When I talk to customers about plastic business cards, they all want to know how to create a card that makes a great first impression. Whether it's an individual, a small business or a larger company, everyone is looking for that "one thing" that will help them stand out. If you find yourself in the same position, the good news is that there's more than "one thing" that can take the design of a business card to the next level- the key is choosing the one that's right for you.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular business card design options:

1. Clear Business Cards

Clear business cards are hands down the most sought after option with our business card clients.

There are two ways to use clear business cards to “wow” your customers. The first option is to go with a fully-transparent card like The Anchor Agency's business card. This card makes a big impression when they hand it to clients because clear business cards are something most people have never seen before.

It’s also possible to create a solid colored business card that takes advantage of the clear material of the card to add clear accents. I like how nTrust makes their card stand out by adding a clear logo on their card.

My personal favorite is when a business uses clear elements in their business card to emphasize what they do as a company. For example, Clearview Property Services uses a die cut so that their business card looks like one of their service vans and then leverages a transparent square for the windshield.

A clear window also looks great when used to make a viewfinder window on a photographer’s business card. It can also be used to make a fun, interactive card like a dentist’s business card that lets patients “try on” braces.

Our clear cards are typically digitally printed on clear material and have a shiny finish to maintain the clarity of the card. See more examples of how our customers use clear business cards.

2. Frosted Business Cards

A variation on a transparent business card, a frosted business card is a great way to make a statement.  Visually, a frosted card reminds you of privacy glass. It also has a matte look and feel, which makes the card feel like a premium business card. Our clients tell us that frosted cards have an elegant feel to them.

A frosted card works really well for businesses who have a colorful design scheme. Clear business cards look really good with translucent designs, while the colors on a frosted card are much more vivid. Clients tell us that the colors—especially oranges and blue—jump off the card. Frosted cards are also ideal for making sure your information is easy to read. The frosted background keeps the transparent feel, while having just enough opacity to make the text stand out.

Frosted business cards are created in two different ways, digital printing or litho printing. A digitally-printed card starts with a clear plastic card to which we add a matte laminate, then print the text onto the top of the card. Digital printing is the more affordable way to get a frosted business card.

For digital printing, we start with a clear sheet of plastic, and then add a matte laminate after we have printed the content on the card. All content is protected by the laminate coating, which makes the cards super durable.  Digital cards can also be created in custom shapes, like the X-ray business card we created for SoCal Orthopedic & Associates. However, we recommend litho printing if you want foil accents like the R3D business card below. Learn more about our frosted and transparent business cards.

3. Foil Business Cards

If you’re looking for a premium business card look, there’s no finer upgrade than a foil stamp. Our customers especially like this feature for executive-style business cards or high-end membership or credit cards.

I really like how Twin Cities Luxury, a company who deals in high-end real estate, incorporated transparent accents and foil into their business card. Both enhance the look and feel of their cards and communicate to potential clients: "If I invest this much thought into my business cards, think how well I will take care of you!"

Foil is available in the classic silver and gold color, but we can also make foil accents in about 40 different colors. When we add foil accents to business cards, we highly recommend using the litho printing process. With litho printing, a laminate is applied over the foil to protect it from scratches.

Gohan Sushi is a beautiful example of a company that has used foil to create a premium-feeling business card. This foil business card was made with a four color print and then we added a UV coating that gives the card a slick feel. See more foil business cards we've printed.

4. Metallic Business Cards

Over 80% of the people I talk to about metallic cards have already talked to someone else about metal business cards and said “I’m never going to pay that much." With metallic cards, you get the high-quality look of metal without the cost of more expensive materials.

To create metallic cards, we start with pre molded gold, silver, bronze, or platinum cards. The gold and silver cards have a very similar look and feel to an American Express Gold Card, while the bronze and platinum cards are more exquisite in appearance. Metallic business cards are also a more affordable way to get a foil look on a business card. 

Metallic business cards have a premium feel to them and have a similar feel to a bank card. Since holding one feels like a credit card, they’re favored in the financial industry—especially the more traditional gold and silver colors.

We also design a lot of metallic business cards for businesses that provide a luxury service to their clients. Big Limos designs custom “mobile work stations” for car services that cater to executives. 

Metallic business cards are also popular with companies in the powersports, auto and construction industries, as well as those that work frequently with metal, such as welders and jewelers. Ryan’s Jewelers printed over the top of a metallic card to make a striking black business card that looks like it has foil accents, John Malikowski’s gold card is right on-brand for his expert jewelry repair service.

See more examples of metallic business cards.

5. Embossed Business Cards

Embossed business cards are especially popular with people in both the financial and merchant service fields. Our biggest clients for these cards are financial companies looking for a “faux credit card” look.

Embossing is one of the the most upscale add-ons available for a plastic business card. Just like a credit card, we can use embossing to stamp text on the card in one or two lines. Embossed business cards can be made with gold, silver, black and red letters.

The other option is to get cards that look embossed. We can create faux embossing by using a font that looks like it’s been stamped onto the card. Compared to regular embossing, faux embossing is less expensive and has more design flexibility (since traditional embossing is limited to specific locations on the card.)

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of embossing and faux embossing on a business card:

Learn more embossed business cards in our design inspiration gallery.

6. Die Cut Business Cards

Custom shapes are one of the most popular ways that businesses can set themselves apart with their business cards.

We work with a lot of clients who want their business cards cut in a square or round shape. Square business cards stick out when they’re in a stack of cards and are more visible when a customer places them in their wallet. Round business cards are popular because of their unique shape and because they frequently get a second life as a coaster. Can you imagine the marketing value of a business card that customers interact with on their desk every day?

If you’re really looking to set yourself apart, then it’s time to look at custom die cut business cards. Since plastic business cards are stronger than paper cards, we’re able to make business cards in thousands of different shapes. Right now, we have over 700 dies that we’ve created for customers. (And counting!)

Let’s Talk about Your Custom Business Cards

Your business card is an important marketing tool for your business. It communicates your brand and is often the main marketing piece potential customers can take home with them. 

Our talented graphics team can incorporate your existing logo and contact information, or we can create a fresh new look and design exclusive to you and your business.

Want to learn more about how plastic business cards can help you reach your customers? Schedule a free consultation today with one of our design experts and leave any additional questions you have in the "Comments" section below.