Have you used a card to enter your office or unlock your car? Have you used a card to mark your attendance? If your answer is yes, then it is very likely that you used an RFID card. These cards make life easier and help people share information or access secured areas by not having to physically insert their card in a machine.
RFID cards find their usage in a variety of places like offices, hotels, schools, hospitals, warehouses, etc. They help businesses save time and efficiently manage access and track their inventory.
This guide explains how an RFID card works, the different types of RFID cards, their advantages, and some common applications. We also explain how RFID cards compare to NFC products, and the solutions provided by Tapect.
What Is an RFID Card?
An RFID card is a type of card, typically made of plastic or a smart card, that has a chip and an antenna. It communicates via radio waves with a reader. Thus it’s called an RFID card. The card stores information which is sent to the reader via the antenna.
Traditional cards, that is cards with no chip, need to be swiped or inserted in a machine. RFID cards, on the other hand, need not be physically inserted in a machine to be read. These cards can be read when brought near a machine. Some of these cards can even be read from a distance.
RFID cards can be used for:
– Office entry and ID
– School/college attendance
– Hotel access
– Public transportation
– Inventory control
– Memberships and ID
For example, when an employee uses their access card to tap on a reader, the system checks the card details and grants access.
How Does an RFID Card Work?
It’s a fairly simple process. There is a radio communication between the card and the reader.
The process is as follows:
1. The Reader Sends a Signal
The RFID reader produces an active field and uses it to communicate with cards that are within range.
2. The Card Responds
Upon receiving the signal, the antenna of the card responds. An active card uses its own power source and a passive card uses the power of the reader to power the chip.
3. Information Is Transmitted
The ID data is sent to the reader. This may include a card number or other identifiers.
4. The System Checks the Details
The system checks the ID data. If the card is permitted, the system may unlock a door, take attendance or perform other functions.
Using RFID cards does not ensure secure access. It depends on the technology of the card used, the kind of reader used, the system and how access is authenticated.
Different Types of RFID Cards
Different types of RFID cards have been designed for different use cases and distances.
1. Low-Frequency RFID Cards
As the name suggests, low-frequency cards operate at frequencies of 125-134.2 kHz. They are used to create basic access control and animal ID systems.
They are used in:
-Employee entrance systems
-Basic door access
-ID systems
Low-frequency cards are used to create systems with short-range access control.
2. High-Frequency RFID Cards
High-frequency cards operate at 13.56 MHz. They are used in contactless ID systems, tickets, and some payment systems.
Many NFC products also use 13.56 MHz. However, they are not exactly the same as RFID.
3. Ultra-High-Frequency RFID Cards
Ultra high-frequency RFID cards operate in frequency bands that are different in different regions, typically in the range of 860-960 MHz. They are used to identify or track a large number of items in a large distance.
They are widely used in:
-Warehouse management systems (WMS)
-Logistics and supply chain management
-Asset management
-Product tracking
4. Active RFID Cards
Active RFID cards have a built-in battery to send signals over a long distance. Because of the battery, they are bulky and large.
They are used to track valuable and large equipment such as vehicles. However, they are expensive to maintain.
5. Passive RFID Cards
Passive RFID cards do not have a battery. They use the energy of the reader to communicate. Because they have no battery, they are small in size and light weight.
They are widely used in ID cards and access cards because they are small in size and require less maintenance.
Key Benefits of RFID Cards
Managers can increase productivity and simplify certain tasks for employees by incorporating RFID technology within the business.
Faster Access and Identification
Employees can access cards to be scanned or tapped, eliminating the need for manual data entry. This also can help reduce lines at access points.
Less Manual Work
An RFID system can automate the process of capturing an employee’s time of arrival and departure and identify and update records associated with the employee.
Convenient Daily Use
Because an RFID card is small, it can be easily carried in a pocket or card holder. An added benefit of the system can be that a user is not required to physically contact a machine in order to gain access or utilize the system.
Better Asset Tracking
An RFID system can be used to identify and locate assets or items, and automate processes that are otherwise cumbersome for an employee.
Flexible Applications
The RFID system can be tailored to specific purposes and applications.
Common Uses of RFID Cards
The uses of RFID technology are widespread.
Offices and Workplaces
From managing employee entry to work identification and attendance, the same cards can be used for multiple purposes by assigning different permissions.
Schools and Colleges
ID cards can be used for student identification and to control student access to the library and campus facilities.
Hotels and Hospitality
A card’s permission can be set for guest room access and other facilities for a particular guest for the duration of his/her stay.
Transport and Parking
Compatible cards can be used for ticketing, access to parking, and other transport-related services.
Retail and Warehousing
Use of RFID tags by retailers and warehouse staff has increased for inventory management, tracking and stock-counting activities.
Business Networking
The use of an RFID access card for business networking is not advisable. In cases where users wish to exchange their contact details, and/or web and social links, digital or NFC business cards would be more appropriate.
RFID ID, Digital Cards, and NFC Business Cards
An RFID ID is a method of identification that may include a unique ID or more sophisticated mechanisms of identification.
A digital card, on the other hand, serves a different purpose, and may include information such as contact details, company information, and social links, among others.
NFC business cards give a person the ability to share their digital card by tapping their card with a NFC enabled smartphone.
For individuals who wish to effortlessly exchange contact details, Tapect provides digital business card solutions.
With a Tapect digital profile, contacts can:
-Access the card holder’s professional contact info
-Check out the card holder’s website
-Get in touch via the card holder’s socials
-Save the card holder’s contact info.
This is in contrast to a standard access control card which is utilized for identification and system access.
How to Choose the Right RFID Card
When purchasing cards for your business, you should:
– Clarify your intent:Are you seeking solutions for access control, attendance, inventory, or contact sharing?
– Understand your frequency:What frequency do your readers support?
– Establish system integration:Does the card work with your existing systems?
– Ascertain security:What authentication levels do you need for the areas?
– Think of the card’s use:What material can support the expected use?
-Compare prices, set-up costs, and maintenance expenses.
Selecting a card that works with your system can prevent issues with compatibility and unexpected costs.
RFID Card FAQ’s
1. What is an RFID card?
An RFID card is a form of contactless smart card used for identification and door access control, and for other applications that use radio-frequency communication.
2. Is an RFID card powered?
Generally, a battery is not required for a passive RFID card. For an active RFID device, a battery is required.
3. Is an RFID card readable by a smartphone?
Some smartphones are able to read certain high frequency cards, which include some NFC cards. However, a smartphone is not always able to read an RFID card, as the support depends on the frequency and technology.
4. Is an RFID card secure?
An RFID card is secure if the system uses proper encryption and access controls. It may be misused for identification if basic card identifiers are copied, therefore, security requirements must be evaluated before the system is implemented.
5. What is the difference between an RFID ID and an NFC digital business card?
An RFID ID is used to identify a person or card within a system. An NFC digital business card is used to share contact information.
6. Can an NFC digital business card be used for networking?
Yes. NFC digital business cards provide a means to electronically exchange contact information without the need to hand over a paper business card.
Conclusion
Using RFID cards makes identification, access control, attendance, and inventory management more convenient and efficient. RFID cards utilize radio waves for communication with a compatible reader to make different day-to-day activities quick and easy.
When choosing an RFID card, take into account frequency, compatibility, security features, and how it will be utilized. Depending on the situation, an RFID system may be the best choice for access control and/or asset management. An NFC card or a digital business card may be a better option to share your business card.
Are you tired of the hassle of traditional business cards? Check out Tapect’s digital business card solutions to make connecting with you quick and easy. With Tapect, you’ll be able to provide your clients and customers a seamless, contactless way of getting in touch with you. For more information, visit Tapect!
29 Oct 2026
business
