Key card

How it is used

Front desk staff program key cards at check-in and usually give one per guest. Cards sometimes stop working, and the desk then reprograms them. At check-out guests drop them in a box or hand them in.

Example sentences

1. My key card isn't working. Could you reset it, please?

2. Put the key card in the slot by the door to turn on the lights.

Common collocations

• the key card doesn't work
• reset a key card
• spare key card
• insert the key card

Related terms

• front deskThe counter near a hotel entrance where guests check in and out, pay, collect keys and ask for help; also the staff who work there.
• check inTo show your ticket and passport and hand over your bags at the airport before a flight, or to register when you arrive at a hotel.
• check outTo leave a hotel at the end of your stay, returning the key and paying any extra charges at the desk or online.
• reservationAn arrangement to keep a hotel room, table, seat or car for you on a certain date; also the record of that arrangement.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

• key card · Tourism & Hospitality

More terms: Hotels & Accommodation

• booking confirmation
• late check-out