Flexible access control credentials. One unified access platform.

Access credentials are the physical or digital keys, such as an Apple, Google, or Samsung mobile wallet pass, smart card, key fob, or PIN code, that a person presents or enters at a reader to unlock a door or gain entry. They’re the “how” behind every access control system, whether managing a single office or a multi-building portfolio. At Kastle, these access control credentials are just one piece of a fully managed security system that we design, install, monitor, and support as one accountable partner.

Access control systems let you manage who can enter a building, room, or space, and when. A credential (such as a badge, fob, or mobile phone) communicates with a reader that is near a door. The reader sends the credential information to the access system, which checks permissions and unlocks the door if access is authorized. Modern systems, like Kastle's, also give property managers real-time visibility into entries, exits, alarms, and activity across a building or an entire portfolio.

It depends on your building type, resident or tenant expectations, and your security needs. Key fobs and smart cards are reliable and cost-effective for many properties. Mobile entry system credentials, such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, are increasingly popular in multifamily and commercial buildings because residents and employees already carry their phones every day and are less likely to lose or share them. Many properties use a mix, offering mobile access as the primary credential with cards or fobs as backup.

Mobile credentials generally offer stronger security than traditional badges or fobs. They use encrypted communication and are tied to a specific device. Mobile credentials also reduce the risk tied to lost or shared physical cards, since most people notice a missing phone right away and can lock or wipe it remotely. Both types of access control credentials have their benefits and additional ways to enhance security, such as multifactor authentication via devices or PIN codes.

Apple, Google, and Samsung Wallet credentials reside directly in a resident's or employee's phone's wallet app, allowing tap-to-unlock access similar to contactless payments. Bluetooth credentials use a mobile app, such as KastlePresence, to communicate with the reader at short range, enabling hands-free entry. Smart card credentials use a physical card with an embedded chip that communicates with the reader when tapped or held close. All four methods can work with modern access control systems, but they differ in convenience, hardware requirements, and user experience.

Yes. Most modern access control platforms, including Kastle, support multiple credential types at the same reader or across the same property. This allows buildings to offer mobile credentials, key fobs, and smart cards side by side, so residents, tenants, and staff can choose what works best for them without sacrificing security or convenience.

Aliro is an open standard for access control that enables interoperability among readers and systems using a single credential. Today, most access control systems have proprietary credentials. This means a system in the lobby run by the building team won’t work in a tenant’s suite because it uses a different system with its own proprietary credentials. 

The Aliro standard enables an Aliro-based credential to work across those unique systems without requiring multiple credentials. 

Kastle has been leading the way in championing this new standard and was the first to enable Aliro credentials across Apple, Google, and Samsung Wallets.

With Kastle, you have a choice. Credentials added to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet do not require a separate Kastle app and can be deployed via the web if you choose. You may also need to use your tenant or resident experience app to get the credential if you are looking to drive adoption of your experience app.

For Bluetooth-based credentials, we do require a dedicated app to manage entry. This can be the KastlePresence app or embedded in your resident or tenant experience app.

The right approach depends on the access control platform and the experience a building wants to offer its residents or employees.

With Kastle, you have a choice. Credentials added to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet do not require a separate Kastle app and can be deployed via the web if you choose. You may also need to use your tenant or resident experience app to get the credential if you are looking to drive adoption of your experience app.

For Bluetooth-based credentials, we do require a dedicated app to manage entry. This can be the KastlePresence app or embedded in your resident or tenant experience app.

The right approach depends on the access control platform and the experience a building wants to offer its residents or employees.