AWID 26/34/36/50-Bit Compared: Which AWID Format Fits Your System?
AWID 26/34/36/50-Bit Compared: Which AWID Format Fits Your System?
by Mike Boehm on December 07, 2025
When selecting AWID proximity credentials for a commercial access control system, understanding the differences between AWID 26-bit, 34-bit, 36-bit, and AWID 50-bit formats is essential. Each format carries a different data structure, security level, and compatibility profile. This guide breaks down each AWID format, the card readers that support them, the credential part numbers available, and compatible competitor options—helping you choose the format that best fits your existing infrastructure.
AWID has long been a widely used technology in legacy and modern access systems. Although many integrators default to AWID 26-bit (the most common), newer or more secure systems may require AWID 50-bit or specialty formats like 34-bit and 36-bit. Here's how they compare.
AWID 26-Bit Format (Wiegand 26)
Primary Use: Most popular and widely adopted AWID format, used in office buildings, gated communities, HOAs, and small businesses.
Key Features:
1 facility code + 1 card number
Universal Wiegand compatibility
Excellent for mixed-brand systems
Cost-effective and widely supported
Common AWID 26-bit Credential Part Numbers:
AWID CS-AZ (clamshell card)
AWID GR-AZ (graphics-quality PVC card)
AWID KT-AZ (key tag)
AWID PW-AZ (wristband credential)
Competitor AWID-Compatible 26-bit Credentials: (These mimic AWID modulation but are third-party manufactured.)
Generic 26-bit compatible key tags and cards sold by many OEMs
AuthorizID’s own AWID 26-bit compatible cards, key fobs, adhesives, and wristbands
AWID 34-Bit Format
Primary Use: Systems requiring a longer card number range than standard 26-bit, while staying within AWID’s encoding guidelines.
Key Features:
Larger card ID range
Often required by specific controllers like some Keri, Linear, and older enterprise platforms
Common AWID 34-bit Credential Part Numbers:
AWID CS-A34, GR-A34, KT-A34
Competitor AWID-Compatible 34-bit Options:
HID 1386 in 34-bit AWID format
Various third-party AWID-encoded 34-bit OEM cards
AWID 36-Bit Format
Primary Use: Used by several controller manufacturers that adopted a custom AWID encoding requiring two facility/ID fields.
Key Features:
Expanded ID capacity
Higher compatibility in systems specifically designed for 36-bit AWID
Often required by some RBH, IEI/Linear, and older enterprise systems
Common AWID 36-bit Credential Part Numbers:
AWID CS-A36, GR-A36, KT-A36
Competitor-Compatible 36-bit Credentials:
OEM AWID 36-bit cards
HID 1386/1326 in AWID 36-bit encoding
Generic 36-bit AWID format access cards used by integrators
AWID 50-Bit Format (High-Security Format)
Primary Use: Larger campuses, government facilities, multi-building sites, and customers needing a powerful combination of high card number range + enhanced format flexibility.
Key Features:
Significantly expanded card ID range
More bit space allows custom issuer codes
Compatible with many enterprise systems
Often chosen when migrating older AWID systems into modern controllers
Common AWID 50-bit Credential Part Numbers:
AWID CS-A50, GR-A50, KT-A50
AWID custom-encoded 50-bit cards (varies by integrator)
Competitor-Compatible 50-bit Credentials:
HID 1386 and 1326 in AWID 50-bit encoding
Generic third-party 50-bit AWID-compatible fobs and cards
AWID credentials are widely supported across many proximity reader families. Below is a list of AWID readers and third-party readers that can natively accept AWID encoding.
AWID Reader Part Numbers (Native Support)
SR-2400 (ProxSlim)
SP-6820 (ProxPoint)
LR-2000 (Long-range reader)
LR-3000 (Extended range)
MR-1820 (Medium range)
GR-3140 (Mullion style)
KP-6840 (Keypad reader)
Third-Party Readers Supporting AWID Format
(Most support AWID automatically when ordered with AWID/HID multi-tech firmware.)
HID ProxPoint Plus 6005
HID MiniProx 5365
HID MaxiProx 5375
HID ThinLine II 5395
Keyscan K-Series Readers (when AWID option is selected)
Linear / IEI Secured Series
Keri Systems P-Series (AWID compatible versions)
Nedap multi-technology readers
Rosslare AY-xx proximity readers
Allegion Schlage multi-format readers
ZKTeco multi-format Wiegand readers
If a controller accepts standard Wiegand, it can usually accept AWID cards as long as the bit format matches what the panel is configured for.
Which AWID Format Should You Choose?
Choose AWID 26-bit if:
You want maximum compatibility with nearly all legacy and modern systems
You want low cost and easy replacement across mixed brands
Your existing system already uses 26-bit cards
Choose AWID 34-bit or 36-bit if:
Your controller documentation explicitly requires these formats
You need a larger card ID range without changing reader infrastructure
Choose AWID 50-bit if:
You want a “future-proof” format with the highest ID capacity
You want more control over custom encoding
You have an enterprise-level access system or multiple buildings
Why Buy AWID-Compatible Credentials From AuthorizID?
AuthorizID offers:
AWID 26-bit, 34-bit, 36-bit, and AWID 50-bit compatible cards, key fobs, wristbands, and adhesive tags
U.S-based technical support to help you determine exact compatibility
Fast shipping from Northern Colorado
Free sample cards available for compatibility testing
Whether you are replacing existing AWID cards or upgrading your system, we help you get the exact credential format your controller requires.
