Questions, answered

Yes — that is the whole point. Our credentials are compatible by specification with the reader and lock system you already have. You do not replace any hardware; only the card or fob changes.

Tell us the brand on your reader, the numbers printed on your current card, or send a clear photo of both sides plus the reader. We identify the exact format for you — usually within one business day — before you order.

Both 125 kHz proximity (HID Prox, Kantech ioProx, Indala, AWID, EM, Keri and more) and 13.56 MHz smart cards (MIFARE Classic, Plus, DESFire, and others). We specialize in obscure and legacy formats other vendors do not carry. Browse the full list on our card formats page.

For most prox formats, yes — we encode each card to your facility code and the card-number range you need so they work immediately on arrival. We will walk you through finding these.

Open 125 kHz proximity formats can generally be reproduced from the facility and card numbers. Secured 13.56 MHz smart credentials that use strong cryptography — such as MIFARE DESFire with AES, MIFARE Plus SL3, or HID iCLASS SE/SR/Seos — cannot be cloned. We always tell you up front which category your credential falls into.

Buying compatible credentials for access systems you own or manage is standard practice across facilities management. We supply businesses, property managers, locksmiths, and integrators. You are responsible for ordering only for systems you are authorized to use.

No. AKC products are non-OEM, compatible-by-specification credentials. They are engineered to work with the referenced systems but are not manufactured by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the OEM brands. That independence is why they cost less.

Anything from a single replacement card to facility-wide rollouts of tens of thousands. Per-unit pricing improves with volume.

Usually within one business day of sending us your format and quantity. Quotes are free and carry no obligation.

Yes. For larger orders we can provide a sample so you can verify it works against your readers before committing.

Yes — full-color printing, sequential numbering, logos, and photo-ID layouts on ISO cards, all encoded to your format.

Across the United States. Tell us your destination and timeline and we will confirm lead time with your quote.

Yes. We keep your format and encoding details on file, so a re-order is typically a one-line email — no need to re-identify anything.

Email quotes@americankeycards.com for quotes or contact@americankeycards.com for support. Real people who know access control will help you.