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How It Works

From "what card is this?" to cards in hand

You don't need to know your format name to order. Send us what you have — a photo, a brand, or the numbers on your card — and we handle the rest.

  1. Step 1

    Identify your format

    Tell us your reader/lock brand, or just send a photo and the numbers printed on your current card. We do the detective work.

  2. Step 2

    We match a compatible card

    We confirm the exact format and the AKC product engineered to work with your readers — no reader changes, no reprogramming.

  3. Step 3

    Verify with a sample

    For larger orders we can send a sample to test against your readers before you commit to the full run.

  4. Step 4

    We encode to your spec

    Cards are encoded to your facility code and card-number range and, if you like, printed and numbered to match your existing badges.

  5. Step 5

    Ship & re-order

    Your credentials ship ready to use. Keep your format on file with us so re-orders are a one-line email.

Identify your card

How to figure out which format you have

Four quick ways to tell us — any one of them is usually enough.

Numbers printed on the card

Many cards have a facility code and card number printed on the back (e.g. "123 45678"). Send us these and we can often identify the format instantly.

The brand on your reader

Look at the card reader by the door. A Kantech, HID, Keri, Indala, AWID or similar logo narrows the format quickly.

Frequency clues

Thick clamshell cards are usually 125 kHz proximity. Thin cards that also tap phones/transit-style readers are often 13.56 MHz smart cards.

A clear photo

A photo of both sides of the card and the reader is often all we need. No part numbers? No problem — we will help you read them.

Send us your card details Browse all formats

How it works — FAQ

Do I have to replace my readers or door hardware?

No. Our cards and fobs are compatible by specification with your existing readers. You keep all your current hardware — only the credential changes.

How do I know which format I have?

Send us the brand on your reader, the numbers printed on your current card, or a clear photo of both. We identify the format for you, usually within one business day, before you order anything.

Can every card be copied?

Open 125 kHz proximity formats (HID Prox, Kantech ioProx, Indala, AWID, EM, Keri and similar) can generally be reproduced from the facility and card numbers. Secured smart credentials that use strong cryptography — such as MIFARE DESFire with AES or HID iCLASS SE/Seos — cannot be cloned, and we will tell you when that is the case.

What is the minimum order?

From a single replacement card to large facility rollouts. Pricing improves with volume; tell us your quantity and we will quote it.

Are these genuine OEM cards?

No. AKC products are non-OEM, compatible-by-specification credentials made to work with the referenced systems. They are not manufactured by or affiliated with the OEM brands — which is exactly why they cost less.

Will the cards arrive ready to use?

Yes. We encode each card to your facility code and card-number range so they work the moment they arrive. Custom printing and numbering are available too.

Have your card details ready?

Send us the numbers printed on your card — we'll identify the format and quote a compatible card, usually within one business day.

Request a Free Quote How it works