By RFID MFG Editorial Team · Updated October 7, 2026
Planning a keycard order? Download the hotel keycard planning kit to collect your system details and sample checks.
The challenges
- Identifying the chip and encoding required by existing locks
- Keeping replacement cards compatible with the property’s issuing workflow
- Coordinating different lock systems, quantities and artwork across a hotel group
- Matching resort wristbands to access readers and any existing payment platform
- Selecting linen tags for the actual wash process and reading equipment
How RFID helps
For room access, share the lock brand and model, issuing software and encoder details, and the current card type if known. Our hotel keycard range includes RFID and magnetic-stripe formats; a brand name alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm chip and encoding requirements with a working sample before approving production.
Some systems issue credentials only through the lock vendor’s own encoder or software. In that case, request compatible blank stock for on-site issuance. Where pre-encoding is supported, agree the encoding specification and arrange any keys or card data through an agreed secure process under NDA, rather than through the public inquiry form.
NFC guest-service cards or labels can link to a hotel-owned information or booking page when read by a supported phone. Reading that link is not the same as unlocking a room with a phone. A mobile-key project needs separate confirmation from the property’s lock and credential-platform provider; this page does not promise mobile-key support.
Resort wristbands and linen tags also need their own checks. Confirm wristband chip and encoding against access readers and any existing cashless platform. For laundry tags, compare attachment method, wash and drying conditions, and the reader setup before testing on representative textiles. The credential or tag alone is not a complete access, payment or linen-management system.
Benefits
- A written configuration to use for the first order and repeat purchases
- Artwork and encoding approved against a physical sample
- Property-specific labels and quantities for group purchasing
- Separate decisions for room access, guest-service links and linen tracking
- Clear responsibilities for card supply, on-site issuance and system integration
Define the purchase and acceptance checks
| Hotel requirement | What the purchase covers | What to verify separately |
|---|---|---|
| Room access | Keycards or wristbands matched to an agreed specification | Lock model, issuing system, encoder and a working sample |
| Guest-service links | NFC card or label carrying the agreed URL | Supported phones, the destination page and a QR fallback; mobile key is a separate project |
| Linen tracking | Tags selected for textiles and the wash process | Attachment, process conditions, readers and the inventory software |
| Resort cashless use | Credentials selected for the existing platform | Platform support, encoding and transaction testing with the system provider |
These are procurement and acceptance checks, not measured performance results. RFID MFG is an independent credential manufacturer; lock-brand references do not imply affiliation or endorsement. Final compatibility is confirmed for the agreed configuration through sample testing.
Prepare a hotel procurement brief
A complete brief helps separate artwork, credential supply and system requirements. If the chip is unknown, send the lock and issuing-system details first; a working card can be arranged for identification.
| Purchasing scope | System information to prepare | Order information to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| One property | Lock brand/model; issuing software and encoder; current card or wristband type; whether credentials are issued on site | Product, quantity, artwork, delivery destination and required date; contact responsible for testing samples |
| Several properties | A separate row for each property’s lock, software, encoder and credential configuration; do not assume one sample covers every system | Quantity and delivery destination per property; shared versus local artwork; property or batch labels; a sample approver for each configuration |
Download a hotel keycard procurement brief
Use the Excel kit to record a lock and issuing setup, order requirements and sample review. Use a separate copy for each distinct configuration, or copy the shorter text checklist into your first inquiry. Unknown details can stay blank.
These files cover hotel keycards. Wristbands, linen tags and mobile keys need separate requirements and checks. Keep guest records and access keys out of the initial brief. Paste your summary into the keycard inquiry form; agree a file-sharing method after the reply.
Approve samples before the full order
- Confirm the configuration. Agree the card or wristband type, chip and encoding or blank-stock requirement. For linen tags, confirm the attachment and laundry conditions instead.
- Check the proof and samples. Review artwork, print, material and numbering. For cards issued on site, use the property’s normal encoder and software to issue the sample.
- Test the actual workflow. Have the authorized property team test issuance and the required doors or readers for each agreed configuration. Record the setup and results; re-test a revised sample if a check fails. For linen tags, test attachment and reading through a representative laundry process.
- Record approval and release the order. Approve the sample, artwork, configuration and quantities in writing. Keep property-specific orders identifiable, retain an approved reference sample and repeat the check when the lock system or credential specification changes.
Recommended products
Hotel Keycard
Compare RFID and magstripe options, encoding requirements and sample approval for your locks.
RFID Silicone Wristband
Choose a resort credential, then confirm the chip, encoding and fit with your access or cashless provider.
RFID Laundry Tag
Compare tag specifications with your textiles, attachment method, laundry process and readers.
Questions before ordering
Which lock systems do your hotel keycards support?
The hotel keycard range covers MIFARE, T5577 and magnetic-stripe configurations. ADEL, Salto, Hune, Beteck, Be-Tech and Ving are examples of platforms commonly matched, not a guarantee for every model. Share the exact lock and issuing system, then test an approved sample in the actual door before bulk production.
Are you approved or endorsed by the lock brands?
RFID MFG is an independent card manufacturer with no affiliation to the lock vendors. Brand names identify possible configurations; they do not replace sample testing.
Do you supply encoded cards or blanks for the hotel to issue?
That depends on the system. Where a platform requires its own encoder or software, request compatible blank stock for on-site issuance. Agree any supported pre-encoding separately; keys and card data are handled under NDA.
Can an NFC guest-service card replace a room key on a phone?
No such compatibility is implied. A phone reading an NFC link to guest information does not make it a room key. Mobile-key support must be confirmed separately with the property’s lock and credential-platform provider, including its supported phones and issuing workflow.
Can a hotel group use one card specification at every property?
Only after each required configuration has been confirmed. List the lock, issuing software, encoder and credential requirements per property, and approve samples for each distinct setup before combining the order.
How should we select and test linen tags?
Share the textile, attachment method, wash and drying conditions, and reader setup. Compare the current laundry-tag specifications and test samples through the intended process before approving the full order.