Jul 29, 2025

Why Apple Wallet Access Cards Are the Future of Access Control

In today’s fast-paced world, people expect convenience, security, and flexibility in everything they do—including how they access buildings. One of the most exciting innovations in this space is the Apple Wallet access card, a digital credential that replaces traditional plastic cards and fobs.

Rather than carrying multiple access cards, users can now store secure digital credentials directly in their Apple Wallet, right alongside credit cards, event tickets, and boarding passes. With just a tap of an iPhone or Apple Watch, they can open doors, gates, elevators, or lockers—no physical card required.

How an Apple Wallet Access Card Works

Apple Wallet access cards use the same secure NFC and BLE technology found in payment cards. Paired with industry-leading access control systems (like HID Global’s Origo platform), these digital credentials are:

  • Secure – Backed by Apple’s device-level encryption and biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID).

  • Convenient – Credentials are instantly provisioned to a device, eliminating the need to print or ship physical cards.

  • Flexible – Access can be updated or revoked remotely without requiring in-person interaction.

  • Sustainable – No more single-use plastic cards, making it an ESG-friendly solution.

Key Benefits for Businesses and Tenants

1. Enhanced Security

With traditional plastic cards, lost or cloned credentials are a major risk. Apple Wallet access cards leverage biometric authentication and strong encryption, making them significantly harder to compromise.

2. Lower Operational Costs

No more printing, distributing, or replacing physical cards. Credentials are provisioned digitally, saving time for property managers and security teams.

3. Seamless User Experience

End users can onboard themselves in minutes. Just like adding a boarding pass to Apple Wallet, an access card appears on the device with a simple tap of a link.

4. ESG and Sustainability

For organisations with ESG goals, replacing thousands of plastic cards with wallet-based credentials delivers a measurable reduction in waste and aligns with sustainability reporting.

ResiKEY and HID: Delivering Apple Wallet Access Cards at Scale

At ResiKEY, we work closely with HID Global to deliver secure wallet-based access across commercial towers, residential developments, workplaces, and universities. Our platform acts as the bridge between property managers and end users, enabling Apple Wallet access cards and HID wallet credentials to be issued, managed, and audited with ease.

We’ve seen 100% elimination of physical access cards across major sites where ResiKEY has been deployed. The result is smoother tenant journeys, improved governance, and cost savings for building operators.

The Future of Access Control Is Digital

Mobile credentials are no longer a “nice to have”—they are fast becoming the standard. Apple Wallet access cards provide a frictionless, secure, and eco-friendly way to manage access, delivering value for both businesses and end users.

Ready to make the switch?

If you’d like to see how ResiKEY and HID Global can help your organisation deploy Apple Wallet access cards, reach out today for a demo.

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