Lock Compatibility · ASSA ABLOY
Tesa-Compatible Hotel Key Cards
Tesa installations range from long-serving magstripe locks to RFID lines and newer ASSA ABLOY platforms. Start with the credential your property issues today, then confirm it with test samples in your own locks.
At a glance · indicative, updated September 2026
Indicative prices for Tesa 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 |
| MIFARE DESFire EV2/EV3, PVC | $1.02 – $1.25 |
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.
Tesa, part of ASSA ABLOY, has a large installed base in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American hospitality. The estate spans legacy magstripe locks, Tesa RFID hotel lines and, at newer properties, deployments managed under ASSA ABLOY’s current hospitality platforms.
Legacy Tesa swipe locks read LoCo magstripe cards. Tesa RFID generations are commonly paired with MIFARE Classic 1K, with Ultralight C appearing in certain lines and periods, a similar pattern to the VingCard family. These are reference pairings, not a specification: confirm the installed lock model and current card with your installer, then test samples in your own locks before custom printing.
Which chip does Tesa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Tesa magstripe lines | LoCo magstripe (300 Oe) as a reference | Confirm coercivity, stripe position and track layout from the current stock or installer before reordering. |
| Tesa RFID hotel lines | MIFARE Classic 1K commonly used | The common reference pairing for Tesa RFID installations; confirm with test samples in your own locks. |
| Certain RFID lines or periods | MIFARE Ultralight C | Line-specific; confirm the installed credential and any required preparation before selecting stock. |
| Newer ASSA ABLOY-platform deployments | MIFARE DESFire family, confirm per site | Security-focused configurations; the platform, software and credential preparation must be confirmed for that property. |
What we supply for Tesa properties
- Custom printed MIFARE Classic 1K or Ultralight C cards against a confirmed credential specification
- LoCo magstripe cards for legacy Tesa floors, to a confirmed stripe specification
- Hybrid chip + magstripe cards for estates mid-upgrade, subject to site testing
- Spanish- and Portuguese-language artwork in the same enquiry
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.
Tesa key card questions
Which chip do Tesa RFID hotel locks read?
MIFARE Classic 1K is the common reference pairing for Tesa RFID installations; some lines issue Ultralight C, and newer ASSA ABLOY-platform sites may use DESFire. Generation and configuration matter, so confirm the installed credential with your installer and test samples in your own locks before production.
Do you supply cards for old Tesa magstripe locks?
LoCo magstripe cards for legacy Tesa swipe locks can be printed to your artwork, and hybrid chip + magstripe versions can be discussed for staged upgrades. Confirm the stripe specification from a current card and test a sample on your encoder before approving the run.
Is Tesa the same system as VingCard?
Both sit under ASSA ABLOY but remain distinct lock families with their own generations and credentials. Keep a separate specification for each; see the VingCard page for that family.
How do we start if we only know the brand?
Record the lock and encoder model labels and ask your installer for the current credential specification. Share those non-sensitive details through the inquiry form or WhatsApp; sample availability, charges and timing are confirmed 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.