November 5, 2026
The RFID technology used most frequently world wide comes from NXP Semiconductors and is named MIFARE Classic EV1. By now the MIFARE family consists of many different chip generations and variations, which differ in memory size and performance. Overall more than 5 milliard MIFARE Classic cards and more than 50 million card readers have been sold all around the world!
Solutions based on MIFARE Classic technology occur mostly in the area of personal ID-applications. From multifunctional employee or visitor badges (f.e.: access control, time tracking, cashless payment) to ticketing applications like season tickets and student cards at universities: MIFARE Classic RFID cards are tested and reliable!
Typical applications with MIFARE Classic EV1 (Selection):
- Public transportation
- Access control / Time tracking
- Season ticket / Annual tickets / Ticketing
- Car parks
- Student cards
- Internet cafés
- Costumer cards / Bonus cards
- eGovernment
- Employee cards
Standard size: 85.5*54*0.86 mm
RFID chip for hotel key card: NXP MIFARE Classic® 1K, NXP MIFARE Classic® 4K,NXP MIFARE Ultralight® EV1 etc
Chip Specifications
Packing & Delivery
Normal package :
200pcs rfid cards into white box .
5 boxes /10boxes /15boxes into one carton.
Customized Package based on your request.
For example below package picture:
4 KB Memory for More Data
One of the main advantages of the MIFARE Classic 4K card is its larger memory capacity.
The MIFARE Classic 4K memory architecture contains 40 sectors. The first 32 sectors contain four blocks each, while sectors 32 through 39 contain sixteen blocks each. Each block contains 16 bytes.
This structure provides more available data storage than the MIFARE Classic 1K configuration and allows application developers to organize additional records or data fields on a single card.
The actual usable memory depends on the application because some memory blocks are reserved for sector trailers, keys, access conditions, and other system functions.
For applications that only need a card identifier and a small amount of application data, 1K may be sufficient. When additional memory is useful, the 4K version can provide greater flexibility.
MIFARE Classic 4K vs. MIFARE Classic 1K
The most common comparison is between MIFARE Classic 4K and MIFARE Classic 1K cards. Both belong to the MIFARE Classic family and use the same general 13.56 MHz contactless technology, but their memory structures are different.
| Feature | MIFARE Classic 1K | MIFARE Classic 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 1 KB | 4 KB |
| Sectors | 16 | 40 |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz |
| Interface | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A |
| Contactless | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Use | Basic access and identification | Access, ticketing and applications requiring more data |
| Memory Flexibility | Standard | Higher |
| Card Size | CR80 | CR80 |
| Best For | Simpler applications | Applications with larger data requirements |
Choosing between 1K and 4K should be based on the requirements of the existing RFID system rather than memory capacity alone. A 4K card is not automatically compatible with every system that accepts a MIFARE Classic 1K card.
MIFARE Classic 4K vs. MIFARE DESFire
MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire are both widely recognized contactless card technologies, but they target different system requirements.
MIFARE Classic is often selected for established systems that already use Classic-compatible readers and software. MIFARE DESFire products are generally more appropriate for newer systems requiring stronger modern security features and more advanced application management.
| Feature | MIFARE Classic 4K | MIFARE DESFire |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Contactless smart card | Contactless smart card |
| Frequency | 13.56 MHz | 13.56 MHz |
| Memory | 4 KB | Available in multiple memory configurations |
| Application Structure | Sector-based | Application-based |
| Security | Legacy MIFARE Classic security | More advanced security options |
| Typical Use | Existing Classic systems | Newer secure applications |
| Migration | Suitable for Classic infrastructure | Suitable for modern system designs |
For a new security-sensitive project, the card technology should be selected together with the reader, controller, software, encryption architecture, and system security requirements. MIFARE Classic should not be considered equivalent to modern high-security smart card technologies.
RFID Card for Access Control
MIFARE Classic 4K cards are commonly used as contactless credentials for compatible access control systems.
A card can be assigned to an employee, student, resident, visitor, or authorized user. When the card is presented to an RFID reader, the system can authenticate the card and process the relevant credential information.
Typical access control applications include:
- Office doors
- Residential buildings
- Universities and schools
- Hotels
- Factories
- Warehouses
- Fitness centers
- Parking facilities
- Restricted areas
The access control card itself is only one part of an access control system. Reader compatibility, card keys, access conditions, controller configuration, and software integration must also be considered.
RFID Card for Time Attendance
MIFARE Classic 4K cards can also be used in compatible time attendance systems.
Employees can present their cards to an RFID reader when they arrive, leave, or move between designated areas. The system can associate the card credential with an employee account and record the corresponding event.
For large organizations, customized printing can help identify cards visually. Employee names, ID numbers, departments, photographs, logos, and other information can be printed on the card surface according to the project’s requirements.
RFID Membership and Loyalty Cards
The MIFARE Classic 4K card can be used as a membership or identification card when the existing system supports MIFARE Classic technology.
Examples include:
- Gym membership cards
- Club membership cards
- Library cards
- Customer loyalty cards
- Student identification cards
- Employee identification cards
- Visitor cards
The larger memory configuration can provide additional space for structured application data compared with a MIFARE Classic 1K card. However, application data should be stored according to the security and architecture requirements of the customer’s system.
RFID Ticketing and Transportation Applications
Contactless RFID cards are widely used for ticketing and transportation-related identification.
A MIFARE Classic 4K card can be considered for compatible applications such as:
- Transit passes
- Event tickets
- Season passes
- Campus transportation
- Parking cards
- Visitor passes
The suitability of MIFARE Classic 4K depends on the ticketing system’s existing card technology and security requirements. For transportation or payment-related projects, the system operator should confirm the required chip technology and security architecture before ordering cards.
Custom Printed MIFARE Classic 4K Cards
In addition to supplying blank RFID cards, custom printing can turn the card into a branded identification credential.
Common customization options include:
- Full-color logo printing
- Company or organization branding
- Employee photographs
- Student photographs
- Cardholder names
- Serial numbers
- QR codes or barcodes
- Custom backgrounds
- Signature panels
- Sequential numbering
Artwork can be prepared according to the card manufacturer’s printing specifications. For repeat projects, keeping the artwork and card configuration consistent can help simplify future reorders.
RFID Card Encoding and Personalization
For projects requiring pre-programmed cards, encoding and personalization services may be available.
Depending on the project, personalization may include card numbering, data encoding, UID-related identification, or application-specific data preparation.
Because RFID systems use different data structures and authentication configurations, customers should provide the required card format and encoding specification before production.
A typical project specification may include:
- Chip type
- Card dimensions
- Required memory configuration
- UID requirements
- Data encoding requirements
- Printing artwork
- Card numbering format
- Quantity
- Packaging requirements
This information helps reduce compatibility issues during deployment.
Standard Card Size and Construction
The MIFARE Classic 4K chip can be embedded into a standard ISO-size plastic card.
A typical CR80 card measures approximately 85.60 × 53.98 mm, making it similar in size to a standard bank card. Card thickness can vary according to the selected construction and manufacturing requirements.
PVC is commonly used for standard RFID cards because it supports conventional card printing and is suitable for many identification applications.
For projects requiring additional durability or special environmental resistance, alternative card materials and constructions may be considered.
Why Choose a MIFARE Classic 4K Card?
The MIFARE Classic 4K is particularly useful when an existing system already requires MIFARE Classic technology and needs more memory than the 1K version provides.
Key benefits include:
Larger Memory Capacity
The 4K configuration provides substantially more memory than the 1K version, giving application designers additional space for structured data.
Established RFID Technology
MIFARE Classic technology has been widely adopted in identification and contactless applications, making compatible cards readily available for many existing systems.
Standard Card Format
The CR80 format works well with common card printers, wallets, card holders, and identification systems.
Customization Options
Cards can be customized with printed graphics, numbering, logos, photographs, and other personalization features.
Bulk Production
MIFARE Classic 4K cards can be manufactured in large quantities for enterprise, education, hospitality, transportation, membership, and access control projects.
MIFARE Classic 4K Card Applications
The card can be used in a variety of compatible RFID systems.
| Application | Typical Function |
|---|---|
| Access Control | Door and area access credential |
| Time Attendance | Employee clock-in and clock-out |
| Student ID | Identification and campus services |
| Employee ID | Workplace identification |
| Hotel | Guest access where compatible |
| Membership | Member identification |
| Library | User identification and lending systems |
| Parking | Parking identification and access |
| Ticketing | Event or pass identification |
| Transportation | Compatible transit applications |
| Loyalty Programs | Customer identification |
| Visitor Management | Temporary visitor credentials |
The actual application depends on the reader and software system. Card technology should always be matched to the customer’s infrastructure.
How to Select the Right MIFARE Card
Before placing an order, we recommend checking five key points.
1. Confirm the chip.
Determine whether your reader requires MIFARE Classic 1K, MIFARE Classic 4K, or another MIFARE technology.
2. Check the reader compatibility.
Confirm that the RFID reader supports the selected card type and memory structure.
3. Define the UID requirement.
If the system uses the card UID as an identifier, confirm the required UID configuration before production.
4. Confirm encoding requirements.
Provide the required memory sectors, keys, access conditions, and application data specifications where applicable.
5. Confirm card construction.
Choose the card material, thickness, printing method, surface finish, and packaging according to the intended environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency does a MIFARE Classic 4K card use?
MIFARE Classic 4K cards operate at 13.56 MHz and use contactless communication based on ISO/IEC 14443 Type A.
How much memory does a MIFARE Classic 4K card have?
The MIFARE Classic 4K configuration contains 4 KB of EEPROM memory. Its memory is organized into 40 sectors with different block structures.
What is the difference between MIFARE Classic 1K and 4K?
The primary difference is memory capacity and sector organization. MIFARE Classic 1K provides 1 KB of memory across 16 sectors, while MIFARE Classic 4K provides 4 KB across 40 sectors.
Can MIFARE Classic 4K cards be customized?
Yes. Depending on the production requirements, cards can be customized with logos, photographs, text, serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, and other printed elements.
Can you encode MIFARE Classic 4K cards before shipping?
Pre-encoding or personalization may be available depending on the project. Customers should provide the exact chip configuration and data requirements before production.
Is MIFARE Classic 4K compatible with every 13.56 MHz RFID reader?
No. A 13.56 MHz operating frequency alone does not guarantee compatibility. The reader must support the relevant card technology, communication protocol, and application configuration.
Is MIFARE Classic 4K suitable for new secure applications?
It depends on the application. MIFARE Classic is a legacy technology with security characteristics that differ from newer MIFARE products. For applications requiring modern security features, the system designer should evaluate newer technologies such as MIFARE DESFire.
Can I use MIFARE Classic 4K instead of MIFARE Classic 1K?
Not necessarily. Even though both cards belong to the MIFARE Classic family, the application must support the 4K memory structure. Reader and software compatibility should be tested before switching card types.
Ordering MIFARE Classic 4K RFID Cards
For a quotation or sample request, please provide the following information:
- Required quantity
- Chip type
- Card size and thickness
- Card material
- Printing requirements
- UID requirements
- Encoding requirements
- Packaging requirements
- Delivery destination
For customized projects, supplying the reader model or system specification can also help confirm card compatibility before mass production.
Whether you need blank MIFARE Classic 4K cards, custom printed RFID cards, numbered cards, or pre-personalized cards, the production specification can be adjusted to meet the requirements of your RFID project.
MIFARE Classic 4K Card Manufacturer and Supplier
Choosing the right RFID card supplier is important for maintaining consistent chip configuration, printing quality, card dimensions, and encoding across repeat orders.
A professional RFID card supplier should be able to support the complete process from card specification and artwork preparation to production, personalization, quality inspection, and packaging.
If you are purchasing MIFARE Classic 4K cards for an existing access control, attendance, membership, ticketing, or identification system, provide your required chip configuration and application details before production. This allows the card specification to be checked against the intended system and helps minimize compatibility problems.
