specification supported by your encoder and locks. Check the existing card specification or encoder documentation; do not choose from stripe color or lock brand alone.

Some hotel systems support mobile keys. Physical cards can still serve guests without a compatible phone, shared-room users or backup needs. Confirm the physical credential requirements separately when planning a hybrid program.

Agree the card specification and sample acceptance criteria before approving production. Issuing access permissions remains part of the hotel’s authorized access system. Confirm the lock model, encoder, access software and credential configuration. A brand or chip family alone does not establish compatibility; test the proposed sample with your authorized encoder and doors before ordering.

Tell us whether you need a compatibility sample, a material sample or a printed sample. A printed or material sample does not establish lock compatibility; test the specified credential with your encoder and doors. Availability, quantity, sample charges, preparation time and shipping cost are confirmed for the requested specification and destination.

MOQ is confirmed per card specification and design. Include the chip or magstripe requirement, material, printing, quantity per design and any sample needs. Ask for the available order quantities in your quote.

Chip and credential requirements, material, quantity per design, printing, finishing, testing and delivery all affect the quote. Our cost guide is a buyer budgeting resource, not a factory price list. Request a dated quote for your exact specification and destination, with sample and shipping charges identified.

Production and delivery dates are confirmed for the order after the specification, artwork, quantity and order conditions are agreed. Tell us the required arrival date and destination. Ask for sample preparation, production and transit times separately, and confirm any urgent request before relying on a deadline.

Include the previous order reference, required quantity and any changes to artwork, card configuration, system or delivery address. Confirm the current specification, price and schedule for the reorder; do not assume a previous approval covers a changed lock or encoder.

Changing material does not remove the need to check compatibility. Confirm the chip, credential configuration, card dimensions and complete construction, then test the sample with your encoder and locks under expected use conditions.

Compare appearance, expected moisture and wear, card construction, budget and local disposal arrangements. Request a material sample and the documentation relevant to the exact option before selecting it for your program.

State the material or environmental requirement in your inquiry and request the relevant document for the exact card construction. Check its product scope, issuer and validity before using a claim in procurement or guest-facing materials. Availability and applicability of documents must be confirmed for the selected option.

Check the complete card construction, including chip, antenna, coatings and adhesives, against the material information for the selected product and your local waste operator’s acceptance rules. Do not assume that a wood, paper or alternative-PVC card is recyclable or compostable. Ask how the complete card should be collected and processed locally.

Share a vector PDF or editable artwork, your logo, color references and any numbering or stripe requirements. The downloadable CR80 templates are a starting point: confirm final dimensions, bleed, safe areas and finishing against the order specification. Artwork preparation, proofing and any charges are agreed in the quote.

Specify color references and the intended card material and finish. Agree a proof or printed sample and the acceptance criteria before production. A screen preview is not a physical color standard, and an approved print sample does not establish lock compatibility.

Include any numbering, barcode, QR code or printed UID requirement in the artwork brief, with the format and data-handling instructions. Confirm feasibility and testing for the requested configuration. Room-access credentials remain subject to your authorized hotel system workflow.

Share the delivery country, postal code and any receiving or packing requirements. Confirm the shipping method, charges, transit estimate, customs responsibilities and required documents in the quote. Transit and customs processing are separate from production time.

Confirm payment method, currency, payment schedule and invoicing details in the written quote and order confirmation. Include any purchasing requirements when you request a quote.