RFID Card Types Explained: How to Choose the Right RFID Card

The choice of RFID card depends on the reader that will be used with it. A 125 kHz RFID access card, a 13.56 MHz RFID smart card, and a UHF RFID parking card have their own specific uses and reader requirements.

The type of card is narrowed down by the frequency, while the chip, protocol, security, and format determine which RFID card type you need. To secure doors, hotels, universities, parking lots, employee IDs, and membership systems, look at the available reader first.

From there, you can evaluate various RFID card types according to their functions and requirements.

Main RFID Card Types by Frequency

RFID cards are categorized into both application and power acquisition categories. One size never fits all, so it is up to you to decide which one of these might be the best for your system. The rest of this article lists the seven top types of RFID cards, with brief descriptions of each.

1. ID Cards (125kHz)

ID cards only work at low frequencies (LF) 125 MHz, unlike high frequencies. Basic access control systems such as time tracking solutions use these cards, which are cheap and popular.

However, they are insecure and short-range. These cards are read-only and unencrypted so that they can be cloned.

Technology isn’t cheap, but it can be a more affordable solution for some applications, says Dr Jennifer Matthews, an RFID security expert. However, it doesn’t hold up to the rigors of a high-security environment.” It would compromise the system and easily could be cloned because it is not encrypted,” they added.

• Best For: Low-security applications, employee timekeeping, and primary access control systems.
• Key Features:
  • No Fixed programmable identification number.
  • The cost is low, and it is easy to implement.
• Power Source: Powered by the signal from the reader, i.e., passive, with no internal battery or power source.

ID cards are widely used in applications with low-security concerns. They are primarily found in office buildings, gated communities, or entry-level access control applications.

However, they are limited in range and vulnerable to unauthorized access, making them unsuitable for highly secured applications.

2. IC Cards (13.56MHz)

Plasma-frequency (13.56 MHz) IC cards are used in secure applications. Unlike ID cards, these high-frequency (HF) cards are reprogrammable and support encryption.

Since they can hold more data in one and help support secure communication, their security is meant to be used in areas where security data transfer is needed.

RFID security consultant Robert Blake says IC cards are the best solution for high-security systems. “They’re used for contactless payments, secure building access and encryption, and data storage,” he adds.

• Best For: Payment, high-security identification systems, and secure access control.
• Key Features:
  • With IDs and the ability to hold more data than ID cards.
  • Encryption offers sensitive data transmission with a higher level of security.
  • It is a ubiquitous device used in contactless and contact-based systems.
• Power Source: Powered by the reader’s signal, passive.

Other applications that require security use IC cards, like bank cards. These require personalized employee badges with restricted access or contactless payment systems.

IC cards are also used for other identification purposes (other than those referred to in subparagraph (a)) where data protection is required.

3. Low Frequency (LF) Cards (125kHz)

In some cases, low-frequency (LF) cards work at 125 kHz (only), but they are more beneficial if operating in boisterous environments or immersed in liquids.

Their short read range (most under 10 cm) makes them ideal for applications that tolerate environmental factors, including metals, liquids, and EMC interference.

According to Dr. Samuel Nguyen, an industrial RFID researcher, LF cards work well for applications where ‘dirty’ environmental conditions could interfere with signals of higher frequencies.

Traditionally, RFID cards fail around metals or water but are used extensively for livestock tracking.

• Best ForLivestock tracking, industrial applications, metal and liquid interference situations, and controlling vehicle access.
• Key Features:
  • Applications for proximity based on applications are suitable for short read ranges (a few nm to 10 nm).
  • This makes them more tolerant of environmental interference (metal or liquid) and fits in challenging conditions well.
  • Dangerous circumstances.
• Power Source: The RFID hub is passive and powered by the RFID reader.

Specialized industrial applications of LF cards are becoming the most common uses, such as vehicle tracking systems, livestock management systems, and small-area access control systems.

4. High Frequency (HF) Cards (13.56MHz)

Automatic identification of objects or persons by utilizing radio waves is RFID technology. There are two kinds of RFID cards: high frequency (HF) RFID cards, which work at a radio frequency of 13.56 MHz and have a limited working range (meter).

They are used for security and range, such as event ticketing, public transport, and secure access control systems. Because HF RFID cards are compatible with international standards like ISO 15693 and ISO/IEC 14443, the system can use the cards of different vendors and run on other platforms, which is often valuable.

An RFID technology consultant to public infrastructure, Karen Lee says HF cards are frequently used in systems where range, speed, and security are balanced.

They are widely used in metro and bus systems, for example, where the emphasis should be on user experience and efficient system security.

• Best For: A practical solution for public transportation intranet, event ticket intranet, contactless payment intranet, access control intranet, etc.
• Key Features:
  • Have a moderate read range (up to 1m) suitable for all access control or payment systems.
  • Standardized internationally for system compatibility between different manufacturers.
  • Strong encryption for more security, supported.
• Power Source:  Passive, powered by the RFID reader.

HF cards have numerous applications where a tradeoff must be made between secure data storage and ease of use. Moreover, RFID is used in event ticketing systems to admit guests quicker to a venue, where they merely scan their RFID ticket.

5. Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Cards (860-960MHz)

The highest-functioning RFID cards are UHF cards, which work in the 860–960 MHz frequency range. At this level, RFID cards have a read range of 12 meters.

However, these cards are designed for when you want to quickly track large items across large areas, such as logistics, inventory management, or asset tracking.

‘We need to track large volumes of products online, so logistics and retail have huge potential for UHF RFID cards,’ says logistics manager Mark Thompson, who is developing RFID integration for a delivery company.

Managing large warehouses or small supply chains requires long-read range and high-speed data transfer.

• Best For: Applications in retail inventory management, logistics, supply chain tracking, and large-scale asset tracking.
• Key Features:
  • We get a long read range (up to 12 meters), which allows us to identify and track items on a large scale.
  • Have transfer of high speed of data and can read multiple tags simultaneously.
  • These scanners are perfect for real-time tracking systems and environments where you must scan multiple items.
• Power Source: Passive; powered by the reader’s signal.

Generally, UHF cards are critical to large-scale tracking in industries where large areas are scanned over retail. Used by those who have a big inventory at the top of their priority list, warehouses, distribution centers, and shipping logistics are where these are extensively used.

Power Source Types: Passive, Active, and Battery-Assisted Passive (BAP)

An RFID card can be categorized based on frequency, loudspeaker, or microphone. It greatly depends on the power source: What kind of power source uses the card, its range of use, and to what applications is the card suitable?

1. Passive RFID Cards

A passive card is the standard and most inexpensive RFID card. Unlike smart cards, which require inserting into a terminal to work, they have no internal power source or battery.

They power the chip and transmit data using an RFID reader’s signal. They are suitable for short-range apps requiring relatively low cost.

• Range: Typically up to 10 meters.
• Best ForShort-range applications, asset tracking, and access control.
• Advantages: It is cheap, has a compact form factor, and requires no internal power source.

2. Active RFID Cards

The active RFID card contains a battery, which powers the small built-in transmitter on the card. For example, active RFID cards talk to readers across a much-extended range (up to 100 meters), which makes sense. They are good in support of continuous monitoring and tracking applications because of their real-time tracking ability, e.g., vehicle tracking and global fleet management.

• Range: Up to 100 meters or more.
• Best For: Real-time asset tracking and vehicle tracking.
• Advantages: Real-time monitoring, more extended part read range (max of 5ft +/-).

3. Battery-Assisted Passive (BAP) RFID Cards

BAP RFID cards are hybrid forms of passive and active RFID cards. Both house a battery to power the chip on the card but only send a data signal when plugged into the signal from a reader.

These cards are used for applications requiring more frequent communication but not an active card or an extended range.

• Range: Typically up to 30 meters.
• Best For: Supply chain management, extended range applications.
• Advantages: Lower cost than active cards and longer read range than passive cards.

How RFID Cards Are Classified

The RFID card name describes various technical characteristics of the card. For instance, a MIFARE DESFire card is referred to as an HF card since its frequency is 13.56 MHz, while the term “DESFire” indicates the chip family.

The frequency reveals the group of cards. Based on that, the protocol and chip family explain how the card works, what kind of features it possesses, and which readers it is compatible with.

LF RFID cards use a single frequency and can use different chip families and data formats.

HF RFID cards contain many types of RFID access cards: MIFARE, DESFire, NTAG, HID iCLASS, LEGIC, and ICODE differ from each other by protocol, memory, and security features.

UHF RFID cards operate in regional UHF bands and are used where a long range is required. Dual-frequency cards incorporate two RFID technologies, where both chips have their own identity and functionality.

RFID Card Types by Function and Security

There is variability in storage capacity, the data the system may modify, and the protection of access to that data. These features are determined by the specific structure of the chip and system settings.

A unique ID allows for identification of the card, whereas secure authentication confirms protected data through keys.

MIFARE Classic uses the old CRYPTO1 security algorithm. MIFARE Plus allows encryption using AES, and MIFARE DESFire provides cryptographic authentication, file protection, and multiple applications.

MIFARE Ultralight is applied to tickets, events, and hotel applications. NTAG is widely used in NFC applications, and ICODE is used in ISO/IEC 15693 systems.

There are separate credentials for HID and LEGIC, and the reader type and system settings determine which one to apply.

Chip Types

• High-frequency RFID cards, known as MIFARE Cards, use 13.56 MHz to support storing and encrypting data in transport, access control, and payment.
• High-frequency RFID cards are NFC Cards. It supports two-way communication for mobile payments, access control, and device data sharing.
• Proximity Cards. These are LF or HF cards. They are used for access control. Short ranges can be read. The HF range goes up to 1 meter,r, but the LF ones can work up to 10 cm.

Material Types in RFID Cards

• Plastic RFID cards are the most common and least expensive mode for access control, membership, and identification applications.
• Wood RFID cards. Mainly for superior and promotional applications, they are natural wood.
• Metal RFID Cards: Firm cards are for rugged environments or high-end access control applications.
• Paper RFID cards are eco-friendly and lightweight, making them manageable in the market and the hand. They are used for temporary applications, including event tickets and loyalty programs.
• RFID Epoxy Cards are made of epoxy resin. Because they are rugged and weather-resistant, they are appropriate for the harshest industrial and outdoor applications.

Based on the application, RFID card types

• HID Cards Proximity cards: These are proximity cards used in building or area access control systems to protect buildings and other restricted areas such as parks, water supplies, and gas. Many offices also use HID Cards.
• As for Contactless Cards, the products use radio waves to make transactions in public transportation, access secure locations, and make cashless transactions.
• Payment Cards: An RFID card (or payment card using HF or NFC) is used for contactless, high-speed, secure transactions (debit, credit, digital wallets, etc.).
• Transport Cards: The automatic bus, train, and metro fare collection system uses RFID cards. Transport cards allow contactless ticketing and travelers to enter the system quickly.
• Hotel Key Cards: These are hotel room keys (RFID cards). They play such cards, making it easy for the guests to access the rooms and hotel areas, as convenience is paramount.

How to Choose the Right RFID Card

First of all, the choice of the card depends on the installed system, the model of the reader, its firmware, and settings determine the available frequency, protocol, and family of chips.

Consider the following items when selecting the card:

• Reader – Find out the brand, model, and firmware.
• Frequency – Determine the frequency: LF, HF, UHF, or multi-frequency.
• Protocol and chip – Select the compatible credential technology.
• Security – Find out the type of authentication, keys, and access restrictions.
• Card data – Verify UID, card number, facility code, bit format, and other data.
• Read distance – Ensure the read distance matches the presentation of the card.
• Card body – Size, thickness, material, and options for printing.
• Test sample – Test one card with your reader, controller, and software.

Then the application will help you pick the correct credential path:

When the card type is not known, provide your supplier with the model of the reader, photos, and one card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of RFID cards?

By frequency, the main ones are LF, HF, and UHF. Dual-frequency cards use two RFID technologies to allow one credential to operate within separate systems.

What is the difference between LF, HF and UHF RFID cards?

The main difference lies in their suitability for particular reader designs and distance requirements. LF is usually used for near-range access, HF supports smart-card and NFC-based systems, and passive UHF works with longer-range reading, like parking.

How to identify RFID card type?

First of all, try to find out which reader is used and what markings the card has. If the above information doesn’t reveal anything about the technology, an RFID test reader will help determine the frequency or chip.

Can a smartphone read an RFID card?

Any NFC-enabled smartphone can be used to communicate with compatible 13.56 MHz cards and tags. For standard 125 kHz LF and passive UHF credentials, special reader hardware is needed. For HF cards with protected data, the right keys or permissions are additionally required.

Which RFID card is best for access control?

The best one is the one that is supported by the current reader and security system. Some examples of secure access credentials are DESFire, Seos, and LEGIC cards. But, they should be supported by the reader and security system.

Which RFID card has the longest read range?

Passive UHF tag offers the longest range out of all the tags mentioned above. The actual range depends on all the factors mentioned above working together.

Can one RFID card work with two systems?

Yes. A dual-frequency card can have LF + HF or HF + UHF technology. Each system will read its own chip with separate IDs or registrations when necessary.

Are RFID cards read-only or writable?

Both types of cards exist. The EM4200 card has read-only memory, whereas EM4305 and T5577 have writable memory. There are several models of MIFARE, DESFire, and NTAG that have writable memory with access control.

Conclusion: Which RFID Card Type Should You Choose?

Select the correct RFID card types available depending on the reader and the intended use of the card. If there is an existing system in place, the existing reader model and working card should form the basis for choosing an RFID card.

If in doubt, JLTRFID is always willing to help by examining your reader, working card, and system needs. Please send us the system specifications and a working sample of the card.