What si an RFID card for EV charging? (And do you actually need one?)

If you're new to electric vehicle ownership, you've probably heard other EV drivers mention RFID cards for charging. Maybe you've seen them tapping physical cards at charging stations, or you've come across references to "charging cards" in EV forums.

So what exactly is an RFID card for EV charging? In short, it's a physical card that lets you access public charging networks by tapping it into a charging station. Think of it like an Oyster card for EV charging—tap to pay, but for electricity instead of travel.

But here's the more important question: do you actually need one in 2025? The honest answer is probably not. The EV charging payment landscape has evolved significantly, and mobile apps combined with contactless payment have largely superseded RFID cards for most drivers.

This guide explains what RFID cards are, how they work, when they still make sense, and what modern alternatives work better for the majority of users.

RFID Cards Explained: The Basics

RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification. An RFID card for EV charging is a physical card—similar in size and appearance to a contactless bank or hotel key card—that contains a chip that communicates with charging station readers.

How RFID cards work:

The process is straightforward. You order a card from a charging network or roaming service provider. Once it arrives (typically 1-2 weeks), you activate it and link it to your charging account. When you arrive at a compatible charging station, tap the card on the charging station's reader. The charger recognises your card, authorises the session, and then starts charging. Tap again when you're finished, and the session stops. Usage is billed to your account, either monthly or per session, depending on the provider.

The historical context:

RFID cards were the standard payment method for public EV charging between roughly 2015 and 2020. This was before smartphone apps were widespread and before contactless payment terminals became standard on charging units. Many early chargers had no screens or payment terminals—RFID cards were the only way to access them.

Where we are now:

The charging infrastructure landscape has changed dramatically. Modern chargers feature screens, contactless payment terminals, and QR codes for app-based payment. Mobile apps provide real-time availability, pricing information, and session monitoring. Contactless bank cards work at most rapid chargers.

RFID cards haven't disappeared—they still have specific use cases—but they're no longer essential equipment for EV drivers.

RFID Cards vs Mobile Apps vs Contactless: The Comparison

Let's compare the three primary payment methods for public EV charging in 2025, honestly assessing their advantages and limitations.

RFID Card Payment

Advantages:

RFID cards work without your phone, which matters when your battery dies or you've forgotten your device. No mobile signal is required once the card is activated—useful in rural areas with poor connectivity. The card provides a physical backup payment option that some drivers find reassuring.

One card can work across multiple networks if you choose a roaming service like Octopus Electroverse. The tap-to-start process is quick—no app menu navigation. Fleet managers appreciate RFID cards for consolidated company car billing. Some users simply prefer tangible payment methods over digital ones.

Limitations:

You'll wait 1-2 weeks for the card to arrive in the mail, so you can't start using it immediately. It's another physical item to carry and potentially lose. You can't see pricing before you start charging, which makes budgeting difficult. There's no way to monitor your charging session remotely or check how much it's costing whilst you're away from your vehicle.

RFID cards don't show real-time charger availability, so you can't plan. The card requires account setup and activation before first use. Compared to app payment, RFID cards offer significantly less flexibility and functionality.

Best for: Fleet drivers with company-provided cards, people who genuinely prefer physical payment methods, or as a phone-free backup option.

Mobile App Payment

Advantages:

App setup is instant—download, register, add payment method, and you're ready to charge. You can see exact pricing before you start charging, helping you choose the most cost-effective option. Real-time session monitoring shows charging speed, energy delivered, and current cost whilst you're away from your vehicle.

Apps display charger availability before you arrive, reducing wasted journeys. Comprehensive charging history and instant receipt downloads simplify expense claims. Most networks offer their best per-kilowatt-hour pricing through their apps. Built-in navigation guides you to chargers. Apps are one less physical item to carry—your phone is already with you.

For Zest specifically, the app offers offers drivers a hassle-free charging experience: accurate real-time availability data in the UK (a direct connection to every charger), transparent pricing, instant VAT receipts, and access to UK-based support.

Limitations:

You need a charged phone, which occasionally catches people out. Mobile signal is usually required to start sessions, though some apps cache data. You must download and set up the app initially. If you charge across many different networks, you might need multiple apps—though roaming apps like Electroverse solve this.

Best for: Most drivers, particularly regular users of specific charging networks who appreciate control, visibility, and the best pricing.

Contactless Card Payment

Advantages:

Contactless requires absolutely no setup or registration—it works immediately with the bank card already in your wallet. You can charge at any compatible station without downloading apps or creating accounts. Your existing bank card serves as your payment method—no additional cards needed. Many modern rapid chargers accept contactless payment.

At Zest, contactless payment works at all rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, providing reliable backup even if you've forgotten your phone or the app isn't working.

Limitations:

Pre-authorisation holds (typically £30-50) appear temporarily on your bank statement, which can confuse some users. Contactless pricing is sometimes slightly higher per kilowatt-hour than app rates. You can't check pricing before charging starts. There's no way to monitor your session remotely. Accessing receipts requires additional steps—visit the network's receipt portal rather than instant app downloads.

Best for: First-time public charging experiences, occasional users who don't want multiple apps, or as a reliable backup when your phone is unavailable.

Quick Visual Comparison

Bottom line for 2025: Mobile apps offer the best overall experience for most drivers. RFID cards serve as an optional backup or fulfil specific fleet requirements. Contactless bank cards provide instant access with no setup required.

Do You Need an RFID Card in 2025?

Let's be direct about when you genuinely benefit from an RFID card versus when you're just carrying extra plastic.

You Probably Don't Need One If:

You're comfortable using smartphone apps for everyday tasks. You typically charge at a limited number of networks on a regular basis. Your phone battery management is reliable—you're not frequently caught with a dead phone. Contactless payment as a backup option feels sufficient for occasional app failures.

Most EV drivers in 2025 fall into this category. The combination of mobile apps for regular use and contactless cards for emergencies covers virtually all charging situations.

You Might Actually Want One If:

Scenario 1: Company or Fleet Vehicles

Your employer provides a fleet RFID card as part of your company car package. This enables consolidated billing for business charging across multiple employees. Systems like Allstar or similar fleet management platforms use RFID cards for simplified expense reporting and accounting. For company vehicles, RFID cards are often part of standard operating procedure.

Zest chargers work with Allstar fleet cards, supporting business users who need this payment method.

Scenario 2: Multiple Network Charging

You regularly charge across multiple networks rather than favouring any one operator. A roaming RFID card provides one-card access to hundreds of networks. This offers an alternative to downloading multiple network-specific apps.

However, roaming apps now deliver similar convenience with better features, so this advantage has diminished considerably.

Scenario 3: Phone-Free Preference

You prefer not to rely on smartphones for everyday transactions. You want a physical backup specifically for situations when your phone battery dies. You prefer tangible payment methods over digital ones. You may be an older driver less comfortable with app-based systems.

These preferences are entirely valid, though even drivers in this category are increasingly adopting apps once they experience the additional features.

Scenario 4: Remote Area Charging

You frequently charge in areas with poor mobile signal coverage. RFID cards work without connectivity once activated, providing peace of mind in rural locations. This matters if you regularly travel through areas where your phone struggles to maintain a signal.

The reality check:

Even in these scenarios, drivers increasingly use apps as their primary method, with RFID cards serving as backup rather than the primary payment method. The features offered by modern apps—real-time availability, transparent pricing, session monitoring, instant receipts—prove sufficiently valuable that most people choose apps even when they initially plan to use RFID cards.

For Zest users specifically, our app provides such a superior experience (the most accurate real-time data in the UK, best pricing, excellent support) that even fleet drivers often use it alongside their company RFID cards when charging at Zest locations.

Getting an RFID Card: Your Options

If you've decided an RFID card suits your needs, here's how to obtain one. Roaming cards that work across multiple networks typically make more sense than network-specific cards.

Roaming RFID Cards (Best Option If You Want One)

Octopus Electroverse Card

Cost is zero—the card is free to order. Coverage spans over 1 million chargers worldwide, including all Zest locations and virtually every other UK network. Order through the Electroverse app or website. Delivery typically takes 7-10 days.

This represents the best option for wide network access with a single card. The Electroverse platform seamlessly integrates with Zest chargers through our partnership.

Allstar Fleet Card

Requires business account setup rather than individual consumer registration. Provides a broad UK network coverage, including Zest locations. Obtain through your employer or by establishing a business account directly with Allstar. Designed specifically for fleet and company vehicles with comprehensive reporting features.

Network-Specific RFID Cards

Most UK charging networks have phased out proprietary RFID cards in favour of mobile apps (preferred method), contactless payment (reliable backup), and integration with roaming services like those listed above.

Zest specifically: We don't issue proprietary RFID cards because the combination of our app and contactless payment provides superior functionality. However, Zest chargers remain fully accessible via Octopus Electroverse cards and Allstar fleet cards for users who prefer or require RFID payment.

Our recommended approach: download the Zest app for the best experience, use contactless as a backup, and use the Electroverse card for roaming RFID functionality if you want it.

General Setup Process

The typical process for obtaining and activating an RFID card follows these steps:

1. Register an account online or via the provider's app
2. Request an RFID card (usually free, sometimes a small fee)
3. Add your payment method to the account
4. Wait for card delivery (typically 1-2 weeks)
5. Activate the card via app or website when it arrives
6. Link the card to your account (sometimes automatic)
7. Test at a compatible charger to confirm it's working

The waiting period for card arrival represents the main inconvenience compared to instant app setup/

How to Use an RFID Card at Charging Stations

Once your card arrives and is activated, using it at charging stations is straightforward.

Step 1: Locate the RFID Reader

Look for the RFID reader on the charging unit's front panel. Most readers display a contactless symbol or "Tap here" marking. The reader location varies—sometimes it's near the screen, sometimes near the payment terminal, and occasionally in a separate panel. On Zest chargers, the reader is clearly marked and easily accessible.

Step 2: Tap Your Card

Hold your card flat against the reader, similar to contactless payment at shops. Wait for confirmation—usually a beep or light indicator. The charger screen should display "Authorised," "Accepted," or similar confirmation that your card was recognised.

Step 3: Select Your Connector

If the charging station has multiple cables or sockets, select the appropriate one. Follow any on-screen prompts that appear. Some chargers automatically detect which socket you use; others require manual selection.

Step 4: Plug In Your Vehicle

Remove the charging cable from the unit's holster. Connect it firmly to your vehicle's charging port until you hear the click indicating it's locked. Charging should begin automatically within a few seconds—check your vehicle's display or the charger screen for confirmation.

Step 5: Stop Charging

When you're ready to finish, tap your card again on the reader. Alternatively, some systems allow you to stop via the app if available. Wait for the cable to unlock—this happens automatically once the session ends. Return the cable properly to its holster on the charging unit.

Troubleshooting: If your card doesn't work, try tapping again—sometimes the first tap doesn't register properly. Check that your card is activated and linked to your account. Use contactless payment or the network's app as a backup if the RFID card continues to fail. Contact your card provider if problems persist.

The Honest Truth About RFID Cards

Let's discuss the genuine pros and cons of RFID cards based on real-world experience.

What The Marketing Materials Say:

RFID cards offer convenient access to multiple networks with a simple tap-to-start operation and no phone needed. They're presented as essential equipment for serious EV drivers.

What The Reality Actually Is:

RFID cards are genuinely helpful for fleet management and business billing. Drivers who authentically prefer physical cards over digital payment methods appreciate them. They serve effectively as backup options when phones die. Specific networks or charging locations work better with RFID than other payment methods.

But Here's The Honest Assessment:

Apps are demonstrably more convenient for most people in most situations. You're carrying your phone anyway—it's already with you for navigation, communication, and countless other daily tasks. Apps show pricing, availability, provide session monitoring, and connect you with customer support. The contactless cards already in your wallet work as a backup at modern chargers. Waiting 1-2 weeks for the RFID card to be delivered feels unnecessarily slow when apps work immediately. It's yet another card to carry and potentially lose.

The features you lose by using RFID instead of apps—real-time availability checking, transparent pricing, session monitoring, instant receipts—matter more than most people initially realise. Once you've experienced charging with a good app, returning to RFID-only payment feels like a significant downgrade.

The 2025 Verdict:

RFID cards aren't inherently bad technology. They work reliably and serve specific use cases effectively. But they're solving a problem that apps and contactless payment have largely solved better for the majority of users. Unless you have particular reasons—such as fleet vehicle requirements, a genuine phone-free preference, or consolidated business billing needs—the app provides a superior experience.

The Zest Approach: App-First, Always Accessible

Zest's payment philosophy deliberately makes RFID cards unnecessary while remaining accessible to users who have or want them.

Primary Method: The Zest App

The Zest app delivers the best pricing available on our network—app users receive preferential per-kilowatt-hour rates. Real-time charger availability is the most accurate in the UK because we connect directly to every charging unit. Our system updates availability in real time, not every 15 minutes or based on crowdsourced data.

Easy session monitoring shows exactly what's happening with your charge—current charging rate, energy delivered, cost so far, and estimated completion time. Instant VAT receipt downloads support business users who need proper documentation. Direct access to UK-based customer support ensures help when you need it. The QR code session starts, providing quick, contactless operation.

Backup Method: Contactless Payment

Contactless payment is available on all Zest rapid and ultra-rapid chargers as a reliable backup. It functions immediately without pre-registration. Simple receipt access via our online portal provides documentation for contactless users as well.

For Roaming Access

Full integration with Octopus Electroverse means Zest chargers are accessible through their app or RFID card. Allstar fleet card compatibility supports business users. Our chargers work with major payment platforms.

Why This Combination Works Better

You're not waiting for RFID card delivery—start charging within minutes of downloading the app. App setup is instant and straightforward. You always have contactless backup if your phone fails. You get the best features—monitoring, support access, and transparent pricing. Access via Electroverse remains available if you want roaming card functionality.

The practical reality: Most Zest users never consider obtaining an RFID card. The combination of our app (for regular use) and contactless payment (for backup) covers all conceivable charging situations. The app experience is sufficiently superior that additional payment methods become unnecessary.

Our focus on app-first payment reflects modern user preferences whilst maintaining flexibility for those who prefer or require alternatives.

What You Should Actually Do

Here's our straightforward recommendation for setting up your EV charging payment methods.

Recommended Approach

Step 1: Start With Apps

Download the Zest app if you're within our coverage area across the UK. Our 1,300+ charging locations cover major cities, retail destinations, and community hubs. Download the Octopus Electroverse app for comprehensive roaming access across multiple networks. Set up payment methods in both apps before you urgently need to charge.

This combination provides excellent coverage: the Zest app for our network (with superior features and pricing) and Electroverse for everywhere else.

Step 2: Use Contactless as Backup

Your existing bank cards already serve as a reliable backup payment method. Contactless charging is supported by most modern rapid chargers, including all Zest rapid and ultra-rapid units. You don't need to do anything—the cards are already in your wallet.

Step 3: Consider RFID Only If:

Your employer provides a fleet card as part of the company vehicle arrangements. You genuinely prefer physical cards over digital payment after trying both. You need consolidated business billing that your accounting system requires explicitly.

For most drivers, this third step remains unnecessary. The app-plus-contactless combination proves sufficient.

Additional Resources

If you're new to public EV charging, our complete guide to using EV charging stations in the UK walks you through the entire process step-by-step. Understanding payment methods for public charging helps you choose the best approach for your needs.

Start Simple

The beauty of modern EV charging is that you can start immediately. Download an app, add your payment card, and you're ready to charge—the combination of app plus contactless covers 99% of charging situations you'll encounter.

RFID cards remain available if you later decide you want one, but starting with apps and contactless lets you experience the full functionality of modern charging. Most users discover they never need the RFID card they initially planned to order.

The UK's public charging infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, supported by government initiatives such as Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding and private investment from operators like Zest, backed by the government-sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund.

As the network grows and technology improves, payment methods evolve toward greater convenience and functionality. Apps and contactless payments represent the direction charging payments are heading, whilst RFID cards increasingly serve specialist needs rather than mainstream use.

Choose the payment methods that work for your specific situation, but don't feel obligated to obtain equipment you don't actually need.

‍