The HID card you need is the one that meets your security and access needs. Each type of smart card offers some unique benefits including simple ID cards to advanced smart cards with multi technology integration. To make it easier for you to decide which HID card is best for you, this article provides an overview of the various HID cards available.

What is HID Card

HID cards branded by HID Global is a leading company in access control technology are HID prox cards. In short, an HID card is a card containing proximity technology that allows it to wirelessly communicate with the card reader. Like other RFID and smart cards, HID cards are used widely for access control to make it easy to control secure entry to buildings and restricted areas. Besides security, they are used for other purposes, e.g. as public transportation access and employee identification.

HID Card Types

HID Global has access cards that range from the most secure and high functionality, to those that are slightly more basic. If you need a certain level of security, and you plan on using the card for certain applications, you’ll have the right card for you. They are the most common types:

Multi-Application Smart Cards

HID MIFARE DESFire EV3

HID MIFARE DESFire EV3 is one of the best smart card if you are looking for a smart card which can provide top notch security and can support multiple application. This kind of card does more than just provide secure access control; it can also be utilized as a cashless vending, transit pass, or employee identification. With its advanced encryption technology, it is especially suitable for high security environments as it protects against unauthorized duplication and hacking attempts.

Seos

The latest in secure access technology is available on the Seos ID card. Unlike traditional cards, Seos cards are software based and not tied to a single hardware chip for encryption. This gives you maximum flexibility in how to use them. Seos offers advanced privacy protection and custom security options for use in a digital ID solution, mobile access or a highly secure physical entry card.

High Frequency ID Cards

MIFARE DESFire EV1

The MIFARE DESFire EV1 is a great durable, high security ID card that can take daily use. This card is available in PVC and composite PET/PVC with common applications including secure access control, ticketing and cashless payments. ID cards are often handled frequently in environments where they are used, and the strong, flexible material makes it resistant to damage.

HID iCLASS and iCLASS SE

HID iCLASS operates on high frequency (13.56 MHz) RFID technology that supports encryption and mutual authentication for enhanced security. iCLASS cards store several types of data, whereas standard proximity cards do not. The iCLASS SE goes a step further with ultra high frequency, providing extended range access to organizations that demand it.

iCLASS cards are one of the biggest advantages due to their ability to grow with your needs. Because they store several kinds of data, you can begin with the basics of access control, and then add other functions like secure printing, time tracking, or cashless payments (if the system allows).

Low Frequency ID Cards

HID Prox

HID Proximity cards (or HID Prox) have been around for years, and they still are a preferred choice for businesses looking for a simple, inexpensive access control solution. These cards are easy to use, just hold your card near a reader, and you’re in, and they run on a low frequency 125 kHz RFID signal. However, keep in mind that they don’t have encryption and thus are more vulnerable to cloning than newer smart cards.

HITAG

Another low frequency option is HID HITAG cards which support multiple contactless technologies. HITAG cards can provide a bridge between your current system and an upgrade to a more secure system if you’re in the process of making such an upgrade but still have older access control technology to support. Most of the time, they’re used in the migration of businesses from old, unsecure systems to high security systems that are modern.

UltraCard

HID UltraCards are if you need a blank ID card for printing purposes rather than access control. These non technology cards come in 100% PVC, polycarbonate and composite polyester materials and are good for direct to card or retransfer ID printing. UltraCards are a high quality surface for printing crisp, detailed images and text and whether you’re issuing employee ID badges, membership cards or event passes, UltraCards are the right choice.

HID Card / Credential Management Types

HID normally comes to mind when you think of badge access control. HID credentials though, are not limited to badges, as they also include mobile and biometric authentication options. Here is how HID credentials are managed:

Physical HID Cards

These are the standard plastic cards with technology such as RFID or NFC embedded. If you’ve ever used one to swipe or tap at an access point, you’ve used one of these. They are durable, reliable and easy to distribute across an organization.

Mobile Credentials

With mobile access solutions, you can use your smartphone or wearable device as an access credential from HID. It’s a convenient and flexible option instead of carrying a card and you just tap your phone against the reader.

Biometric Integration

HID credentials can also be linked with biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint or facial recognition for added security. This makes sure that if a card is lost, no unauthorized users can get access to it.

iCLASS® Seos Series

Some of the most secure and versatile credentialing solutions are available in HID’s iCLASS® Seos cards. Some key options within this series are:

HID® iCLASS® Seos® 500x – Dual identity card for physical and logical access control using high frequency card. Ideal for organizations desiring secure IT and entry access with one credential.
HID® iCLASS® Seos® + Prox Card 510x – High frequency Seos technology plus low frequency (125 kHz) Prox. Great for upgrading from an old system but you still need backwards compatibility.
HID 520X iCLASS Seos/iCLASS/Prox – Compatible with iCLASS SE and Prox readers. It’s a good flexible option if you’re managing different security technologies.
HID® iCLASS® seos®/iCLASS® 522X Card – A dual technology card that enables migration from legacy systems to modern secure access solutions with a single card.

It makes it easier for you to balance security and convenience when working with credentials.

How to Identify HID Card Types

What kind of HID card do you have? These are some easy ways to identify it:

Check for Branding – HID cards sometimes have branding or logos printed on them, such as “HID Prox” or “iCLASS.” This will immediately tell you if you have a proximity or high frequency card.
Prox Card – Check the Frequency; if your card operates at 125 kHz. It is probably an iCLASS or Seos card if it operates at 13.56 MHz.
Check the Card’s Printing – Some cards contain serial numbers or other marks that show whether the card is of a particular format or technology. Proximity technology is suggested by numbers like “0009P” or “0006L”, while an iCLASS logo means a high frequency smart card.
If you have a compatible card reader, scanning can reveal the technology and format of your card.
Other Cards – If you work with coworkers who have different cards but the same system, it will be easy to compare your card to theirs.
If you are still uncertain, consult your security or IT team who can help you determine what card type you need and check that your system is compatible with it.

HID format types

There are many formats of HID cards that differ in security and data capacity for access control systems. Below are common HID formats broken down.

CASI F/2F 12 Digit Magstripe, 12 Bit: Common in older systems.
In legacy access control setups, MIDAS is often used in 13 Bit.
TECOM, Standard 26-bit (H10301), INDALA 26-bit, and other 27-bit formats are included in 15-27 Bit, which are commonly used in commercial environments.
32 Bit: Designed for high density data storage, such as corporate offices, it covers 32bit HID, Wiegand, and INDALA formats.
HID 33-bit (D10202) and 35 bit Corporate 1000 (balance of security and data capacity)
37-40 Bit covers the 40-bit Honeywell (commonly used in enterprise level security systems) and 37-bit HID formats (H10302, H10304).
Larger organizations such as 56-bit Inner Range and TWIC/CAC for high security access control use 42-56 Bit.
Advanced formats: TWIC/CAC 64 bit and PIV-I 128 bit, used mostly in government and military applications, 64-128 Bit.
FASC-N formats are used in federal institutions with extremely high security and are most commonly used for 200-245 Bit.

The format they come in can vary from data capacity and security, so you can choose the best one depending on how you need access control. There’s an HID format to fit your requirements whether you require a simple commercial setup or a highly secure federal system.

Determining your HID Card Format types

Examine the Card Technology – If you see something like “HID Prox” or “iClass” printed on the card itself. They indicate whether it is a proximity or high frequency card.
Check the label of the original packaging for format details, facility codes, and starting card numbers and review the Last Card Order Box.
Check a Card – Site codes and serial numbers may be printed on a card, giving clues to the way in which it was formatted.
Ask a supplier for a test card – Request a test card from a supplier in a 26 bit standard format for testing compatibility.
If unsure, send a working card to a vendor who can read and determine the format.
If your admin access, you may be able to find the card format and other details within the system.

By following these steps you are guaranteed that you order in the right card format and do not duplicate or misprogram.

Conclusion

Modern access control requires HID cards in numerous formats and with different levels of security features. Through learning about the various HID card types, formats and identification methods, you can effectively manage access control system and prevent any unauthorized access to his organization.