Business card finishes: matte, gloss, soft-touch and beyond
Matte looks modern and is easy to write on. Gloss makes colors and photos pop. Soft-touch feels velvety and premium. For something that lasts or stands out, there are plastic, metal and NFC cards that open your contact with a tap.

Paper finishes
- Matte: no shine, modern look, easy to write notes on
- Gloss: shiny, makes colors and photos pop, harder to write on
- Soft-touch: velvety laminate, feels premium in the hand
- Spot UV: a gloss accent on a logo or text over a matte or soft-touch card
Beyond paper
- Plastic cards: rigid 30 mil PVC in white, clear or frosted, waterproof
- Metal cards: laser-etched stainless steel in black, silver, gold or rose gold
- NFC cards: a chip inside opens your contact or site with a tap
Note: metal blocks NFC, so a metal card cannot carry a working NFC chip. For tap-to-share, pick an NFC card.
Which one fits you?
- Contractors and trades: matte, easy to write a quote or date on
- Photographers and creatives: gloss or soft-touch to show work
- Real estate and luxury services: soft-touch, metal or NFC
- Bars, salons and events: plastic or clear cards that survive spills
Standard business cards start from $80 per 1,000, with same-day available. Not sure? Ask for a sample of each finish.
Questions
Which business card finish is best?
Matte for a modern look you can write on, gloss for bright colors and photos, soft-touch for a premium feel.
Can metal business cards have NFC?
No. Metal blocks NFC. For tap-to-share, choose an NFC card.
Can I add a QR code to my business card?
Yes. We can link it to a free Digital Card page.


