13.56mhz Custom PVC RFID NFC contactless Access Control Card

Contactless Mifare Cards

Contactless Mifare cards are proximity cards (these do not touch). These communicate with and are powered by the reader through RF induction. RFID Mifare cards, radio frequency integrated circuit RFID cards, and MIFARE cards are all contactless cards.

The MIFARE name is derived from the term Mikron FARE Collection system, which is the trademark of NXP Semiconductors. These employ an RFID between the card and the reader and so do not require insertion of the card. Instead, the card is passed along the exterior of the reader and the read.

A contactless smart chip-based device includes an embedded secure microcontroller or equivalent intelligence, internal memory, and a small antenna, and communicates with a reader through a contactless RF interface. The contactless interface provides users with the convenience of allowing the contactless device to be read at short distances with the fast transfer of data. A MIFARE card has a much larger memory than an RFID card and is widely used in hotels as payment cards and for identification purposes.

MIFARE family available for smartcard solutions are MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Plus, MIFARE DESire, and MIFARE Ultralight. These offer more than 40 different applications, some of which are limited-use tickets in public transport (single and multiple trip tickets, tourist weekend passes), event ticketing (stadiums, exhibitions, amusement parks), loyalty and closed-loop payment schemes, access management, employee cards, school cards, citizen cards and for car parking.

In brief, MIFARE technology, a trademark of NXP Semiconductors, is used for contactless smartcards and is RF-enabled. Whereas, RFID is also RF-enabled but is used for identification purposes.

13.56MHz RFID NFC Card

Our 13.56MHz custom PVC RFID NFC contactless access Control Card are designed for hotels, offices, schools, membership programs, events, transportation, parking, and other identification applications. Built with a standard PVC card format, these contactless cards can be customized with different high-frequency RFID or NFC chips to match specific access control and smart card systems.

The cards communicate with compatible readers through short-range radio frequency technology, so users do not need to insert the card into a reader. Simply placing or tapping the card near the reader allows the system to identify the card and perform the programmed function.

We offer multiple chip options, including NTAG, MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Plus, MIFARE DESFire, and ICODE products. Chip selection depends on the required memory, security level, communication protocol, application, and compatibility with the existing RFID system.

Standard size: 85.5*54*0.86 mm

Available RFID and NFC Chip Options

Frequently used RFID chip for hotel key card: NXP MIFARE Classic® 1K (for guest) NXP MIFARE Classic® 4K (for staff) NXP MIFARE Ultralight® EV1, etc 

Normal package

200pcs rfid cards  into white box .

5 boxes /10boxes /15boxes into one carton.

Custom RFID Cards for Different Applications

A contactless RFID card is more than a printed plastic card. The embedded RFID IC and antenna determine how the card communicates with the reader and what type of application it can support.

For this reason, the card should be specified according to the actual access control or identification system rather than selected only by frequency.

For example, an existing hotel door lock may require a particular MIFARE card configuration, while a new NFC marketing application may only require an NTAG chip. Higher-security access control systems may require a DESFire product instead of a traditional MIFARE Classic card.

Hotel Key Cards

13.56MHz MIFARE cards are widely used in hotel access systems. A card can be issued to a guest for room access or configured for staff access according to the hotel management system.

MIFARE Classic 1K and MIFARE Classic 4K are among the chip options commonly associated with traditional access control applications. However, compatibility depends on the specific lock, encoder, card structure, keys, and software used by the hotel system.

For replacement cards, we recommend confirming the existing chip type and system requirements before production.

Employee and Office Access Cards

RFID access cards can be used for employee identification and door access in offices, factories, campuses, warehouses, and commercial buildings.

The card can be printed with an employee name, photograph, company logo, employee number, or other visual identification information. The RFID chip stores or provides the electronic identity used by the access control system.

Membership and Identification Cards

Custom PVC RFID cards can combine visual branding with contactless identification. They can be used for membership programs, clubs, schools, libraries, visitor management, and loyalty applications.

Depending on the selected chip, the card can provide different memory capacities and security functions.

MIFARE Classic vs. NTAG vs. DESFire

Different RFID chips are designed for different purposes. Choosing the right chip is important for compatibility, security, and overall system performance.

This comparison is intended as a general selection guide. The best chip depends on the reader, card encoder, software, security requirements, and existing system architecture.

How a Contactless RFID Card Works

A contactless RFID card contains an RFID integrated circuit and antenna embedded inside the PVC body. Unlike a magnetic stripe or contact smart card, it does not need a physical electrical connection to the reader.

When the card enters the reader’s RF field, the antenna receives energy from the electromagnetic field. The chip uses this energy to operate and communicates with the reader through the supported contactless protocol.

The general process is:

1. The card enters the reader’s operating field.
2. The reader detects the RFID chip.
3. The card and reader establish communication.
4. The system identifies or authenticates the card.
5. The access control or application system performs the programmed action.

For an access control application, the final decision to unlock a door is made by the access control system. The RFID card itself does not automatically grant access simply because it operates at 13.56MHz.

PVC RFID Card Construction

The standard card uses a PVC body with an embedded RFID inlay. The antenna and IC are laminated inside the card to provide a durable contactless card format.

The standard size is approximately 85.5 × 54 × 0.86 mm, making the card similar in dimensions to commonly used identification and payment cards.

The PVC surface provides an area for customized printing, including company logos, hotel branding, employee information, membership graphics, QR codes, serial numbers, and other visual elements.

Custom Printing and Branding

Custom printing allows RFID cards to function as both an identification product and a branded physical card.

Depending on the application, artwork can include:

• Company or hotel logo
• Brand colors
• Employee photo
• Employee or member name
• Card number
• QR code
• Barcode
• Website or contact information
• Department or access level
• Custom background graphics

For bulk production, customers can provide their artwork for review before manufacturing. Production details should be confirmed according to the selected printing method, artwork requirements, and chip configuration.

RFID Card Comparison by Application

The right RFID card depends primarily on the intended application.

This table should be used as a starting point rather than a substitute for system verification.

13.56MHz RFID Card Compatibility

Frequency alone does not determine whether an RFID card will work with a particular reader.

A 13.56MHz reader may support one or more contactless standards, while a card may use a specific IC family and communication protocol. The reader, card, encoder, software, and access control system must be compatible.

Before ordering replacement cards, check:

• Existing card chip model
• Operating frequency
• Communication protocol
• Card memory structure
• UID requirements
• Security and authentication requirements
• Encryption or key configuration
• Reader and encoder model
• Access control software
• Required card format

If the card is intended to replace an existing hotel or access control card, providing a sample card or the original chip information can help determine the appropriate replacement specification.

Why Choose Custom PVC RFID Cards?

Custom PVC RFID cards provide several advantages for organizations that need both electronic identification and professional visual branding.

Contactless Operation

Users can present the card to a compatible reader without inserting it into a slot. This makes contactless cards convenient for frequently used access systems.

Multiple Chip Choices

Different chip families can be integrated into the same standard PVC card format. This allows the card to be matched to different applications and system requirements.

Professional Branding

The PVC surface provides space for full-color artwork, logos, photographs, serial numbers, and other identification elements.

Durable Card Format

The embedded RFID components are protected inside the PVC card structure. This makes the card suitable for everyday handling in hotels, offices, schools, events, and membership programs.

Scalable Production

RFID cards can be produced for small projects or larger institutional programs, depending on the required quantity and customization.

RFID Card vs. Traditional Magnetic Stripe Card

For modern contactless access applications, RFID cards can provide a more convenient user experience than traditional swipe cards.

Hotel RFID Key Card Selection Guide

Hotels should select a card based on their existing door lock and card issuing system rather than choosing a chip solely by memory size.

For a replacement project, the following information is useful:

Existing card: chip model, card type, and sample card

Door lock: manufacturer and lock model

Card encoder: model and supported chip types

Software: hotel management or key card issuing software

Application: guest room access, staff access, parking, elevator, or other functions

For new hotel projects, the required security level and future system architecture should be considered before selecting the chip.

NFC and RFID: What Is the Difference?

RFID is a broad technology category used for wireless identification and data communication. NFC is a short-range communication technology based on compatible contactless technologies and is commonly associated with 13.56MHz devices.

Not every 13.56MHz RFID card should automatically be described as an NFC card. Actual NFC compatibility depends on the chip, protocol, reader, mobile device, and application.

For this reason, customers should specify the intended NFC function, such as URL sharing, data storage, authentication, or mobile interaction, when requesting an NFC card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 13.56MHz RFID card?

A 13.56MHz RFID card is a contactless smart card that communicates with compatible readers using radio frequency technology. The card normally contains an integrated circuit and antenna embedded inside the card body.

Can these cards be used as hotel key cards?

Yes, selected MIFARE-compatible versions can be used for hotel access applications when they are compatible with the hotel’s door lock and card issuing system. Existing systems should be checked before ordering replacement cards.

Are all 13.56MHz cards compatible with the same reader?

No. Operating frequency alone does not guarantee compatibility. The card IC, communication protocol, security configuration, memory structure, and reader system must also be compatible.

Can I customize the card with my logo?

Yes. The PVC card surface can be customized with branding, graphics, text, photographs, QR codes, serial numbers, and other artwork according to the production requirements.

Can I choose the RFID chip?

Yes. Different chip options are available, including NTAG, MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE Plus, MIFARE DESFire, and ICODE products.

Can RFID cards be read by smartphones?

Some NFC-compatible cards can be detected or read by NFC-enabled smartphones. However, the information that can be accessed depends on the chip, application, security configuration, and smartphone support.

What is the standard card size?

The standard card size is approximately 85.5 × 54 × 0.86 mm.

How are the cards packaged?

The standard packaging is 200 RFID cards per white box. Multiple boxes can be packed into one carton, with common configurations including 5, 10, or 15 boxes per carton.

Can you supply samples before bulk production?

Sample availability depends on the selected chip, customization requirements, and project specifications. Contact us with your required chip and application for sample options.

Ordering Information

To receive an accurate quotation for custom 13.56MHz RFID NFC cards, please provide as much of the following information as possible:

For replacement cards, a sample card, chip model, or reader information is particularly helpful. This allows the card specification to be evaluated before mass production.

Custom 13.56MHz RFID Cards for Your Project

Whether you need hotel key cards, employee access cards, NFC cards, membership cards, event cards, or custom identification cards, the correct RFID chip is the foundation of a reliable solution.

Our custom PVC RFID cards combine a standard card format with a range of 13.56MHz contactless IC options. You can customize the card design, branding, chip type, and application requirements according to your project.

Contact us with your application, required chip, quantity, card artwork, and existing reader or access control information. Our team can help you identify a suitable RFID card specification for your project.