Last updated: 26 October 2026.
Side by side
| RFID card | Biometric | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed at the gate | Very fast, a single tap | Slightly slower |
| Risk of misuse | Cards can be lent or lost | Tied to the individual |
| Typical use | Students | Staff, secure areas |
| If lost | Deactivate and replace the card | Nothing to lose |
How to decide
- Count how many students arrive in the peak ten minutes. Large numbers favour RFID.
- Decide whether proxy attendance by lending cards is a real risk for your school.
- Use biometrics for staff attendance and sensitive areas.
- Think about maintenance: who replaces lost cards and looks after readers?
The real benefit is what happens next
Capturing attendance is only half the value. The other half is telling parents on the same day. With TITUS SYSTEMS, absence can trigger an automatic call to the parent. See school attendance software and the RFID attendance service.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more accurate, RFID or biometric?
Both record accurately. RFID can record a lent card; biometrics are tied to the person.
Can a school use both?
Yes. Many use RFID for students and biometrics for staff.