Lock Compatibility · Allegion
CISA-Compatible Hotel Key Cards
From legacy swipe floors to eSIGNO RFID, “CISA cards” means different things at different properties. Confirm the generation and credential in use, then verify with test samples in your own locks.
For independently sourced replacement cards. Confirm the exact credential and your property's authorization requirements before ordering; brand names identify the intended locking system.
Start with these three details
Share what you know; you can begin before every item is confirmed. If you have an approved card specification, include it in your quote request.
- System & current card
- Magnetic-stripe or eSIGNO/RFID installation, lock and encoder models, issuing software and current card reference.
- Quantity
- Approximate quantity for each artwork or property.
- Delivery
- Destination country and your preferred arrival date.
Not sure which card to order? Plan a compatibility test
At a glance · indicative, updated September 2026
Indicative prices for CISA key cards
| Card format | Indicative range per card (USD) |
|---|---|
| Magstripe (LoCo, PVC) | $0.03 – $0.10 |
| MIFARE Classic 1K compatible, PVC | $0.10 – $0.30 |
These ranges apply only to a confirmed LoCo magstripe or MIFARE Classic 1K specification. Other credentials and preparation requirements need a separate quote.
Indicative USD ranges per card at 1,000–4,999 pieces per design, four-colour offset printing included, EXW Dongguan; freight, duties, taxes, special finishes, sleeves and credential preparation are quoted separately, and the exact price is set in a dated quote.
Quantity bands. Per design, against the 1,000–4,999 range: about −15% from 5,000 pieces, −25% from 10,000 and −35% from 25,000; 500–999 pieces run about +35%. Full price table
A price range is not a compatibility statement. Confirm the chip with test samples in your own locks before ordering.
Order planning
What determines your quote
Start with your quantity, destination and CISA system details. The final card specification determines the minimum order, price and schedule.
- Card specification
- Confirm the chip manufacturer and exact part, credential preparation, material, dimensions, thickness and finish. A chip family name alone is not an order specification.
- Minimum order
- Request the MOQ for your selected chip, material and finish. State the quantity for each artwork and property; multiple designs may have separate minimums.
- Price & delivery terms
- Request unit prices by quantity, the currency, setup charges, sample costs and packing. Confirm whether freight, duties and taxes are included, and the delivery term.
- Production & arrival
- Give your required arrival date and destination country. Confirm production time after specification, sample and artwork approval; shipping and customs need a separate allowance.
Confirm your CISA setup
CISA eSIGNO is a contactless hotel-lock family, with mobile access available in eSIGNO 2.0. Separate these installations from older magnetic-stripe systems before requesting replacement cards.
CISA's Encoder 2.0 documentation lists several RFID technologies. The encoder's published capabilities do not identify the credential enabled at your property. Confirm the lock and encoder models, issuing software and current card specification with your installer, then test samples before custom printing.
CISA credential reference
Use the manufacturer references below to prepare your inquiry. Supported credential families, card preparation and installed configurations must be checked together; these are not interchangeable purchase options.
| System / application | Card / chip | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy CISA magstripe lines | Magnetic stripe — specification to confirm | Confirm stripe coercivity, track layout and encoder requirements from current stock or your installer. Do not assume LoCo from the CISA name. |
| eSIGNO / CISA RFID generations | Use the installed credential specification | Encoder 2.0 lists ISOB, MIFARE Classic, Ultralight and Ultralight C reader technologies. These are documented options, not a universal card recommendation. |
| eSIGNO 2.0 with mobile access | Confirm physical-card requirements separately | Record the current card and issuing configuration even where guests also use smartphone credentials. |
| Installation not yet identified | Specification not confirmed | Share non-sensitive model-label and card-packaging details so the required checks can be agreed. Keep guest data and access credentials with your authorized team. |
Manufacturer references · checked 7 October 2026
- CISA: eSIGNO electronic locks
- CISA: Encoder 2.0
- CISA: Encoder 2.0 technical sheet (RFID reader options)
These references describe the manufacturer's system. They are separate from evidence for the Cardotel card offered in your quote.
Card options for your CISA inquiry
- Custom printed RFID cards against an installer-confirmed part and preparation specification
- Printed magnetic-stripe cards matched to the confirmed stripe and encoder requirements
- Hybrid chip + magstripe cards for mixed estates, subject to site testing
- Finish and colour options for evaluation against your brand manual
Before a production order
Approve a sample in your own system
Agree both the technical test and the sample costs first. An unprinted test card checks the credential; a printed proof checks the artwork and finish.
Agree what will be tested
Confirm the proposed credential, card body and encoder requirements. Ask for sample quantity, sample charges, courier cost and dispatch timing before arranging shipment.
Issue a test credential on site
Have your authorized property team enroll and encode the sample in your current system. A successful reader scan or matching UID format does not prove that a guest credential will work.
Check the complete guest journey
Test the intended room locks and any configured elevator or shared-area readers. Include check-in, expiry and reissue in the test, and record the software, encoder and lock versions used.
Approve the production specification
Record the accepted credential and artwork reference, material, size and finish. Reconfirm these details if your system or card specification changes before a reorder.
For the initial review, share the lock model, encoder/software details and a non-sensitive card reference. Keep guest data, live access credentials and system security keys with your authorized team.
Request test cardsProcurement evidence
What to review before you order
Ask which documents are available for your proposed card and review their scope before approval. A lock manufacturer's specification does not certify a third-party card.
Exact card & chip specification
Manufacturer and part number, credential preparation requirements, card dimensions and tolerances, material, print finish and the approved artwork revision.
Sample acceptance record
The sample reference, encoding setup, doors and readers tested, results and approval date. A factory read check and a property compatibility test answer different questions.
Material & test evidence
Ask which reports apply to the proposed material and finished card. Check the issuer, date, tested item and scope; request sourcing documentation if certified material is part of your specification.
Written quotation & quality terms
Quantity by design, agreed inspection criteria, production schedule, packing, shipping terms and the process for reporting and resolving a manufacturing defect.
A blank specification and acceptance checklist for your team to complete; it is not a certificate or a completed test report.
Review the quality and sample checks guide for the information to agree before production.
CISA key card questions
Which cards work with CISA eSIGNO locks?
Start with the card specification already issued at your property. CISA's Encoder 2.0 sheet lists multiple RFID technologies; it does not establish that every eSIGNO installation accepts any card using those technologies. Confirm the exact part, preparation and issuing configuration with your installer, then test samples in your encoder and doors. Prepare your card and system details
Do you still make cards for old CISA magstripe locks?
Request a quote using the stripe specification from your current stock or installer, including coercivity, track layout and encoder requirements. Do not assume that the CISA name establishes LoCo or a particular coercivity. Confirm a proposed card with an encoding and door test before approving custom printing. Magnetic stripe (HiCo & LoCo) guide
Our CISA locks came with the building and we know nothing else. Where do we start?
Record the lock and encoder model labels, the issuing software if known, and a non-sensitive card reference. You can start a compatibility sample request with the details you have and mark the rest as unknown. Your installer can confirm the installed credential; agree sample content, charges and timing before shipment.
Can you match our current card design?
Provide a physical reference card and, where available, PMS references. Material, thickness, finish and colour are matched as closely as the selected construction allows; confirm the proof and a printed sample before approving the order.
Plan your CISA card order
Share your lock system, approximate quantity and destination. Unsure of the chip? Start with the system details you have.