Difference Between RFID Key Card and Magnetic Key Card

Door locking and security systems are an essential part of the hotel industry. A good door lock ensures that the guests enjoy their stay at the hotel without the fear of privacy invasion. To improve the security and locking system, hotels have moved towards the latest technology instead of opting for the traditional manual door locks.

Two of the most popular technologically advanced door locking systems are magnetic key card and RFID key card. Using a key card means that you no longer need a key to open the door lock manually with the help of a key. These cards are programmed in such a way that they only open the lock of a specific door, just like a key.

Magnetic and RFID cards may look similar, but they differ in terms of operation. They work on different principles and offer different features as well. Let’s see how each of these cars work and what really sets them apart.

How Does an RFID Key Card Work?

RFID card, as the name suggests, work on the principle of Radio Frequency Identification. They offer a contactless system of unlocking doors, which means you don’t need to swipe the card on a reader. Instead, all you need to do is bring the RFID card in close proximity of its reader. A tiny chip is present in the RFID key card which stores the information such as the room number and its unlocking code, which is transmitted to the reader via RF waves. Upon receiving the information, the reader processes it and unlocks the door if it receives the right information.

RFID cards are more secure and durable as compared to magnetic key cards because they do not get affected by their environment and offer a secure place to store the information where hackers cannot reach.

How Does a Magnetic Key Card Work?

A magnetic key card uses a magnetic strip which you may have seen on different cards. The magnetic strip stores information and needs a magnetic reader to access the information. You need to swipe the key card on the reader so that the information is transferred to the reader and the door is unlocked.

A disadvantage of magnetic key cards is that the information inside them can be erased in case the card is exposed to a place where a stray magnetic field is present. This compromises the security of information and makes the RFID card a better choice in terms of security. Moreover, if we compare the storage capacity of both types of cards, RFID key cards can retain more information as compared to magnetic key cards.

In case security and storage is not your concern, then the magnetic key card is a great option to go for.

Which One Should You Choose?

Certain factors need to be considered when choosing between the two types of key cards. If you own a hotel and need door lock options, then here are the facts which you need to consider before the decision made.

Who Is Your Audience?

If you are catering to an audience who expect you to provide them with high security and protocol, then RFID is the best choice because it will keep the key card access away from hackers. However, if security is not a huge concern, then you can opt for magnetic key cards.

What Is Your Budget?

You should know that magnetic key cards cost much less than RFID key cards. In case you are low on budget right now, then you should opt for magnetic key cards. However, if you have enough budget that will allow you to leave a good impression on your customers, then you should opt for RFID key cards.