Lock Compatibility · SALTO Systems
SALTO-Compatible Hotel Key Cards
For SALTO procurement, start with the platform and issuing configuration. An XS4 lock name or a DESFire label alone does not specify a ready-to-use card.
For independently sourced replacement cards. Confirm the exact credential and your property's authorization requirements before ordering; brand names identify the intended locking system.
At a glance · indicative, updated September 2026
Indicative prices for SALTO key cards
| Card format | Indicative range per card (USD) |
|---|---|
| MIFARE Classic 1K compatible, PVC | $0.10 – $0.30 |
| MIFARE Ultralight C (ULC), PVC | $0.16 – $0.30 |
| MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3, PVC | $1.02 – $1.25 |
Classic 4K, MIFARE Plus and credentials for KS or Homelok 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.
Confirm your SALTO setup
Before requesting SALTO cards, identify whether your property uses Space, KS or Homelok. The Space issuing documentation below applies to Space; it should not be used as a credential specification for another platform simply because the locks share an XS4 name.
In Space, the active card technology, issuing licence and configuration matter alongside the chip. Ask your SALTO installer for a non-sensitive credential specification, including any required preparation and memory allocation. Use that specification to assess custom printed cards and arrange an authorized on-site test. Where Space has MIFARE Ultralight® C (ULC) active as a non-configurable technology, ULC cards are issued without a SAM card; where it is not active, ULC cards will not be accepted.
SALTO 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Space configured for MIFARE Classic / Plus | Classic 1K / 4K or Plus 2K / 4K | Space documents SAM and issuing settings for these types. Confirm the licensed issuing function, selected technology and installer-approved card preparation. |
| Space configured for DESFire | Confirm DESFire version, capacity and setup | Space has separate DESFire issuing settings, including reserved memory and application configuration. A chip family name alone is insufficient. |
| Space with Ultralight C (ULC) active | MIFARE Ultralight C (ULC) | SALTO lists this as a non-configurable technology issued without a SAM card, but it must be active in the installation. It is not a universal post-update replacement. |
| KS / Homelok / another SALTO platform | Use the platform-specific credential specification | Confirm the approved credential and provisioning route with your SALTO provider. Do not apply the Space rows above automatically. |
Manufacturer references · checked 10 September 2026
- SALTO Space: MIFARE Classic / Plus issuing requirements
- SALTO Space: DESFire issuing requirements
- SALTO Space: Ultralight C and non-configurable keys
These references describe the manufacturer's system. They are separate from evidence for the Cardotel card offered in your quote.
Card options for your SALTO inquiry
- Custom printed cards assessed against the platform’s approved credential specification
- Material and thickness options for a sample test on the intended encoder and readers
- Separate guest and staff card artwork, with credential requirements confirmed for each
- Property-specific quantities and artwork versions recorded in the quote
Order planning
What determines your quote
Start with your quantity, destination and SALTO 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.
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.
SALTO key card questions
Can we order cards just by specifying SALTO XS4?
Add the platform name, encoder model and current credential specification. XS4 identifies a lock family; it does not establish the active issuing technology or the preparation required for a new card. Space, KS and Homelok enquiries need separate confirmation.
Should our Space property order Classic or DESFire cards?
Order against the configuration approved by your SALTO installer. Space documents distinct issuing settings for Classic/Plus and DESFire, and issuing functionality is licence-dependent. A chip change can require configuration work, so it should not be treated as a printing or price substitution.
Does SALTO Ultralight C (ULC) require a recent security update?
SALTO’s Space documentation lists Ultralight C (ULC) as a non-configurable technology that can be enabled under Active keys and issued without a SAM card. It does not tie that technology to a universal update date. Your installed system still needs to support and enable it; confirm with test samples before ordering ULC stock. Ultralight C (ULC) key card guide
Can Cardotel supply cards already programmed with our access rights?
Cardotel’s enquiry covers the physical card and printing specification. Any required credential preparation must be confirmed with your authorized SALTO provider, and hotel access rights must be issued through your approved system. Do not send SAM keys, passwords or live guest access data in the enquiry.
Can we change from PVC to wood or paper?
Request an assessment using the same approved credential specification. Confirm the proposed card’s thickness, antenna performance and use conditions, then test the finished sample with your encoder and all relevant readers. A matching chip alone does not validate a different card construction.
Plan your SALTO card order
Share your lock system, approximate quantity and destination. Unsure of the chip? Start with the system details you have.