Hotel key cards work by using various technologies such as RFID and magnetic stripe. The information encodes inside the key card can only be read by RFID readers or magnetic readers.
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HF 13.56 MHz RFID ISO Cards - Personnel BadgesCommonly known as employee badges or hotel room cards, ISO Cards of HF 13.56 MHz are commonly used for access control & security needs. Available with both ISO 15693 and 14443 NFC memory chips and with private labeling, custom art.
RFID or proximity cards don't require the swiping motion. They use radio frequencies to enable access from a programmed short distance (hence the term proximity). RFID cards belong to the group of contactless cards. Usually for proximity cards, the user will need to almost touch the RFID reader to unlock the door.
The NFC technology allows the card to communicate with the hotel key card system without them physically touching. So like RFID cards, the cards don't have to be swiped for the card reader to receive access to the room. Some people also call an NFC card “smart cards” because of their different capabilities.
While specific hotel door lock systems may vary by hotel, chances are they use one of the following hotel room door locks: Magnetic Door Locks. Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) Door Locks.
Experts say you also don't need to worry about turning your key card in at the end of your stay; the information expires so the hotels can reuse the cards.
There are several reasons a hotel key card could deactivate: 1) You extended your stay without getting your card reprogrammed (key cards are made to deactivate on your check-out date), 2) You had your key card next to your cell phone and it demagnetized, 3) You had a duplicate key made because you lost/forgot your card ...
No, hotels typically do not charge you for not returning key cards. However, if the card is lost or stolen and needs to be replaced, there may be a fee associated with that.