From New York to Tokyo, business cards have played a crucial role in professional networking, enabling people to forge connections across the globe. For centuries, these cards have been the go-to method for exchanging contact details.
Despite the digital shift, millions of business cards are still printed daily. However, with rising demand for eco-friendly solutions, the digital business card market is expected to surge from USD 181.46 billion in 2024 to USD 389.3 billion by 2032.
In this guide, we’ll cover what digital business cards are and explore their types, use cases, benefits and other digital contact cards to find the best fit for your needs.
What are digital business cards?
Digital business cards are the modern version of traditional business cards — only now, they’re created and shared online instead of being printed on paper. With the increasing shift towards digital solutions, these virtual cards are quickly gaining traction.
While a scanned image of a printed card can be considered a digital business card, modern virtual business cards offer much more:
- Schedule meetings directly with a single click.
- Link to your website for easy access to more information.
- Connect on social media platforms seamlessly.
- Direct contacts to custom landing pages tailored to your needs.
- Track engagement to see how and when your card is used.
These online business cards are more than just a digital contact card, they’re interactive and customizable, making them powerful digital networking tools.
Plus, they’re eco-friendly and contactless, using NFC technology or QR codes for easy sharing in our increasingly digital world.
Why use digital business cards?
As social media has taken over, our professional interactions have increasingly shifted to the digital realm. Digital business cards are leading this transformation, making it easy to share your contact information with anyone, anywhere.
While some might worry about clients who are not tech-savvy, this is becoming less of an issue given that 86.29% of people now own smartphones and digital payments are on the rise. Here are several advantages of electronic business cards over traditional paper cards:
More information: Unlike traditional paper cards, digital visiting cards can include unlimited details such as interactive links, embedded videos, PDFs, and more.
Sustainable: They have a smaller carbon footprint compared to paper cards, contributing to environmental conservation.
Cost-Effective: Digital cards eliminate the need for reprints due to typos or updates, saving money and resources.
Easy updates: Information and design can be updated in real-time without ordering new cards.
Convenient sharing: They can be shared asynchronously with anyone, anywhere via smartphones or computers.
Enhanced features: Include booking links, showcase specific content (e.g., blog, trial, special offer), and integrate with digital wallets.
Eco-Friendly: Reduces the need for paper, helping to save trees and lessen environmental impact.
Always accessible: Digital cards are stored on your phone or computer and are easy to carry and manage.
Cons of digital visiting cards
- Reliant on technology: Requires access to devices and the internet, which may not be available for all recipients.
- Some people may prefer physical cards: Traditional business cards can be more tangible and memorable for certain individuals.
- Not suited to small teams or freelancers: May not offer the personalized touch or flexibility needed for smaller operations.
What are the different types of digital business cards?
There are several types of digital visiting cards available but here are the main ones:
- Digital business card: Shares key information via QR codes and NFC technology.
- Electronic business card: Offers contactless, real-time sharing of information.
- Mobile business card: Allows sharing of details through a mobile device without needing an app.
- Virtual business card: Shares contact information interactively via QR codes or NFC.
- Virtual contact card (vCard): Shares professional details through QR codes on mobile devices.
- NFC business card: Uses near field communication for transferring contact information with a tap.
How are digital business cards created?
Digital business cards are primarily created using specialized apps and platforms designed to store and share contact information electronically. These tools often use the vCard (Virtual Card) or VCF (Virtual Contact File) format, a standard file type that stores details like names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
When you create a digital business card, the process typically starts with entering your contact information into the app. This can include basic details such as your name, job title, and email, as well as additional elements like a profile picture, company logo, and social media links.

Once created, your digital business card is stored in the cloud, making it easy to update and share. You can distribute your card via QR codes, email, or direct links.
Some apps even integrate with popular contact management systems like Gmail, Outlook, and CRM platforms, ensuring that your card can be seamlessly saved and accessed by others. This modern approach to business cards not only simplifies sharing but also supports sustainability by reducing the need for printed cards.
How do digital vCard work?
Digital contact cards work through several effective methods:
When a QR code is scanned, an NFC chip is tapped, or a link is clicked, the digital business card opens on the recipient’s device, showcasing your contact details, social media links, and other relevant information.
Interactive features: Digital cards often include interactive elements such as clickable links, embedded videos, and direct access to your website or social media profiles.
Real-Time updates: Changes to your digital business card are updated in real-time. This ensures that all recipients always have the most current information, eliminating the need for reprinting or reissuing cards.

How to make a digital business card?
When preparing your online contact card, start by compiling all the necessary details and media assets. This will simplify the design process, whether you’re using a template or working with a designer. Ensure your personal branding is in place, including your logo, color scheme, and fonts.
Step 1: Include all essential information
Here’s what to include in your digital vcard:
- Name and pronouns
- Job title and credentials
- Tagline summarizing your expertise
- Photo or logo
- Phone number
- Email address
- Location (city, state, or country)
- Website links
- Social media profiles
- Multimedia content (e.g., introduction video)
- Save/Download feature (to add your details directly to their contacts)
- Share feature (to forward your card to others)
Though online contact cards offer a range of features, aim for a clean and concise presentation.
Your card should provide essential information in a way that’s easy to view on a mobile screen, with more comprehensive details available on your website or LinkedIn profile.
Step 2: Choose a way to create virtual business cards
When it comes to creating your digital contact card, you have two main options: using a template-based builder or designing one from scratch. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
Option 1: Template-Based Builders

How It works: Choose a pre-designed template from platforms like HiHello, Sansan, or about.me. Customize it with your details and branding.
Price: Generally lower, often with a one-time fee or subscription model.
Pros:
- Quick and easy setup.
- Cost-effective.
- Convenient for functional, straightforward cards.
Cons:
- Limited creativity and unique design.
- Potential for generic, similar-looking cards.
Option 2: Custom design from scratch

How It works: Hire a designer for a unique look and a developer to make the card interactive and shareable. Alternatively, create a mobile webpage linked to your vCard.
Price: Typically higher, involving separate fees for design and development.
Pros:
- Unique and personalized design.
- Advanced features and integration options.
Cons:
- More complex and time-consuming.
- Higher costs.
How do you share a digital business card?
Sharing digital contact cards can be simple and effective with these methods:
1) QR codes:
- How It works: Attach a QR code to your physical business cards or flyers. A quick scan with a smartphone takes users straight to your digital contact card.
- Why It works: It’s an effortless way for people to grab your contact info on the go without any typing.
2) NFC technology:
- How It works: Embed an NFC chip in your business card or promotional item. When someone taps their phone against it, they instantly receive your contact details.
- Why It works: It’s as easy as a tap and there is no need for scanning or typing, and it feels modern and tech-savvy.

3) Email signatures:
- How It works: Add a link to your digital contact card in your email signature. Every time you send an email, recipients can click the link to view or save your details.
- Why It works: It’s always in front of your contacts, making it easy for them to connect with you.
4) Social media profiles:
- How It works: Share a link to your digital contact card on your social media profiles or in your bio.
- Why It works: Your network can access your details directly from your online presence, integrating your contact info with your social interactions.
5) Contact apps:
- How It works: Use contact management apps to share your digital card via a direct link or through app-to-app sharing.
- Why It works: It keeps your digital contact info organized and accessible, with extra features for managing connections.
Conclusion
Digital business cards are transforming the way we network, providing a streamlined and eco-friendly solution for sharing contact information. As technology advances, these cards are becoming more sophisticated, offering greater flexibility and integration than their physical counterparts.
While template-based platforms offer a quick entry point, the future promises even more customized and dynamic options, reflecting the ongoing evolution in digital communication.