bR500-C45F Contactless Bluetooth Smart Card Reader

The FEITIAN bR500-C45F is a badge-sized contactless smart card reader that connects over Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE) or USB-C and reads ISO 14443 Type A and B, MIFARE and FeliCa cards. At 31 g, it is for field teams and mobile apps that need contactless card reads on phones, tablets and laptops without a cable.

The FEITIAN bR500 is a premium contactless Bluetooth smart card reader. The easy to integrate Bluetooth connection allows developers to easily integrate smart card applications for higher security and flexibility on all mobile devices and computers which support the Bluetooth interface.

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Key Features:

• Firmware cannot be read out
• Anti-reverse analysis
• Short circuit protection
• Over-current protection
• Does not retain user sensitive data
• PCB has a 5mm distance from reader shell
• Can also read NFC (Near-Field Communication)
• Contactless card compliance: ISO 14443 and Mifare

Warranty: This product comes with a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. 

Compatibility and Use Cases

FEITIAN's datasheet lists Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix, Android 4.3+ and iOS, with PC/SC, CCID, PC/SC Lite and the WINSCARD API. On iOS and Android, your app talks to the reader through FEITIAN's SDK. On Windows, it works over USB-C out of the box, and over Bluetooth with FEITIAN's Bluetooth CCID driver. Typical uses:

• Field teams reading contactless ID cards on tablets and phones
• Laptops without a free USB port
• Mobile apps that need the same card workflow across mixed devices

Compare models in our smart card readers collection, or read our guide to the best contactless smart card reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which devices does the bR500 work with?

FEITIAN's datasheet lists Windows, Linux, macOS, Unix, Android 4.3+ and iOS. Phone and tablet apps connect through FEITIAN's SDK, and Windows works over USB-C out of the box or over Bluetooth with FEITIAN's Bluetooth CCID driver.

How long does the bR500 battery last?

FEITIAN's datasheet rates the bR500 at about 15 days of use at 10 reads a day, with a full charge in about 2 hours over USB-C. It switches off after 3 minutes idle to save power.

Can the bR500 read contact chip cards?

No. The bR500 reads contactless cards. If your staff carry contact-chip ID cards, choose the bR301 Bluetooth contact reader instead.

Why use a Bluetooth reader instead of a phone's built-in NFC?

Built-in NFC reads simple contactless tags, but each phone platform limits what apps can do with smart card chips. A Bluetooth reader gives your app a dedicated, consistent reader across phones, tablets and laptops.

Does the bR500 store card data?

No. FEITIAN states that the bR500 does not retain user-sensitive data, and its firmware cannot be read out.