13.56 MHz CONTACTLESS CREDENTIALS
MIFARE® Cards, Smart Cards & Contactless Credentials
Shop MIFARE cards and contactless smart credentials for access control, identification, NFC, and other 13.56 MHz applications. Available technologies include MIFARE Classic, MIFARE Ultralight, and other MIFARE credential families in ISO card, key fob, wristband, and RFID tag form factors.
MIFARE Cards for Access Control & Identification
MIFARE® technology, developed by NXP Semiconductors, is widely used for 13.56 MHz contactless smart card applications. MIFARE credentials communicate with compatible readers using contactless radio frequency technology and are used throughout commercial access control, education, hospitality, transportation, identification, ticketing, and other credential-based systems.
Many MIFARE products operate within the ISO/IEC 14443 Type A framework, but not all MIFARE cards are interchangeable. The correct credential depends on the MIFARE technology family, memory, reader compatibility, system configuration, and application requirements.
Shop MIFARE Credentials by Technology
MIFARE Classic
Widely deployed contactless credentials available in common memory configurations including MIFARE Classic 1K and 4K. Frequently used for access control, identification, and established credential systems.
MIFARE Ultralight
Contactless credentials designed for applications where compact memory and efficient credential functionality are appropriate, including identification, ticketing, and other contactless applications.
MIFARE DESFire
Advanced smart credential technology designed for applications requiring stronger security capabilities, flexible application support, and modern credential architecture.
MIFARE Card & Credential Form Factors
MIFARE technology is available in more than traditional plastic smart cards. Choosing the right form factor depends on how users carry, present, print, or attach their credentials.
ISO Cards
Composite Cards
Key Fobs
RFID Tags
Wristbands
Choosing the Correct MIFARE Card
The term MIFARE card describes a broad family of contactless smart credentials rather than one universal card. Two credentials that both carry the MIFARE name may use different technology families, memory configurations, security capabilities, and system programming.
Before ordering replacement or additional MIFARE credentials, identify the technology currently used by your system and confirm the required MIFARE family, memory capacity, reader compatibility, credential configuration, and form factor.
MIFARE Classic Cards
MIFARE Classic cards remain common in established contactless credential systems. MIFARE Classic 1K is one of the most recognizable configurations and provides approximately 1 kByte of memory organized into sectors and blocks for compatible applications.
Organizations maintaining an existing MIFARE Classic deployment should match the required technology and memory configuration rather than assuming that another 13.56 MHz smart card will function as a direct replacement.
MIFARE Classic vs. MIFARE DESFire
| Feature |
MIFARE Classic |
MIFARE DESFire |
| Frequency |
13.56 MHz |
13.56 MHz |
| Technology |
Established MIFARE smart card family |
Advanced MIFARE smart credential family |
| Typical Consideration |
Compatibility with existing Classic systems |
Enhanced security and application capabilities |
| Interchangeable? |
No. Reader and system compatibility should be verified before changing credential technologies. |
MIFARE Cards FAQ
What is a MIFARE card?
A MIFARE card is a contactless smart credential using technology from the NXP MIFARE product family. MIFARE credentials are widely used for access control, identification, transportation, ticketing, and other contactless applications.
What frequency do MIFARE cards use?
MIFARE credentials operate at 13.56 MHz and commonly use contactless technology based on ISO/IEC 14443.
Are all MIFARE cards compatible?
No. MIFARE includes multiple technology families and configurations. Reader support, technology family, memory, system configuration, and application requirements should be verified before ordering.
What size is a MIFARE card?
Many MIFARE access cards use the standard CR80 / ID-1 card format, approximately 3.375 inches × 2.125 inches (85.60 × 53.98 mm), although MIFARE technology is also available in key fobs, tags, wristbands, and other credential formats.
What is MIFARE Classic 1K?
MIFARE Classic 1K is a widely deployed 13.56 MHz contactless smart credential with approximately 1 kByte of memory organized into sectors and blocks. It is commonly found in established access control and identification applications.
Shop MIFARE Cards & Credentials
Explore the MIFARE categories and products below to find the appropriate smart card, key fob, wristband, or RFID tag for your application. When replacing existing credentials, match the MIFARE technology and system requirements before ordering.
