A Complete Guide To Access Control Credentials: Cards, Fobs, Wristbands & More

As security needs evolve, so do the technologies we use to manage and control access. At ICT, we’ve built a powerful, flexible access control ecosystem that supports a wide range of credential types — from traditional proximity cards to mobile credentials and rugged wristbands built for challenging environments.

Whether you're securing a single site, a large enterprise, or something in between, we make it easy to tailor your access solution with credentials that suit your users and environment — all seamlessly built into our Protege WX and Protege GX systems.

Cards are one of the most trusted and familiar forms of access control — and for good reason. They're cost-effective, easy to distribute, and widely understood by users, making them a reliable solution for securing everything from offices to large-scale facilities. We support both 125kHz proximity cards and 13.56MHz smart cards (including MIFARE and DESFire), so you can choose the level of security and functionality that fits your needs.

If you prefer something more sturdy and compact than a card, our key fobs offer the same level of functionality in a pocket-friendly design. They’re ideal for staff who are always on the move or environments that require a durable and robust credential, like laboratories and factories.

We also offer 2-button and 4-button transmitters, perfect for controlling gates, garage doors, and other long-range entry points - perfect for logistics companies. They give you added convenience with custom control options — all backed by our access control system.

In places where cards or fobs fall short — think gyms, construction sites, or pool areas — our IP68-rated silicone wristbands are a practical, comfortable alternative.

Why our customers love them:

Fully waterproof and chemical-resistant

• Durable to withstand high-heat, high-pressure environments
• Available in multiple sizes to ensure all-day comfort
• Compatible with both 125kHz and 13.56MHz systems
• Always on-hand (literally) — no need for pockets or lanyards
• Difficult for patients or unauthorized individuals to obtain in scenarios prone to snatch-and-grab incidents
• They’re especially popular in industries where cleanliness, durability, and ease of use are key.

For environments that demand the highest level of identity verification, our Protege solutions support integrations with leading biometric technologies — including fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning.

These can be layered with our other credentials (like cards or mobile) to enable multi-factor authentication — ideal for secure zones like data centers, labs, and critical infrastructure.

No matter which credentials you use, they all work directly with our Protege platforms — no need for middleware or complex add-ons. You can mix and match across sites, transition gradually, and scale your access solution as your needs grow.

Our readers are built to support multiple credential types and each user can have up to 8 different credentials, giving you the flexibility to support all users — from visitors and contractors to high-level administrators.

Not sure which combination of credentials is right for you? We’re here to help. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or building one from scratch, our team can guide you to a solution that fits your people, your environment, and your goals.

Explore our full credential range

<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%" style="border-color: rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); background-color: rgb(235, 241, 241); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Feature</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); background-color: rgb(235, 241, 241); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">125kHz Proximity Card</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); background-color: rgb(235, 241, 241); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">13.56MHz Smart Card (MIFARE/DESFire</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Security</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Basic, easy to clone</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">High, with encryption and authentication</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Data Storage</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Limited</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5738%; text-align: center;">Supports multiple applications</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Best For</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Low-risk environments</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Corporate and high-security facilities</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%" style="border-color: rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); background-color: rgb(235, 241, 241); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Credential Type</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); background-color: rgb(235, 241, 241); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Best Suited For</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); background-color: rgb(235, 241, 241); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Why It Works</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Proximity Cards</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Offices, education, general commercial</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Affordable and widely used</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Smart Cards</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Healthcare, enterprise, high security sites</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Secure, encrypted, multi-use</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Key Fobs</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Mobile staff, small business</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Easy to carry, durable</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Transmitters</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Gate/garage access, fleet vehicle</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Long-range control, multi-button options</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Wristbands</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Gyms, construction, industrial</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Wearable, waterproof</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Mobile Credentials</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Smart workplaces, multi-site organizations</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Touchless, secure, remotely managed</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 25%; text-align: center;">Biometrics + Card</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Government, high-risk access zones</td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(215, 220, 225); width: 37.5%; text-align: center;">Strong identity assurance</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>