5 Best NFC Business Cards for Networking in 2024

When someone told me that 88% of paper business cards are thrown away in under a week, it broke my heart.

But after a few minutes on Reddit, I came away enlightened, realizing that I’ve been doing professional networking wrong all these years.

Enter the NFC business card – a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional business cards.

Thanks to the trifecta of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and enhanced functionality, these smart cards are transforming the landscape of modern networking. They can help you make a lasting impression on your contacts while supercharging your lead generation and follow-up game.

Today I’m reviewing the top five cards on the market today. We’ll cover pricing, product, and all the juicy marketing features you could ever ask for. Let’s get into it.

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure for more info.

What are the best NFC business cards?

Popl

Popl is one of the most popular providers of digital business cards for individuals and teams. Their enterprise customers include the likes of Google, Uber, Tesla, and Disney.

To create your free digital business card with Popl, just sign up on the site and fill in your company info. You can use one of Popl’s templates or create a custom design.

Once your digital card is set up, you can start sharing it immediately using the in-app QR code or one of Popl’s many other sharing options. Your profile will open in your contact’s browser, and they’ll also receive a prompt to share their own contact information back to you – no app required.

Wide product selection: Popl has a nice selection of stylish NFC accessories that you can connect to your digital card, including plastic and metal cards, phone stickers, wristbands, keychains, display stands – even an ultra-classy 24-karat gold-plated card. That’s one way to make an impression!

They also offer Google review cards.

When you receive your Popl NFC business card or other physical product in the mail, just activate it to your digital card to start using it. You can connect as many NFC devices to a single card as you want.

Sharing options: Popl’s NFC tags can share to most iPhone and Android devices with a single tap. They also come with QR codes that can be read by all iPhones and most Android devices.

You can also share your digital Popl card via in-app or shareable QR code, text message, web link, email signature, Apple NameDrop (just like AirDrop), iPhone widget, Apple or Android Wallet, and Apple Watch. Plus, you can add your QR code to virtual meeting backgrounds on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.

Easy lead capture and follow-up: On Popl’s premium plans, you can sync your contacts to your CRM or other marketing app. With the Teams plan, you can even send automated email follow-ups.

Using Popl’s AI-powered business card scanner, you can scan QR codes on other digital cards and Popl will instantly save them as contacts. The scanner also works on traditional physical business cards.

Highlights

• Top-rated mobile app with 50K+ reviews
• Easy 2-way contact sharing with tons of sharing options
• Large selection of tap-to-share products
• Smart contact management platform
• 5000+ CRM and marketing integrations
• Custom lead capture forms
• AI-powered business card scanner (works on paper and digital cards)
• Automated follow-ups for teams
• Team management dashboard
• Analytics
• SOC 2 and GDPR security and compliance
• 24/7 support

Pricing

• Free: Create a free digital business card. NFC products not included.
• Pro: $7.99 per month (or $6.49 per month billed annually).
• Pro+: $14.99 per month (or $11.99 per month billed annually).

Team plans are also available. All plans come with a 14-day free trial.

V1ce

V1ce specializes in one-tap business cards, accessories, and “table talkers” (display stands) for individuals and businesses. The company has a heavy focus on sustainability – for every product purchased, they plant a tree.

With V1ce’s NFC products, you can exchange contact info, book appointments, accept payments, and follow up with networking leads. They work with almost any Apple and Android device, and your contacts don’t need a V1ce app.

With a quick tap or scan of the QR code, you can instantly share contact information, lead forms, and more. All of your contact data will be stored in your dashboard for easy follow-up.

Plus, your contacts can easily send their information back to you using the “Exchange Contact” button on your V1ce profile.

How to order your card: To get your V1ce card, first select a style and color scheme. When you make your purchase, V1ce’s design team will email you a design brief to fill out and send back. Optionally, you can send in a custom design.

The team will then create a visual mockup of your card at no extra cost. You can request as many revisions as you like until you’re completely satisfied with the design.

While you’re waiting for your card to arrive in the mail, you can set up your digital profile online, including your contact information, social media profiles, and company website. When your physical product arrives, connect it to your V1ce account and you’re good to go.

NFC products: You can choose from a variety of plastic, bamboo, gold, and metal digital business cards. V1ce also offers NFC accessories like phone cards, lanyards, buttons, product tags, phone case, RFID wallets, and POS displays.

They also have cards for collecting Tripadvisor, Facebook, and Google reviews from your customers.

V1ce’s display stands can be used in point-of-sale or other high-traffic areas like checkout counters, reception desks, and tradeshow booths. Your customers can simply tap with their device or scan the QR code to make contactless payments, leave a Google review, follow your social media accounts, and more.

What you can share: You can share anything from a simple contact card to detailed information such as your bio, job title, contact information, website, social profiles, videos, images, FAQs, lead forms, appointment links, menus, portfolios, and more.

Sharing methods: V1ce works via methods like quick tap, QR code, Apple and Android Wallet, and social media or email signature link.

Highlights

• Built-in CRM
• CRM integration
• Customizable lead forms
• Free worldwide shipping (orders over $110.99)
• 24/7 support
• Sustainable and environmentally friendly choice
• Create and switch between multiple profiles for any business
• Update your information in real time
• Real-time analytics dashboard
• Secure – no financial information is stored

Pricing

V1ce’s pricing ranges depending on the type of card or accessory that you choose. They frequently offer steep discounts on products and bundles.

V1ce has a 30-day refund policy.

Linq

Linq offers wood (bamboo), plastic, and metal NFC business cards at a great cost for solo entrepreneurs. That said, they also have team plans that are used by many big-name companies.

One of Linq’s flagship products is the Hyper Linq Card, which has advanced iOS capabilities for lightning-fast contact sharing.

Besides customizable NFT cards, Linq offers a variety of QR and NFC accessories for modern networking – for example, badges, phone taps, bracelets, Google reviews hubs, bracelets, Apple Watch bands, and display stands for event attendees and vendors.

With one tap or a QR code scan, you can instantly exchange information with your contacts. Linq also has a business card scanner that lets you convert traditional business cards to digital contacts.

With Linq for Teams, you can update business cards for your team in bulk or remotely reprogram them.

Highlights

• Same-day printing on custom orders
• Real-time advanced analytics
• CRM and calendar integration and meeting scheduling
• Offer downloadable files to your contacts
• Create multiple profiles on your account or attach one profile to multiple products
• Follow-up reminders
• Business card scanner
• Redirect contacts to any URL
• Collect payments, surveys, and more

Pricing

At just $5 per month for the Pro plan, Linq is one of the most cost-effective options on this list for solopreneurs. The annual plan is just $50 per year (a 17% discount).

Team plans are also available.

The physical NFC products themselves are also very affordable, starting from as low as $10 per card.

Linq offers a free plan with basic features.

Mobilo

Mobilo is a popular provider of digital business cards and NFC products for in-person meetings as well as online and virtual networking events. They work with NFC chip and QR code.

Every Mobilo card includes four modes that you can switch between: business card, landing page, lead generation, and link-to-any-URL. For example, lead generation mode lets you collect contact details and send them directly to your CRM.

Mobilo works with all iOS and Android smartphones, and your contacts don’t need an app.

Mobile is a sustainable choice, planting a tree for every wood business card sold.

NFC card types: You can choose from classic plastic, eco-friendly wood (light and dark), and classy stainless steel and laser-engraved metal (available in black, gold, and silver). The cards can be customized to your brand.

They also offer key fobs and smart buttons that you can stick to the back of your phone.

Customizable QR codes: One perk about Mobilo is that they offer customizable QR codes. You can make your QR code your brand color, choose from a square or round shape, and even add your company logo to the center or background of your QR code.

This is a great way to stand out from the competition and make a good impression.

Highlights

• 5000+ marketing and CRM integrations
• No app needed
• Instantly updateable
• Sustainable and eco-friendly choice – a tree is planted for every wood card sold
• Customizable landing pages
• Compatible with all smartphones
• Fully customizable business card and QR code design

Pricing

For individuals, pricing is a one-time cost based on the card you choose:

• Mobilo branded: $4.99
• Custom-designed classic: $19.50
• Custom-designed wood: $29.50
• Custom-designed metal: $49.50.

For teams, the annual fee is $39 per year per employee, plus the one-time cost of each card.

CRM integration and automation and lead data enrichment are available as add-ons.

Wave

Wave is a contactless business card provider based in Quebec, Canada. That said, you can use their cards anywhere in the world. They’re rated by G2 as the easiest-to-use digital business card globally.

You can quickly set up your Wave digital business card for free by creating a profile on iOS, Android, or your computer. Then add your contact information, social media profiles, websites, and a logo, and you’re all set to exchange contact info with your networking connections.

Wave currently offers both plastic and metal NFC cards and bracelets.

Wave stores all your connections in a digital contact manager. You can easily access, update, and sort your contacts’ names, addresses, and phone numbers, and easily add notes or tags. Plus, you can schedule automated email or text follow-ups.

Wave for Teams offers CRM integrations and advanced analytics.

Sharing options: You can share your Wave card via methods like NFC chip, QR code, digital wallet, URL, email, or text.

Highlights

• Free shipping on orders of $99 or more
• Customizable card design
• Connect to your CRM
• Advanced analytics
• Contact exchange
• Lead capture
• Compatible with all modern iPhone and Android devices
• Schedule automated follow-ups via email or text
• Digital contact manager with unlimited storage
• CSV exports

Pricing

Wave has a free digital business card plan – you’ll just need to pay a one-time cost for the NFC product.

The Pro plan costs just $4.99 per month, or you can save 20% by paying $49.99 for the whole year.

Team plans are also available.

How to choose the right NFC business card for you

Here are a few criteria to keep in mind when choosing a contactless business card:

• Material: NFC cards come in a variety of materials, including plastic/PVC, metal/titanium, wood/bamboo, and even gold. Plastic and metal are typically more durable, whereas wood may offer a greener and more eco-friendly choice.
• Object type: Digital business cards can be connected to many different types of physical NFC accessories, such as cards, buttons or stickers (e.g., for your phone), bracelets, phone cases, display stands, lanyards, key fobs, and product tags.
• Design: Some companies give you very granular control over your design and branding, right down to the look of the QR code.
• Advanced features: Before selecting a one-tap business card provider, decide whether you need marketing or team management features like lead capture forms, CRM integrations, automated follow-ups, and advanced analytics.
• Pricing structure: Some NFC cards are a one-off cost, while others are available on a subscription basis only. In addition, some companies give you a free digital business card (minus its physical counterpart) with basic features.
• Compatibility: Before purchasing an NFC card, check that it’s compatible with most modern devices, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
• Sharing options: Different providers may offer different methods for exchanging data with your contacts. Common transfer methods include NFT tap, QR code, Apple and Android Wallet, shareable URL, email, and text.
• Delivery time: Depending on the business card provider you choose and where they are located, production and delivery time may vary.
• Customer support: Choose a provider that offers good customer support (ideally 24/7) in case you have any questions about your card.

FAQ about contactless business cards

What is NFC?

Near-field communication (NFC) is a wireless technology for contactless data transfer that is similar to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The key difference between these technologies is their range.

Whereas Bluetooth and Wi-Fi operate over longer distances, NFC is designed for short-range communication (within a few centimeters), making it ideal for closer interactions like face-to-face networking.

How do NFC business cards work?

NFC business cards work by embedding an NFC chip into the card. When the card is tapped or brought close to an NFC-enabled device – like most modern smartphones – it wirelessly transmits information stored on the chip. These cards offer a convenient way to share information digitally in person.

These cards may also be referred to as:

• Smart visiting cards
• Wireless business cards
• QR business cards
• Bluetooth business cards (this is a misnomer)

Are NFC business card apps worth it?

Many people find there are advantages to using smart business cards. Not only are they a more eco-friendly and sustainable choice than traditional paper cards, but they’ll also save you money in printing costs.

Plus, they contain more data, can be updated whenever you want, and can be integrated with your CRM for easy follow-up. Unlike paper cards, your contacts won’t lose them or throw them away. And they just look plain cool – especially the metal digital business cards.

Is Dot or Popl better?

Both Dot and Popl offer great NFC products. In terms of features, Popl has more lead capture and team management features, including integrations and advanced analytics, plus a wider variety of sharing options.

In terms of pricing structure, Popl offers monthly and annual subscription pricing, whereas a Dot card is a one-off purchase. This makes Popl ideal for business users, while Dot is a cost-effective choice for personal uses.

Will NFC work with my smartphone?

Most modern smartphones are equipped with NFC technology. To find out if your phone has NFC (near-field communication), check the connectivity or wireless settings on your device. From here, you may have an option to enable or disable NFC.

Many modern smartphones, including iPhones, don’t have an explicit NFC setting – instead, they have a built-in tag reader that your device automatically reads when you hold your phone over an NFC tag.

While most new Android smartphones have a built-in NFC chip, you’ll need to activate it in your device’s settings.

Final thoughts

NFC business cards are the holy grail of modern networking. Not only are they a more cost-effective and eco-friendly choice compared with traditional business cards, but they’re also invaluable for lead capture and follow-up.

Embracing NFC technology isn’t just a smart choice for networking – it’s a step towards a more sustainable and efficient future when it comes to making professional connections.