RFID cards may look like a simple piece of plastic, but inside they are made from several thin layers bonded together. Each layer has a job to do, from creating the printed finish to holding the tiny chip and antenna that allow the card to be read.
What is an RFID card made up of?
A standard RFID card is built like a very thin sandwich. The outside layers create the printed finish, the middle layers give the card strength, and the RFID inlay inside contains the contactless technology.
The exact construction can vary depending on the card manufacturer, chip type, material and print method, but most RFID cards follow the same basic layered structure.
The 5 main layers of an RFID card
The numbers below match the RFID card layer diagram above.
Front printed layer
This is the visible front of the card. It may include a logo, design, staff photo, membership details, card number, barcode, QR code or visual branding.
Card body top
This layer gives the card structure and helps protect the internal technology. It is commonly PVC, but other materials can also be used.
RFID inlay
This is the working technology layer. It contains the antenna coil and RFID chip that allow the card to be read by a compatible reader.
Card body bottom
This second body layer encloses and protects the inlay, helping to create the finished card thickness, strength and durability.
Back printed layer
The back of the card can also be printed with instructions, contact details, numbering, QR codes, barcodes or other information.
Are the front and back layers made from a separate material?
Not usually. In many cards, the “front printed layer” and “back printed layer” refer to the visible printed surfaces of the card rather than a completely separate material.
Depending on how the card is manufactured, the design may be printed directly onto the card surface, printed onto a printable outer sheet, or protected with a clear overlay or finish. For the diagram above, we have kept this simple by showing the five main layers rather than every possible coating, adhesive or protective film.
What is the RFID inlay?
The RFID inlay is the part of the card you can't see, but is the bit that makes the card work. It usually includes three main components:
- The antenna: a thin conductive coil or pattern inside the card.
- The chip: a tiny electronic component that stores and manages the card data.
- The carrier layer: a thin material that holds the antenna and chip in position before the card is laminated.
When the card is held near a compatible reader, the reader powers the chip wirelessly through the antenna. The chip then sends back the information the system needs to complete an action (open a door for example).
This is why most RFID access cards do not need a battery. They are powered by the reader at the moment they are used.
What is the antenna inside an RFID card made from?
The antenna is usually made from a conductive material such as copper or aluminium. In many contactless cards, it is shaped like a thin loop inside the card.
The antenna is just as important as the chip. The chip stores and manages the data, but the antenna allows the card to communicate with the reader. Without the antenna, the card would have no way to respond.
What does the RFID chip do?
The chip is the small electronic part inside the RFID inlay. It stores the card’s information and controls how the card communicates with the reader.
Different RFID cards can contain different chip types. Two cards may look almost identical from the outside but work completely differently inside. For example, one system may need MIFARE Classic®, while another may need MIFARE DESFire®, EM4200, Fudan, NTAG, Paxton, Salto or another technology.
If you are replacing existing cards and you are not sure which chip you need, our guide to choosing replacement RFID cards is a good place to start.
Does an RFID card have to be made from plastic?
No. Standard RFID cards are often made from PVC because it is durable, printable and widely used in card manufacturing, but RFID cards can also be made using other materials, including Bamboo, Wood and even Paperboard.
The best material depends on how the card will be used, how long it needs to last, how it will be printed and whether sustainability or brand presentation is a priority.
A common choice for everyday RFID cards, staff ID cards, access cards and membership cards because it is durable and printable.
A more sustainable option where businesses still want the familiar feel and performance of a plastic-style card.
Often chosen for hotel key cards, hospitality, membership cards or brand-led projects where sustainability is important, and you want the cards to stand out.
Better suited to short-term or lighter-use projects, they are available custom printed with your designs.
If you print cards in-house, you'll likely need blank RFID cards. Whereas if you want the cards printed with your own logo and branding, you'll need to explore custom printed RFID cards.
RFID card layer FAQs
What are RFID cards made from?
Most RFID cards are made from a front printed layer, card body layers, an RFID inlay and a back printed layer. The RFID inlay contains the antenna and chip.
What is the most important layer in an RFID card?
The RFID inlay is the main technology layer because it contains the antenna and chip. Without the inlay, the card would not work as a contactless RFID card.
Is an RFID card just a chip inside plastic?
No. The chip is only one part of the card. A working RFID card also needs an antenna, card body layers and printed front and back surfaces.
What is the antenna inside an RFID card made from?
The antenna is usually made from copper or aluminium and is often arranged as a thin coil inside the card.
Do RFID cards need batteries?
Most RFID access cards are passive, which means they do not need a battery. They are powered wirelessly by the reader when the card is close enough.
Are RFID cards always made from PVC?
No. PVC is common, but RFID cards can also be made from recycled PVC, biodegradable PVC, wood, bamboo, paperboard or other materials depending on your priorities and requirements.
Need help choosing the right RFID card?
If you are replacing existing RFID cards or ordering cards for a new system, the safest starting point is to identify the chip technology your reader needs.
Not sure what you need? Contact The Card Network and our team will help you find the right RFID card for your system.
