September 14, 2026
Custom 125kHz RFID Proximity EM4200 ID Cards are designed for low-frequency access control, identification, attendance, parking, and other proximity applications. These contactless RFID cards provide a convenient way to identify users without requiring physical contact between the card and the reader.
Manufactured in standard PVC card dimensions, the cards can be customized with full-color artwork, numbering, barcodes, magnetic stripes, signature panels, and other personalization options. The EM4200 chip provides a simple and reliable solution for systems that use compatible 125kHz RFID technology.
Whether you need a small batch for a new access control project or millions of cards for an established identification program, customized 125kHz proximity cards can be produced according to your required chip, printing, encoding, material, and packaging specifications.
What Are 125kHz RFID Proximity Cards?
125kHz RFID proximity cards are low-frequency contactless identification cards that communicate with compatible RFID readers through radio frequency technology. Unlike contact cards, they do not require physical contact, insertion, or a battery.
When a card is placed within the operating range of a compatible reader, the reader detects the RFID chip and retrieves the identification information stored on the card. This makes proximity cards practical for frequent-use applications such as employee access, student identification, time attendance, and building entry.
The 125kHz frequency is widely associated with low-frequency proximity systems. However, compatibility depends on the actual RFID protocol, chip type, reader, and encoding format used by the system.
For this reason, the chip specification should always be confirmed before placing a production order.
The EM4200 is a a popular ISO card that operates on a frequency of 125KHz and can be read by a wide range of access control readers. The EM4200 cards offer a CMOS integrated circuit intended for use in electronic Read Only RF transponders. It is designed to replace directly the EM Microelectronic- Marin Read Only ICs EM4100/4102 and EM4005/4105.
Specifications
| Item: | 125khz RFID proximity em4200 id cards |
| Material: | PVC, PET, ABS |
| Surface: | glossy, matt, frosted |
| Size: | standard credit card size 85.5*54*0.84mm, or customized |
| Frequency: | 125khz/LF |
| Chip type: | -LF(125KHz), TK4100, EM4200,EM4305, T5577, HID etc -HF(13.56MHz), NXP NTAG213, 215, 216, Mifare 1k, Mifare 4K, Mifare Ultralight, Ultralight C, Icode SLI, Ti2048, mifare desfire, SRIX 2K, SRIX 4k, etc -UHF(860-960MHz), Ucode G2XM, G2XL, Alien H3, IMPINJ Monza, etc |
| Reading distance: | 3-10cm for LF&HF, 1m-10m for UHF depends on the reader and envirnment |
| Printing: | silk screen and CMYK full color printing, digital printing |
| Available crafts: | -CMYK full color & silk screen -signature panel -magnetic stripe: 300OE, 2750OE, 4000OE -barcode: 39,128, 13, etc -numbering: inkjet, Thermal printing, laser printing -encoding |
| Application: | Widely used in transportation, insurance, Telecom, hospital, school, supermarket, parking, access control, etc |
| Leadtime: | 7-9 working days |
| Package: | 200 pcs/box, 10 boxes/carton, 14 kg/carton |
| Shipping way: | by express, by air, by sea |
| Price term: | EXW, FOB, CIF, CNF |
| Payment: | by L/C, TT, western union, paypal, etc |
| Monthly capacity: | 8,000,000 pcs / month |
| Certificate: | ISO9001, SGS, ROHS, EN71 |
| Chip Options | |
| ISO14443A | MIFARE Classic® 1K, MIFARE Classic ® 4K |
| MIFARE® Mini | |
| MIFARE Ultralight ®, MIFARE Ultralight ® EV1, MIFARE Ultralight® C | |
| Ntag213 / Ntag215 / Ntag216 | |
| MIFARE ® DESFire ® EV1 (2K/4K/8K) | |
| MIFARE ® DESFire® EV2 (2K/4K/8K) | |
| MIFARE Plus® (2K/4K) | |
| Topaz 512 | |
| ISO15693 | ICODE SLI-X, ICODE SLI-S |
| 125KHZ | TK4100, EM4200,EM4305, T5577 |
| 860~960Mhz | Alien H3, Impinj M4/M5 |
Remark:
MIFARE and MIFARE Classic are trademarks of NXP B.V.
MIFARE DESFire are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.
MIFARE and MIFARE Plus are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.
MIFARE and MIFARE Ultralight are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. and are used under license.
EM4200 vs. Other 125kHz RFID Chips
Not every 125kHz RFID card uses the same chip or data format. EM4200, TK4100, and ATA5577 can serve different purposes, so selecting a card based only on the operating frequency is not recommended.
| Feature | EM4200 | TK4100 | ATA5577 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 125kHz | 125kHz | 125kHz |
| RFID Category | LF | LF | LF |
| Typical Use | Identification and access systems | ID and proximity applications | Configurable / writable LF applications |
| Data Characteristics | Fixed identification | Fixed identification | Read/write and configurable |
| Compatibility | Requires compatible EM4200/protocol support | Requires compatible TK/EM-compatible reader | Requires compatible T5577/ATA reader |
| Typical Advantage | Reliable identification | Cost-effective ID solution | Greater configuration flexibility |
Although two cards may both operate at 125kHz, they are not automatically interchangeable. The reader’s supported chip type and protocol should be checked before selecting a replacement card.
If your existing system uses a specific card, we recommend confirming the original chip and card format before production.
Why Choose 125kHz EM4200 ID Cards?
Contactless Identification
Users can present the card near a compatible RFID reader without inserting or swiping it. This reduces physical contact and makes the cards convenient for high-frequency access applications.
Simple RFID Technology
125kHz proximity technology is widely used in established identification systems. EM4200 cards can provide a practical solution when a project does not require the higher memory capacity or security features of more advanced RFID technologies.
Customizable Card Design
The card surface can be customized with company logos, employee information, colors, photographs, serial numbers, barcodes, and other visual elements.
Suitable for High-Volume Programs
For organizations requiring thousands or millions of cards, standardized PVC card production and automated personalization can support large-scale identification programs.
Multiple Material Options
PVC is a common choice for standard identification cards, while PET and ABS can be considered when a project requires different physical characteristics.
Custom RFID Card Printing Options
A customized proximity card can combine RFID functionality with professional visual identification. This makes the card useful not only as an access credential but also as an employee ID, membership card, student card, or facility badge.
Available customization options include:
| Customization | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Full-Color CMYK Printing | Company branding, photographs, graphics, and text |
| Digital Printing | Suitable for variable data and personalized designs |
| Screen Printing | Suitable for selected graphic effects and colors |
| Serial Number | Physical identification and inventory management |
| Barcode | Integration with barcode-based identification |
| Signature Panel | Manual signatures or additional user information |
| Magnetic Stripe | Additional data storage for compatible systems |
| Custom Artwork | Branding, logos, patterns, and security-related graphics |
| RFID Encoding | Programming card identification data when required |
Before mass production, artwork, card dimensions, chip type, encoding requirements, and sample approval should be confirmed.
PVC, PET, or ABS: Which Material Should You Choose?
The most appropriate card material depends on the physical requirements of the project.
| Material | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| PVC | Cost-effective and widely used for standard cards | Employee ID, access cards, membership cards |
| PET | Durable and suitable for applications requiring greater flexibility | Identification and specialized card projects |
| ABS | Strong and suitable for applications requiring enhanced physical durability | Industrial and demanding environments |
For standard office access control and identification projects, PVC is often a practical starting point. For specialized environments, the card material should be selected according to expected handling, temperature, bending, and installation conditions.
Card Size and Surface Finishes
The standard card format is approximately 85.5 × 54 × 0.84 mm, which is similar to the familiar CR80 card format.
This size makes the cards convenient to carry in wallets, card holders, ID badge holders, and access card systems.
Different surface finishes can be selected according to the desired appearance and printing requirements.
| Finish | Appearance | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | Smooth and reflective | High-impact graphics and photographs |
| Matte | Low-reflection surface | Professional employee or institutional cards |
| Frosted | Semi-transparent visual effect | Special designs and premium identification cards |
Reading Distance and RFID Performance
A typical reading distance for low-frequency proximity cards may be approximately 3–10 cm. However, this figure should be treated as a general reference rather than a guaranteed operating distance.
Actual performance depends on several factors, including:
- RFID reader model
- Reader antenna size and design
- Installation environment
- Card orientation
- Electromagnetic interference
- Distance between reader and surrounding metal
- RFID chip and card construction
For a new project, testing the card with the intended reader is recommended before placing a large production order.
If the card is intended to replace an existing credential, providing a sample card or reader specification can help confirm compatibility.
Common Applications
125kHz EM4200 proximity cards can be used across a variety of identification and access applications.
Access Control
Organizations can use proximity cards as credentials for doors, gates, restricted areas, and other controlled access points.
Employee Identification
Customized cards can combine RFID functionality with employee names, photographs, departments, job titles, and company branding.
Time and Attendance
Compatible RFID attendance terminals can use proximity cards to identify employees when they clock in or out.
Parking Systems
125kHz RFID cards can be used for user identification in compatible parking access systems.
Schools and Universities
Educational institutions can customize cards for students, teachers, staff, libraries, laboratories, and campus access.
Membership Programs
Gyms, clubs, organizations, and private facilities can use customized RFID cards for member identification and access.
Hotels and Facilities
Where supported by the existing RFID infrastructure, proximity cards can be used for facility access and user identification.
| Application | RFID Card Function |
|---|---|
| Office Access | Employee identification |
| Factory | Personnel access and identification |
| School | Student and staff identification |
| Parking | Vehicle/user access |
| Gym | Membership identification |
| Club | Member access |
| Attendance | Clock-in/clock-out identification |
| Facility Management | Controlled access |
EM4200 Card Compatibility: What Should You Check?
One of the most important considerations when ordering replacement RFID cards is compatibility.
A card operating at 125kHz is not necessarily compatible with every 125kHz RFID reader. The reader may require a particular chip, protocol, data format, or identification structure.
Before ordering, check the following:
- Chip type: Confirm whether the existing card uses EM4200, TK4100, or another chip.
- Frequency: Verify that the system operates at 125kHz.
- Reader compatibility: Check the reader manufacturer’s supported card types.
- Card number format: Confirm the required identification number or encoding format.
- Physical dimensions: Verify that the replacement card fits the existing holder or system.
- Printing requirements: Prepare the artwork and variable data requirements in advance.
For replacement-card projects, providing a sample of the existing card can significantly reduce compatibility risks.
Custom Encoding and Personalization
RFID encoding can be combined with visual personalization to create unique cards for individual users.
For example, an employee card may contain a unique RFID identification number while displaying the employee’s name, photograph, department, and company logo.
Variable data can also be matched with printed serial numbers or barcodes to simplify card issuance and inventory management.
For large projects, the customer should provide the required encoding format, numbering rules, and data structure before production begins.
Production and Quality Control
Large-scale RFID card production requires consistent control of card dimensions, printing quality, chip placement, encoding, and visual personalization.
A typical production process may include:
Artwork preparation → Material preparation → RFID inlay/chip integration → Card lamination → Printing → Encoding → Inspection → Packaging
Samples can be reviewed before mass production when required. This allows customers to verify the visual appearance, card dimensions, chip compatibility, and personalization information.
For high-volume orders, production planning should also consider variable data preparation and encoding requirements.
Packaging for Bulk RFID Card Orders
Bulk RFID cards can be packaged according to the customer’s logistics requirements. A common packaging configuration is approximately 200 cards per box, with multiple boxes packed into a shipping carton.
Custom packaging and labeling may also be considered for larger projects.
Clear packaging specifications can help simplify warehouse receiving, inventory management, and distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EM4200 RFID card?
An EM4200 RFID card is a low-frequency proximity identification card using an EM4200 chip. It operates at 125kHz and is designed for compatible RFID identification and access control systems.
Is EM4200 the same as 125kHz RFID?
No. 125kHz describes the operating frequency, while EM4200 identifies a particular RFID chip. Other 125kHz chips can use different data formats or operating characteristics.
Can EM4200 cards work with any 125kHz reader?
No. A 125kHz reader is not automatically compatible with every 125kHz card. The reader’s supported chip type and protocol should be confirmed.
Can these RFID cards be customized?
Yes. Customization can include full-color printing, logos, photographs, serial numbers, barcodes, signature panels, magnetic stripes, and other card features.
What is the standard size of the card?
The standard specification is approximately 85.5 × 54 × 0.84 mm, similar to a standard CR80 identification card.
What is the typical reading distance?
A typical reading distance may be around 3–10 cm, but the actual range depends on the RFID reader, antenna, installation environment, and card orientation.
Can I order cards with different chips?
Depending on the project, different 125kHz RFID chips such as EM4200, TK4100, or ATA5577 may be available. The required chip should be clearly specified when requesting a quotation.
Can you provide encoded RFID cards?
Encoding can be provided according to project requirements. Customers should supply the required numbering or encoding specifications before production.
How to Order Custom 125kHz RFID Cards
To request a quotation, provide as much of the following information as possible:
| Required Information | Example |
|---|---|
| Chip Type | EM4200 |
| Frequency | 125kHz |
| Quantity | 1,000 / 10,000 / 100,000+ |
| Card Material | PVC |
| Card Size | 85.5 × 54 mm |
| Thickness | 0.84 mm |
| Printing | Full-color CMYK |
| Surface | Glossy / Matte / Frosted |
| Encoding | Required / Not Required |
| Variable Data | Serial number, barcode, etc. |
| Packaging | Standard / Custom |
| Delivery Requirement | Specify destination and target date |
For replacement projects, it is especially useful to provide the existing card model, RFID reader model, or a sample card. This information helps confirm the appropriate chip and encoding requirements before mass production.
Why Work With a Custom RFID Card Manufacturer?
A reliable RFID card supplier should be able to support more than basic card printing. For B2B projects, customers may need assistance with chip selection, card construction, artwork preparation, encoding, quality control, packaging, and high-volume production.
With large-scale manufacturing capabilities, custom RFID cards can be produced for different industries and deployment environments while maintaining consistent specifications across production batches.
For projects requiring millions of cards, production capacity, quality consistency, encoding accuracy, and delivery planning become especially important.
Get a Quote for Custom EM4200 RFID Cards
If you are looking for custom 125kHz RFID proximity EM4200 ID cards, provide your required quantity, card design, material, printing specifications, and encoding requirements.
For replacement cards, include your existing card or RFID reader information whenever possible. This helps determine whether an EM4200 card is suitable for your system.
