NXP MFRC522 contactless reader operating at 13.56 MHz
In stock
Rfid Nfc
RC522 RFID Card Reader/Writer Module 13.56MHz (with card + key fob)
13.56MHz MIFARE RFID reader/writer over SPI, bundled with card and key tag, used in access-control projects.
₹120 + 18% GST
SKU: BOTBIT-SEN-15 · Best for: RFID door locks and access-control systems
Overview
About RC522 RFID Card Reader/Writer Module 13.56MHz (with card + key fob).
The RC522 is a 13.56 MHz RFID reader/writer module built around NXP's MFRC522 contactless reader IC. It communicates with a host microcontroller over SPI (I2C and UART are also supported by the chip) and reads or writes MIFARE Classic cards and tags at close range. This kit bundles the reader board with one white MIFARE card and one blue key-fob tag, so you have everything needed to start an access-control or attendance project immediately.
It is the default RFID module for Arduino and ESP projects in India thanks to its very low price, the mature MFRC522 Arduino library, and abundant tutorials. Reading a card's UID, storing balances, or building a door-lock takes only a handful of lines of code.
The board runs on 3.3V logic, which makes it a natural fit for the ESP32 and ESP8266, and it works with 5V Arduino boards as long as the module itself is powered from 3.3V. It supports reading, writing and authenticating the sectors of MIFARE Classic 1K tags.
Key features
Why it stands out.
Reads and writes MIFARE Classic 1K/4K and MIFARE Ultralight tags
SPI interface up to 10 Mbit/s; MFRC522 also supports I2C and UART
Bundled with one MIFARE card and one key-fob tag to start immediately
3.3V operation, ideal for ESP32/ESP8266 and compatible with Arduino via level-safe wiring
Well-supported by the open-source MFRC522 Arduino library
Specifications
Selection facts.
| Reader IC | NXP MFRC522 |
|---|---|
| Operating frequency | 13.56 MHz |
| Supported tags | MIFARE Classic 1K/4K, MIFARE Ultralight, MIFARE DESFire (UID) |
| Host interface | SPI (up to 10 Mbit/s); I2C and UART supported by IC |
| Supply voltage | 3.3V DC |
| Operating current | 13-26 mA (typical) |
| Read range | Up to approx 5 cm depending on antenna and tag |
| Logic level | 3.3V |
| Included tags | 1x MIFARE card + 1x key-fob tag |
Applications
Where it is used.
- RFID door locks and access-control systems
- Attendance and time-tracking terminals
- Cashless canteen or membership balance systems
- Inventory and asset tagging with UID lookup
- Interactive projects and puzzles that respond to specific tags
- Learning RFID authentication and MIFARE sector read/write
Buying guide
How to choose.
Buy this kit if you want a low-cost, well-documented 13.56 MHz reader for access control, attendance or any project that identifies cards by UID. The included card and fob let you test straight away, and extra MIFARE tags are cheap to add later.
It runs on 3.3V, so it pairs perfectly with an ESP32 or ESP8266 that share the same logic level. With a 5V Arduino Uno or Nano, power the module from the 3.3V pin and connect the SPI lines; the module's inputs tolerate the typical wiring, but keeping VCC at 3.3V is essential to avoid damage.
If you need longer range, larger memory or encrypted DESFire security, look at dedicated readers, but for the vast majority of hobby and prototyping needs the RC522 with MIFARE Classic 1K is more than enough. Pair it with an SD card or a network module if you want to log scans.
FAQ
Common questions.
What comes in the box?
The kit includes the RC522 reader module (usually with a header strip to solder), one white MIFARE Classic card and one blue key-fob tag.
Which library should I use with Arduino?
Use the popular MFRC522 library by Miguel Balboa (available in the Arduino Library Manager). It provides ready examples for reading the UID, dumping memory and reading/writing MIFARE sectors.
How do I wire it to an ESP32 or Arduino?
Connect it over SPI: SDA/SS, SCK, MOSI, MISO and RST to the board's SPI pins, plus VCC to 3.3V and GND to ground. Power must be 3.3V; do not feed 5V into VCC.
What is the read range?
Roughly up to 5 cm depending on the tag type and orientation. It is designed for close-proximity tap-to-read use, not long-distance scanning.
Can it write to cards, not just read them?
Yes. With MIFARE Classic tags you can authenticate a sector with its key and then read or write the data blocks, which is how balance or ID data is stored on the card.
Is it available in India?
Yes, the RC522 kit with card and fob is a very common stock item with Indian hobby-electronics sellers and ships quickly.
More in Sensors & Modules
Related hardware.
Environment
DHT11 Digital Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module
Low-cost single-wire digital temperature (0-50C) and humidity (20-90% RH) sensor, the default beginner Arduino sensor.
₹60 + 18% GST
Environment
DHT22 / AM2302 Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module
Higher-accuracy digital temperature (-40 to 80C) and humidity (0-100% RH) sensor, upgrade over DHT11.
₹199 + 18% GST
Environment
BME280 Temperature Humidity Barometric Pressure Sensor Module (I2C/SPI)
Bosch 3-in-1 sensor measuring temperature, humidity and barometric pressure over I2C/SPI, popular for weather and altitude projects.
₹190 + 18% GST
Environment
BMP280 Barometric Pressure and Temperature Sensor Module
Bosch precision barometric pressure and temperature sensor over I2C/SPI, used for altitude and weather sensing.
₹95 + 18% GST
You may also need
Pairs well with.
Arduino Boards
Arduino Uno R3
The classic ATmega328P 8-bit microcontroller board, a popular beginner prototyping platform with 14 digital and 6 analog I/O pins.
₹799 + 18% GST
Breadboards Jumpers
MB102 830 Points Solderless Breadboard
Full-size 830 tie-point solderless prototyping breadboard with power rails, accepts 20-29 AWG wire.
₹90 + 18% GST