What are Wallet Keys?

Wallet Keys are digital access credentials stored directly in a smartphone‘s native digital wallet system, allowing hotel guests to unlock doors with a simple swipe or tap without opening a separate app. The Wallet Keys technology uses the phone‘s built-in secure element for credential storage and doesn‘t require installing additional applications. Wallet Keys are designed to encapsulate the essence of modern technology: efficiency and simplicity. A Wallet Key is a new type of Digital Key stored directly in your smartphone's or smartwatches, eliminating the need for physical keys or separate apps. This seamless integration with your device‘s native wallet functionality makes accessing rooms incredibly user-friendly. By using NFC protocols, the Wallet Key provider leverages the proven security framework of smartphone wallets, expanding their utility from a digital document repository to a practical, everyday door opener that interacts wirelessly with compatible locks to grant entry at a moment‘s notice. 

What do you need to activate Wallet Keys? First your door lock provider needs to support Wallet Key technology. Thereafter choose a digital Wallet Key provider (developing company) which is integrated with your locks and PMS & Guest Communication Providers.

“A hotel Wallet Key is a digital version of a room key card that is stored in your phone’s wallet.”

— FLEXIPASS

How Wallet Keys work:
No App Download. Just a Tap to Open Doors.

Guests will find their Wallet Key directly in the Wallet feature of the smartphone, once the hotel sends it to the guest. No further action is required from the guest - only hold the phone to the lock reader, that´s it! Wallet Keys require an active data connection only to receive the key in the wallet, thereafter the key will work also if the phone is without battery or without data connection. 

1. Check in is done via the PMS, Guest Communication Provider or the front desk. The key is sent directly to the Wallet on the phone, the guest does not need to download any app to retrieve the Wallet key. 

2. The phone needs to be held near the door lock (NFC). Compatible phones are required as well as compatible door locks. 

3. The door will open even if the battery on the phone is dead for several hours or the phone has no data connection.

What is needed to activate Wallet Keys?

First your door lock provider needs to support Wallet Key technology. Most lock providers will support Wallet Key technology and depending on how old your lock is,  some upgrading might be needed.  Usually no ripping out what you already have is needed. You should however consult your door lock provider to find out exactly if you need to add any components or upgrade to activate Wallet Key usage.  

Thereafter choose a Digital Key provider (developing company) which is integrated with your locks and your Guest Communication Provider. Opting for a Digital Key provider with an open platform will leave you the possibility to always keep your Digital Key provider and change or have various PMS or Guest Communication Providers among your properties. 

The key difference between Wallet Keys, Webkeys, Mobile Keys

• Wallet Keys - NO APP

  Description:
  
  Electronic room entry key saved in your phone's built-in wallet feature. The key is sent to the wallet normally via the booking platform or Guest Communication Platform.
  
  Activation Requirements:
  
  1. Lock system must be compatible with wallet-based technology 

  2. Find a Wallet Key technology vendor who is integrated with your door locks 

  3. If wanted, establish a connection between property software and Guest Communication Systems.

• Webkeys - NO APP

  Description:
  
  Internet-based room entry delivered via clickable links, requiring no application installation or download.
  

  Activation Requirements:
  
  1. Lock infrastructure must support online Webkeys capabilities

  2. Contract with a browser-based key vendor offering lock connectivity

  3. Set up integration with Guest Communication Services
  

• Mobile Keys - SUPER FAST APP

  Description:

  Mobile Key transmitted to guest smartphones usually through email or sms.

  Activation Requirements:
  
  1. Lock equipment must accommodate Mobile Key protocols
  
  2. Engage a mobile access vendor with matching lock compatibility
  
  3. Implement via vendor's platform or incorporate into current hotel software or app

Wallet Keys, connecting to Guest Communication Services

Imagine your guests skipping the lobby lines and having a plastic free guest journey. Your guests walk straight to their room and unlock it with a simple tap - the Wallet Key will even work when the phone is dead or has no signal. The Wallet Keys are stored in the Apple or Google Wallet that's already located on the smartphone's device. The staff can stop dealing with lost keys and frustrated guests who can't get into their rooms and money is saved on front desk operations and keycard costs. 

To enhance the guest experience, the hotels can opt to add on a guest communication experience provider such as concierge service, upselling and hotel guest messaging. You can find out more about Hotel Guest Communication Service here. 

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