What Type of Access Card Do I Have? HID vs Mifare vs EM Explained
Most people have no idea what type of access card they're carrying — and that's completely normal. Cards all look similar from the outside. But knowing your card type matters when you need a duplicate, because the price and process differ significantly between types.
Here's a simple guide to identifying your access card type in Singapore — no technical knowledge needed.
3 Ways to Identify Your Card
Look at the card
Check front and back for any text, logos, or chip markings. HID cards usually show the HID logo. Mifare may show "13.56MHz".
Tap with your phone
Open an NFC reader app and tap your card. If detected, it's 13.56MHz (Mifare or HID iClass). No detection = likely 125kHz (EM or HID Prox).
WhatsApp us a photo
Send us front and back photos. We identify it instantly for free — the most reliable method for any card type.
The 4 Main Access Card Types in Singapore
EM4100 / HID Proximity — Standard Cards
From $10 · 125kHz · 5 minsThe oldest and most common card type in Singapore. Used in buildings built before 2015. Plain card with no markings — phone NFC won't detect it.
- Usually a plain white, grey, or blue card with no text
- Phone NFC scanner shows nothing when you tap it
- HID Proximity cards may show the HID logo
- Common in older HDB blocks, offices, and car parks
Mifare Classic / Indala / Viking — Encrypted Cards
From $15 · 13.56MHz · 10–20 minsThe most widely used card type in Singapore today. Found in most condos and HDB BTO flats built from 2010 onwards.
- Phone NFC may detect it but show "unknown tag" or partial info
- May show "MIFARE", NXP logo, or "13.56MHz" on the back
- Indala and Viking cards usually have no markings at all
- Common in most Singapore condominiums and newer HDB blocks
Mifare Ultralight / DESFire / SecuraKey
From $35 · 13.56MHz · 20–30 minsHigher-security Mifare variants used in premium condos, Grade A offices, and newer developments built after 2018.
- Phone NFC detects it and may show chip model details
- May show "DESFire", "Ultralight", or "SecuraKey" text
- Often a branded card with the building name printed on it
- Common in luxury condos and Grade A commercial buildings
HID iClass / iClass SE / Seos
From $45 · 13.56MHz · 30–45 minsThe highest-security card type. Used in banks, data centres, and some luxury condominiums. Always shows the HID logo.
- Almost always shows "HID" logo on the card
- May show "iCLASS", "SE", or "Seos" text
- Typically black, white, or grey with HID branding
- Not all iClass variants can be duplicated — WhatsApp us first
Quick Comparison Table
| Card Type | Frequency | Phone NFC | Common In | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EM4100 / HID Prox | 125kHz | Not detected | Older HDB, offices | $10 |
| Mifare Classic / Indala | 13.56MHz | May detect | Most condos, BTO HDB | $15 |
| Mifare DESFire / Ultralight | 13.56MHz | Detected | Premium condos, offices | $35 |
| HID iClass / SE / Seos | 13.56MHz | May detect | Banks, data centres | $45 |
Still Not Sure? Here's the Easiest Way
The fastest and most reliable method is to WhatsApp us a photo of the front and back of your card. We identify cards for free — no obligation, no visit required. We'll tell you exactly what type it is, whether we can duplicate it, and what it costs.
💡 Want a deeper dive into each card type? Visit our full Access Card Types Guide — it covers every variant used in Singapore with detailed identification tips.
What If My Card Has No Markings?
This is very common. Most access cards have no visible text, logo, or chip markings at all. The card type is determined by the chip inside — which you can't see from the outside.
In this case, use the phone NFC test as a first step. If nothing happens, it's likely a 125kHz card (EM4100 or HID Proximity). If your phone detects it, it's a 13.56MHz card (Mifare or HID iClass). Then WhatsApp us a photo to confirm.
Does the Building Type Give Any Clues?
Yes — the age and type of your building is a reliable indicator:
- HDB flat built before 2010 — likely EM4100 ($10)
- HDB BTO flat built 2010 onwards — likely Mifare Classic ($15)
- Condo built before 2015 — likely EM4100 or Mifare Classic ($10–$15)
- Condo built 2015–2020 — likely Mifare Classic ($15)
- Premium condo or Grade A office post-2018 — likely Mifare DESFire or HID iClass ($35–$45)
Not Sure What Card You Have?
WhatsApp us a photo — front and back. We'll identify it instantly for free and confirm if we can duplicate it.
📱 Send Us a Photo