You get an RFID card for electric car charging by creating an account with a charging network and ordering the card through its app or website. For private chargers at work or in an apartment building, the site manager issues the card. Order early, because a mailed card can take days or weeks to arrive, and activate it before your first trip.
Step 1: Decide Which Network You Need
An RFID card works on the network that issued it and on that network’s roaming partners. Start by finding which chargers you will actually use.
- Search your home area and common routes in the AFDC Station Locator, which lets you filter by network and connector type.
- Note which one or two networks appear most often near home, work and the places you visit.
- Check each network’s partner or roaming list to see whether one card covers several networks.
Our guide on where to find EV charging stations lists more ways to map chargers.
Step 2: Get the Card
| Where you charge | Who issues the card | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Public network chargers | The charging network | Create an account in the app or on the website, add a payment method, then order the card |
| Roaming across networks | A roaming or e-mobility provider | Sign up online; the card works on partner networks at that provider’s prices |
| Workplace chargers | Your employer or facilities team | Ask HR or facilities; you may need to sign a usage policy |
| Apartment or condo chargers | Property manager or HOA | Request a card or fob through the building office |
| Fleet vehicles | Your fleet manager | Cards are usually assigned per driver or per vehicle |
Some networks send cards free; others charge a small fee or require a minimum balance. Terms change, so read the current terms in the network’s app before you order.
Step 3: Activate and Test It
- Register the card number in your account if it did not arrive pre-linked.
- Confirm that a valid payment method is on file.
- Try it at a nearby charger before a long trip, so you know it works.
- Keep the card somewhere you will remember, such as the car’s glovebox, but report it lost right away if it goes missing.
Do You Still Need a Card?
Often an app is enough, and a growing number of chargers accept a contactless bank card. Federal NEVI rules in 23 CFR Part 680 require contactless card payment with no membership at funded corridor stations. A card is still worth having if you charge in garages with weak signal, use a network that relies on RFID, or charge at work or home on a shared charger. Read more in Do EV Charging Stations Take Credit Cards?
If you run a site and want to issue your own cards, look for chargers with a built-in reader. The EVDANCE EV-ACT3204E wallbox supports RFID and app control, and the EV-AC03201T dual-gun station adds OCPP 1.6J so cards can be managed from a back-end system. Our post on RFID user management covers the operator side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my office access badge to charge?
Only if your employer has set up the chargers to accept it. Some systems can register existing badges, but many need a separate charging card. Ask your facilities team.
How long does an RFID card take to arrive?
It depends on the network and where you live. Plan for at least several days for mail delivery, and use the app in the meantime.
Can I have more than one RFID card?
Yes. Many drivers carry cards for two or three networks. Some networks also let you add more than one card to the same account for family members.
Related Reading
- How to Use a Public EV Charger (and How to Stop It)
- Can You Use Any EV Charging Station?
- Apartment and Condo EV Charging: Solutions for Shared Parking
Key Takeaways
- Public RFID cards come from the network’s app or website after you create an account.
- Workplace, condo and fleet cards come from the site or fleet manager.
- Pick the network you use most, check roaming partners, and test the card before a trip.
- Apps and contactless bank cards often work too, but a card is a reliable backup.