Lock Compatibility · Carrier Global
Onity-Compatible Hotel Key Cards
HT-series magstripe, ADVANCE, Trillium and DirectKey-era RFID — Onity spans three credential technologies. We match yours and prove it with samples before printing.
Onity locks are everywhere in mid-scale and economy hospitality, and the installed base covers everything from HT24 magstripe units sold in the 1990s to current RFID and mobile-capable models. That history is why "cards for Onity" is one of the most frequent questions we get.
Magstripe Onity locks want LoCo cards. RFID generations typically pair with MIFARE Ultralight® EV1 for guest cards — a cost-efficient chip — with MIFARE Classic® 1K appearing in some configurations and staff credentials. Generation matters, so sample verification is non-negotiable for us.
Which chip does Onity read?
Commonly used pairings by generation. Individual properties can differ — the final chip is always confirmed with free test samples in your own doors before production.
| Lock generation | Card / chip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HT24 / HT28 / HT28 Smart | LoCo magstripe (300 Oe) | The classic Onity swipe lock; enormous installed base |
| ADVANCE (magstripe) | LoCo magstripe (300 Oe) | Same card stock as HT series |
| Onity RFID / Trillium | MIFARE Ultralight® EV1 | Common guest-card pairing; economical per-card cost |
| Some RFID configurations / staff cards | MIFARE Classic® 1K | Property-specific; confirmed by sample |
| DirectKey mobile sites | Ultralight® EV1 or Classic® 1K cards alongside BLE | Physical cards still issued to most guests |
What we supply for Onity properties
- LoCo magstripe cards for HT and ADVANCE locks — by the million
- MIFARE Ultralight® EV1 cards in PVC, paper or wood for RFID Onity
- MIFARE Classic® 1K variants where the configuration requires it
- Printed key card sleeves matched to your card artwork
How 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.
Onity key card questions
What cards do Onity HT24 locks use?
HT24 and the wider HT/ADVANCE families are magstripe locks using LoCo (300 Oe) cards in the ISO 7811 layout. They remain one of the highest-volume card formats we produce.
Which chip works with Onity RFID locks?
Most Onity RFID/Trillium installations issue MIFARE Ultralight® EV1 guest cards; some configurations use MIFARE Classic® 1K. We include both candidates in your free test pack and let your doors decide.
Are Ultralight cards cheaper than Classic cards?
Typically yes — Ultralight® EV1 sits at the economical end of RFID chips, which is one reason Onity properties enjoy low per-card costs. See our hotel key card cost guide for current ranges.
Can you match our current Onity card supplier’s quality?
Send us one of your current cards. We match chip, material, thickness and print finish, and return a printed proof plus blank test samples so both your doors and your brand team can compare directly.
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.