Keys vs. Cards: Choosing the Best Access for Your Building

Keys vs. Cards: Choosing the Best Access for Your Building

When it comes to building access, the choice between traditional keys vs modern key cards isn’t always easy. Each system has its pros, cons, and ideal use cases—and choosing the wrong one could create security gaps or inconvenience your tenants and staff.

At Secured Property Group, we help property owners and managers make smart security decisions that fit their space, their people, and their goals. Here's a breakdown of which access system could work best for you.

🔐 Traditional Keys: Simple and Familiar

Pros:

• Easy to use

• Inexpensive to install

• No tech skills needed

• Work without power or network access

Cons:

• Can be copied or lost

• No way to track who entered

• Must be rekeyed if compromised

• No remote access or control

Best for:

• Small residential buildings

• Utility or maintenance rooms

• Low-traffic access points

Need backup for after-hours access or emergencies? 👉 Check out our keyholding services to see how we help keep your building secure 24/7.

💳 Key Cards: Smart, Trackable, and Flexible

Pros:

• Easy to manage access permissions

• Entry times and users can be tracked

• Cards can be activated/deactivated remotely

• Works with access logs and security monitoring

Cons:

• Requires installation of card readers

• Power outages can disrupt access

• Higher upfront costs

• Users may lose cards or forget them

Best for:

• Office buildings and commercial spaces

• Student housing and multi-unit rentals

• Properties with high turnover

Overlooking access control can leave serious gaps. 👉 See how weak spots in facility security can lead to legal and financial risks.

Get Your Key Secured

🔁 What About a Hybrid System?

More and more properties are combining both systems—for example, using key cards for tenants and staff, while keeping physical keys for emergency or mechanical access. This gives you flexibility while keeping key areas secure.

👷‍♂️ What Access System Fits Your Building Best?

Every building is different. You’ll want to consider:

• Number of users and traffic volume

• Type of tenants (residential, office, mixed-use)

• Budget for installation and future management

• Need for access tracking or reporting

• Potential for lost/stolen access

At Secured Property Group, we can help assess your property and recommend an access solution that supports both security and convenience.

Whether you're looking to modernize your building or tighten control over who comes and goes, we’re here to help.

✅ Want help evaluating your access system?

Contact us today to book a walkthrough or request a custom facility service and security plan that fits your space.

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