Considering Contactless Cards

If you’re considering migrating to contactless cards for your employees or students, you might have heard about the versatility that a contactless card gives both the users and the issuers. Not only can they accurately and securely verify a user’s identity, but they can also be programmed with a wide array of applications that make them highly functional for uses well beyond that of an identity card. (Click here for more information if you’re not sure what type of card you need.)

How Do Contactless Cards Work?

Contactless cards (aka smart cards) have an embedded chip inside that can be programmed with all the data and programs you need to meet your requirements. Smart cards are contactless because they don’t need to come in contact with the reader for the information on the card to be accessed. There is an integrated antenna that connects to a reader through radio frequency communication. The card itself doesn’t have a power supply; rather, it accesses the power from the electromagnetic field created by the reader.

How are Contactless Cards Used?

There are a wide variety of uses for these smart cards, from ID credentials to providing payment methods to securing physical access to a location or a system. Contactless cards are especially useful for access in harsh outdoor conditions because the card doesn’t have to be removed from your wallet or purse.

Consider how a smart card could be used on public transportation. Once the user’s card comes within the range of the reader, the fare can be automatically deducted from the user’s account and the user is granted access to the bus or subway. No more standing in the sleet, snow, or rain digging to find your transit card.

Benefits of Contactless Smart Cards

Contactless cards reduce the physical wear and tear on cards being repeatedly swiped or exposed to the elements. Contactless technology in both the card and the reader is sealed to prevent damage from use or weather conditions. This reduces maintenance costs for both the reader and the cards. Thanks to varying operational ranges, your users can enjoy “hands free” access with contactless technology.

If you have a high level of throughput for physical access to your facilities or campus, your users will appreciate the ease and speed they have with contactless smart cards. These cards are the most user-friendly, less intrusive means of gaining access. It also increases the level of security by having the card remain in a purse or wallet.

Beyond its ease of use and physical security is the flexibility to add a wide variety of applications on smart cards. Imagine students on campus being able to access library records, pay for food at the dining hall, access their vehicle parked in a parking garage, and use the laundry machines on campus—all with the same smart card.

Issuers will appreciate the ability to make wide changes to all users’ cards on a single platform in the office. You’ll also appreciate these more durable and reliable cards that don’t wear out or get contaminated. There are also reduced maintenance costs for card readers as compared to a magnetic stripe reader or a contact card reader.

Next Steps

Click here to take a look at the smart card ID solutions offered by IDSecurityOnline. Or call one of our experts today to discuss your specific needs. We’d be happy to guide you to the perfect system that meets all of your requirements and fits your budget.