100 pcs 26 Bit Proximity CR80 Cards Weigand Prox Blank Print
✅ PROS
- Reliable 26-bit Weigand format works with most major access control systems (HID, Paxton, etc.) out of the box
- Genuine CR80 size (3.375 inch " x 2.125 inch ") with a smooth printable surface that takes direct card printing well
- At roughly $0.72 per card, this is one of the most cost-effective bulk prox card options available
❌ CONS
- No encoding included — you'll need a compatible prox card programmer/writer to encode the 26-bit facility and ID codes yourself
- White blank surface shows scuffs and wear quickly in high-traffic daily use
The Verdict
If you manage a small office, a school, or a coworking space, access control is a quiet money pit. Pre-encoded prox cards from branded resellers run $3–$8 each. This box of 100 blank 26-bit Weigand CR80 cards costs about $72 total. That math alone gets your attention. But blank cards are only a bargain if they actually work with your system, print cleanly, and survive daily pocket abuse. Here’s the real story after digging through 225 buyer ratings and hands-on use cases.
What’s Actually in the Box
You get 100 white PVC CR80 cards, standard credit-card size (3.375" x 2.125", 0.03" thick). They’re blank on both sides with a matte finish designed for direct-to-card printing (Zebra, Fargo, or Magicard units). Each card contains an internal 26-bit Weigand proximity chip — no magnetic stripe, no smart chip, just the standard 125kHz proximity format that’s been the industry workhorse for decades.
The “blank” designation means two things: no pre-printed graphics and no pre-encoded facility codes. You’re responsible for both.
Performance: The Chip Inside Matters
The 125kHz proximity chips in these cards are compatible with virtually every major access control reader that accepts 26-bit Weigand — HID, Paxton, Honeywell, and most generic Chinese readers. Buyers consistently confirm this:
“Worked perfectly with our Paxton Net2 system. Encoded them with our existing programmer and they read instantly at every door.”
Another verified buyer noted:
“Half the price of the ‘brand name’ cards and I honestly can’t tell the difference in read range or reliability.”
Read range is typically 2–4 inches depending on your reader, which is standard for proximity cards. The chip itself is solid — no reports of premature failure or dead cards in the review data.
Build Quality and Printing
The PVC construction is rigid enough for daily use but not indestructible. The matte surface takes direct card printing cleanly — colors come out crisp and the finish doesn’t smear or peel during lamination. One caveat: the white surface is a fingerprint magnet and shows edge scuffs quickly. If your team keeps cards loose in pockets with keys, expect visible wear within a few months. Card sleeves or lanyard holders mitigate this.
For printing, these cards work with both monochrome and full-color direct card printers. Buyers report no feeding issues or jams, which is notable since cheap cards often have rough edges that snag printer rollers.
Where It Falls Short
The encoding requirement is the biggest gotcha. If you don’t already own a 26-bit proximity card programmer (like an HID 6010 or a generic USB writer), factor that cost into your budget. You cannot just wave these at your reader and expect them to work — they’re genuinely blank.
Also, the 26-bit format is the lowest security tier in proximity access control. If your facility requires high-security 37-bit or MIFARE DESFire, these won’t work. This is a non-issue for most small businesses, but worth stating plainly.
Finally, no bulk discount at higher quantities. The per-card price holds at 100, 200, or 500. If you need 500+, shop around for volume pricing elsewhere.
Who Should Buy These
- Small business owners with an existing 26-bit reader system and a card printer — this is your cheapest path to professional credentials.
- Property managers issuing temporary or visitor cards who don’t want to waste expensive branded cards on short-term use.
- Schools and training centers that need bulk cards for student ID badges and door access on a tight budget.
Skip these if you’re starting from zero (no programmer, no printer), or if your security policy demands modern encrypted credentials.
FAQ: Three Questions Buyers Actually Ask
Q: Can I print on both sides? Yes. The matte laminate accepts direct printing on both sides. Just flip the card in your printer’s duplex mode.
Q: Will these work with HID readers? Yes, if your HID reader is configured for 26-bit Weigand (most are by default). They won’t work with HID’s newer iCLASS SE or Signo readers that require SEOS or MIFARE.
Q: Do I need a special programmer? Any standard 125kHz prox card programmer that supports 26-bit format will work. The HID 6010B is the most common, but generic USB writers from Amazon at $40–$80 also handle these fine.
The Verdict
Rating: 4.6/5 — excellent value with one significant caveat.
Buy it if you have the encoding infrastructure and want to cut your per-card cost by 70% or more. These are reliable, compatible, and print beautifully.
Skip it if you’re buying your first proximity system and don’t realize you also need a programmer and a card printer — the total setup cost will surprise you.
For anyone already in the access control game, this is the smart bulk buy. Just budget for the scuffs.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.