Lock Compatibility
Which key card fits your locking system?
Every hotel lock reads a specific chip. Pick your lock brand below to see the commonly used card for each generation — then let free test samples in your own doors make it official.
Key card finder
Step 1 — choose your lock brand:
Step 2 — choose the closest generation:
Commonly used card
Browse by locking system
Saflok
dormakaba
Most RFID Saflok estates read MIFARE Classic® 1K — economical and widely stocked.
Compatibility detailsOnity
Carrier Global
Onity RFID commonly issues MIFARE Ultralight® EV1 — among the most economical RFID cards.
Compatibility detailsSALTO
SALTO Systems
SALTO SVN writes data on the card — chip must match your configuration (Classic 1K/4K or DESFire).
Compatibility detailsVingCard
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions
VingCard RFID spans Ultralight® C, Classic® 1K and DESFire® by generation — the test pack settles it.
Compatibility detailsKaba / dormakaba
dormakaba
Ilco magstripe wants LoCo; Kaba RFID commonly reads MIFARE Classic® 1K.
Compatibility detailsMiwa
Miwa Lock Co.
International Miwa RFID commonly reads MIFARE Classic® 1K; Japan FeliCa sites are case-by-case.
Compatibility detailsTTLock & smart locks
TTLock / Tuya ecosystems
App-based smart locks almost always enroll MIFARE Classic® 1K (S50) cards.
Compatibility detailsHow verification works
- 1
Identify your lock
Find the brand and model on the lock’s inside plate or battery cover, ask your installer, or simply photograph a working key card (both sides) and the lock.
- 2
We match the chip
Send the details to sales@cardotel.com or through the form. We identify the chip your generation reads and assemble free test samples with the matching candidates.
- 3
Your doors decide
Encode the samples on site exactly as you do today. Only after your locks confirm the reads do we print the full run — zero compatibility gambles.
Compatibility questions, answered
How do I know which key cards my hotel locks accept?
Every lock brand and generation reads a specific chip: most Saflok and Kaba RFID locks read MIFARE Classic 1K, Onity RFID commonly uses MIFARE Ultralight EV1, VingCard spans Ultralight C to DESFire, and SALTO depends on your SVN configuration. Identify your lock model (inside plate or battery cover), or send us a working card — we match the chip and confirm with free test samples in your own doors.
Can one card work across different lock brands?
Only if the systems read the same chip family and your access software supports it — common in single-brand estates, rare across brands. For mixed estates we maintain per-property chip specs so each site gets the right card under one purchase order.
Are compatible third-party key cards legitimate to use?
Yes. Hotel locks read standard chip families (MIFARE and others); cards from any manufacturer work identically once your own system encodes them. Access data and security keys are written by your property, never pre-loaded by the card factory.
What if the test samples do not work in our doors?
Then nothing goes to print — that is the point of testing first. We send a revised candidate set based on what your locks rejected. You only approve production after your own doors have said yes.
Do eco materials change lock compatibility?
No. Wooden, bamboo, waterproof-paper and degradable-PVC cards carry exactly the same chips as standard PVC. The lock reads the chip, not the material.
Start your order
Need key cards that just work at check-in?
Send your lock brand and quantity — you will get a factory-direct quote and a free sample pack to test in your own locks before you commit.