Lock Compatibility · dormakaba
Kaba / dormakaba-Compatible Hotel Key Cards
Identify the reader and credential actually in use across your property; a Kaba or Ilco name alone is not a card specification.
At a glance · indicative, updated September 2026
Indicative prices for Kaba / dormakaba 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 |
| MIFARE Ultralight C (ULC), PVC | $0.16 – $0.30 |
Plus EV2 and DESFire EV3 credentials for RT Plus installations are quoted per specification.
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.
A property may contain different generations of locks, reader retrofits and issuing systems. Record these separately, along with the current card specification and any planned upgrade.
Do not infer magnetic-stripe coercivity or an RFID part from the brand or model name alone. dormakaba estates that received the Saflok security update commonly moved from MIFARE Classic® 1K to MIFARE Ultralight® C (ULC) credentials; confirm this for your property rather than assuming it from the brand. Ask the installer to confirm the approved credential, including any preparation or security configuration, and validate the proposed stock on site.
Which chip does Kaba / dormakaba read?
Reader and credential options depend on the installed model and configuration. Confirm the specification, preparation and sample plan, then test on your encoder and representative doors before ordering.
| Lock generation | Card / chip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Ilco 760 / 790 installation | Confirm installed reader and credential | Inspect the actual reader and current stock; confirm stripe requirements separately if it uses magstripe. |
| Kaba or dormakaba RFID installation | Confirm exact part and configuration | Use the current credential SKU and installer confirmation; a shared brand does not establish interchangeability. |
| RT Plus or Saflok-related installation | Published options: Ultralight C (ULC), Plus EV2, DESFire EV3 | Consult the cited Saflok guidance for published options; security-updated estates commonly use ULC. Confirm the installed software, firmware and active configuration. |
What we supply for Kaba / dormakaba properties
- Custom print against a confirmed credential specification
- Card material and finish options subject to the selected construction
- Separate specifications for different installations or floors
- Artwork, quantity per design and destination for a project quote
How verification works
- 1
Record the installed system
Find the lock and encoder model labels and ask your installer for the issuing software and current credential specification. A card photo alone does not identify security configuration.
- 2
Confirm the proposed credential
Send non-sensitive system details to sales@cardotel.com or through the inquiry form. Agree the card specification and sample purpose, availability, costs and shipping.
- 3
Test before approval
An authorized operator should issue samples and check the required doors and readers, including reissue and expiry. Agree acceptance criteria before approving the printed order.
Kaba / dormakaba key card questions
What cards fit an existing Ilco 760 or 790 installation?
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. If the installed reader uses magstripe, confirm its coercivity and encoding layout from the current stock or installer.
Does the dormakaba brand make all Kaba and Saflok cards interchangeable?
No. Use the installed lock, reader and issuing configuration to establish the credential. The dedicated Saflok page links to manufacturer guidance for that product family; it is not a specification for every dormakaba installation.
Which chip should I order for Kaba RFID locks?
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.
Do security-updated dormakaba locks need ULC cards?
Properties whose dormakaba or Saflok encoders received the security update commonly report that Classic 1K cards no longer encode and that the installer specified MIFARE Ultralight C (ULC). Treat that as the starting assumption to verify, not a specification: confirm the credential with your installer and test ULC samples on your own encoder and doors before ordering. Ultralight C (ULC) key card guide
How should a group manage reorders across mixed installations?
Keep an approved specification per property, including reader, encoder, software, credential part, artwork and sample acceptance. Reconfirm after hardware or software changes and agree quantities, packing and delivery in the quote.
Start your order
Planning your next key card order?
Share your lock and encoder details, quantity per design, artwork and destination. Confirm card options, MOQ, sample costs and delivery in your quote.