How much do business cards cost?
How much do business cards cost?
$20 – $50 average cost for 500 standard business cards
Average business card prices
Business cards cost $0.04 to $0.50+ per card depending on the quantity, quality, features, printing company, and how quickly you need them. Low-price business cards range from $20 to $50 on average for 500 cards, while premium business card prices range from $100 to $250 or more for the same quantity.
| Quality level | Average price per card | Cost for 500 cards | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $0.04 – $0.10 | $20 – $50 | Basic cardstock, one-sided printing, simple design |
| Mid-range | $0.10 – $0.20 | $50 – $100 | Premium paper, double-sided printing, full color |
| Premium | $0.20 – $0.50+ | $100 – $250+ | Specialty materials, special effects, custom finishes |
Business cards remain an essential networking tool for professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies of all sizes. Understanding the costs involved in creating and ordering business cards can help you make an informed decision that balances quality, budget, and professional impact.
Factors that affect the cost of business cards
Business cards have a wide potential price range because there are so many factors that impact the cost, including:
Quality: Budget-friendly, no-frills business cards can cost less than $0.05 per card if you shop around and order at least 100 cards. Premium or specialty business cards often start at $0.20 or more per card and go up from there depending on the options you choose.
Size & shape: Standard 3.5" x 2" cards are the most economical option. Custom sizes or shapes add 20% to 50%+ to the base price.
Paper thickness: Standard 14pt cardstock is the cheapest option. Thicker, premium cardstock ranging from 16pt to 48pt adds 10% to 30%+ to the cost.
Material: Some companies offer business cards in plastic, metal, or wood. Opting for these specialty materials can increase the cost by 50% to 1,000% more than standard, depending on the material and features.
Sustainability: Choosing eco-friendly or recycled materials typically adds 10% to 25%.
Turnaround time: Standard turnaround time is typically 5 to 7 business days but varies depending on the printer. Expedited shipping adds anywhere from 25% to 200% to your cost, depending on how quickly you need your business cards.
Rounded corners cost less than a custom shape and make your business card stand out while also adding durability.
Quantity
The number of cards you order often has a significant impact on the price. Larger orders cost more overall but typically cost less per card. The table below shows the average starting price for several commonly offered quantities.
| Number of cards | Average starting price per card* | Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | $0.08 – $0.15+ | $8.00 – $15.00 |
| 250 | $0.05 – $0.12+ | $12.50 – $30.00 |
| 500 | $0.04 – $0.10+ | $20.00 – $50.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.03 – $0.08+ | $30.00 – $80.00 |
*Average price for basic, one-sided business cards with no upgrades; not including design fees or shipping costs.
Printing options
Most companies charge a base or starting price for single-sided matte cardstock with black and white ink. From there, each change you make increases the cost by anywhere from 10% to 60% or more over the base price, depending on the feature and printing company. Common upgrade options include:
Double-sided printing
Full color printing
Premium metallic ink
Specialty coatings like gloss, soft-touch, and spot UV
Spot UV, also known as spot gloss, is a method that adds shiny coating to specific areas of the business card for a contrasting effect with the matte card surface.
Design
Many companies have free online templates that make designing your business cards quick and easy. However, these templates may also result in a generic-feeling business card that doesn't truly reflect your business. Consider hiring a professional to help you create a business card that leaves a positive and lasting impression.
Graphic designers charge $20 to $150 per hour, depending on the location and their level of experience. Some designers charge a flat rate of $75 to $450 for business card design.
If you need to create an image for your brand, logo design costs $200 to $2,500 on average.
Local printer vs. online
Ordering locally has its advantages. You get more personalized service, free local pickup, and often quicker turnaround time, all while supporting a local business. Still, online printers often have better deals and more material and design options to choose from.
The table below breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of local printers and online printing services.
| Printer type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Local printer |
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| Online printing service |
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What to put on a business card
While you may want to add elements unique to your business, the essential information most companies put on their business card includes:
Person's name and title
Company name and logo
Contact information (phone, email, website)
Physical address (if applicable)
Social media handles (if relevant)
QR code (if applicable)
Professional credentials
FAQs about business cards
What size is a business card?
The U.S. standard business card size is 3.5" x 2" (88.9mm x 50.8mm). Other common options include 2.5" x 2.5"square business cards and 3.5" x 4" folded business cards. The European standard card size is 3.35" x 2.17" (85mm x 55mm).
How thick is a business card?
While 14pt is the standard thickness, common business card thicknesses range from 14pt (0.014") to 48pt (0.048"). Thicker cardstock translates to a higher quality feel and typically a higher price to match.
14pt: Standard
16pt: Premium
32pt: Ultra-premium
48pt: Luxury
What makes a good business card?
A good business card is visually appealing, easy to read, and contains all necessary information. It should reflect your brand and be memorable.
Best practices to ensure a high-quality result include:
Font: Stick with clean, readable fonts (10pt to 12pt minimum).
Layout: Use a simple, uncluttered design.
White space: Leave breathing room.
Contrast: Ensure text is easily readable.
Quality: Use appropriate paper weight.
Consistency: Match brand identity.
Where can I print business cards?
Popular options for printing business cards include:
Local print shops
Office supply stores
Professional printing companies
Online printers (VistaPrint, MOO, GotPrint)
Is it illegal to put business cards in mailboxes?
Yes, it is illegal in the United States to place business cards in mailboxes. This violates federal law as mailboxes are reserved for U.S. Postal Service mail only.
Where can you leave business cards?
Appropriate locations to leave business cards include:
Networking events
Business card holders at local businesses
Community bulletin boards
Chamber of Commerce
Trade shows
Business meetings
With permission at related businesses
How to save on business cards
Buying business cards doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you get quality cards to market your business while staying within your budget:
Order in bulk for volume discounts.
Choose standard sizes and shapes.
Order during printer sales and promotions.
Opt for digital over offset printing.
Select standard cardstock.
Design your own card using templates.
Share cards with colleagues for bulk pricing.
Choose single-sided printing.
Skip premium finishes.
Compare quotes from multiple printers.
Questions to ask a business card designer
If you hire a professional to help create your business card design, asking the right questions can ensure you find the best artist for your needs and budget:
What is your design process?
What file formats will I receive?
Can I see samples of your previous work?
What paper stocks and finishes do you recommend?
How long will the design process take?
Are there any additional fees for revisions?
Do you provide print-ready files?
Are there any additional fees?
Do you work directly with printers?
What information do you need from me?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.