Guide
Cards, phone, PIN or fob: which credential to choose?
Each credential has strengths. The right choice depends on users, doors and the security level you want — and you can combine several.
| Credential | Strengths | Limits | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFC card or fob | Simple, cheap, fast | Can be lent or lost | Residents, staff |
| Phone (NFC, Bluetooth, app) | Nothing to hand out, instant revocation | Battery, residents without smartphones | Managers, staff, tenants |
| PIN | No object | Easily shared | Secondary doors, deliveries |
| QR code / invite | Ideal for visitors | One-off | Visitors, contractors |
| Hands-free fob | Opens the garage without stopping | Dedicated hardware | Parking |
| Biometrics | Can’t be lent | Regulated by the CAI in Quebec | Highly sensitive areas |
Our advice
For a residential building, cards or fobs for everyone, phones as an option and fobs for the garage cover nearly every case. For an office, phone and card, with a PIN as a second factor for the server room.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a door require two credentials?
Yes, for example card + PIN on a sensitive door.
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Updated 2026-11-05