Mifare

MIFARE key fobs and cards are contactless access control credentials running on 13.56 MHz RFID, used for door entry, cashless payment, secure areas and time and attendance. The options here all carry a 1K MIFARE chip, so the decision comes down to format.

The MIFARE Bamboo 1k Chip Fobs (part 336-3109-BM) clip straight onto a keyring, which suits high-turnover, hard-wearing use where a card would get in the way. Fobs tend to suit staff and contractors who want something rugged. The HID FLEXSMART MIFARE Classic EV1 1K cards (part 21-1009-1430-HW) come in CR80 format at 85.6 x 54mm, the standard credit card size. They are supplied in packs of 100 for issuing in volume. Those cards are programmed to Honeywell N10002 format, so a site already running that format can slot them in as replacements. A CR80 card also gives you a printable surface, so it is the one to pick when the same credential has to carry a photo, a name or a visible logo.

MIFARE credentials only work with readers built for the same chip technology, so a MIFARE fob will not work on a reader made for a different one. We will confirm compatibility with your specific reader and system before anything leaves the shelf. If you are unsure which chip type or format your existing readers are set up for, send us the reader details or a sample card and the Plastic ID team will check it against your setup and point you to the right option.