In electronic access, 26-bit format credentials are still commonly used. Why? Have you had data limit issues?
For context, consider that 26-bit first was introduced in the early 1970's with Wiegand Credentials. 26 bits is not much capacity. Consider the approximate file size of a typical email is 75 Kilobytes, roughly 230% more data than what these credentials can contain.
In many cases, such a small size will not be an issue. From an HID brochure:
The 26-bit format consists of 255 possible facility codes. Within each facility code, there are 65,535 unique card numbers
But modern credentials often carry more than just a unique number. Cards/Identity templates often store names, addresses, contact numbers, biometric IDs, and even pictures.
The more information a card contains, the bigger it must be.
So again, do 26-bit cards work for you? Where have they been a problem?