The right business card paper can sharpen your design, make colors stand out and give your card the look and feel you want. This guide breaks down the different types, from matte and glossy cardstock to textured, recycled and premium options. You’ll learn how paper weights, textures and finishes affect the final result, how popular paper stocks compare and what to look for when choosing paper to match your business card design, brand and budget. Because the business card paper you choose is a tactile and visual component that contributes to your brand’s first impression.
- Business card paper affects how your design prints, how the card feels, how easy it is to write on and how it holds up over time.
- When comparing paper stocks, consider weight and thickness, texture, finish, print compatibility, durability and cost.
- Popular types of business card paper include matte, glossy and uncoated cardstock, along with premium options such as soft touch, linen, pearl and ultra-thick stocks.
- Eco-friendly options include recycled paper and stocks made with materials such as bamboo and hemp.
- To choose the right business card paper, consider your design and brand style, then practical needs such as budget, durability and sustainability.
What is cardstock?
Cardstock, also known as paper stock, is a heavyweight paper that is thicker and more durable than standard writing or printing paper, but more lightweight and flexible than cardboard. Commonly used for business cards, cardstock can withstand frequent handling and comes in different weights, textures and finishes that affect how the business card looks, feels and prints. Select a thickness and finish that best suits your design.
Why does your choice of business card paper matter?
Your business card paper affects how the finished card looks, feels and performs:
- Brand impression: Weight, texture and finish set the tone, from polished matte to recycled stock. Your choice of business card dimensions and sizes can further affect the impression your card makes.
- Print quality: Glossy stocks can make colors and photography look more vivid, while uncoated and textured papers produce a softer look.
- Durability: Sturdier paper stocks better withstand frequent handling, ensuring your business cards retain their form over time.
- Writability: An uncoated stock is easier to write on than a coated surface, perfect for adding notes or appointment details by hand.
Business card paper factors to consider
When choosing business card paper stock, familiarize yourself with the different characteristics so that the final product meets your expectations and represents your brand.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing paper stock for your business cards:
- Paper weight (GSM): GSM stands for “grams per square meter”, telling you how thick the paper is. The higher the GSM, the heavier the card. Business cards are usually 300-400 GSM, meaning they are both lightweight and durable enough for handling.
- Paper texture: Choose between smooth and textured cardstock. Texture affects the tactility and visual appearance of the card.
- Paper finish: Popular business card finishes are matte, glossy or satin. Your choice will affect the card’s shine and ability to resist smudges or fingerprints. Less common but premium finishes, including pearl, metallic or UV-coated can help your business card stand out.
- Opacity: Opacity affects how see-through your business card is. For example, plastic cards can only be printed on one side.
- Color: Your choice of business card paper will affect the vibrancy and accuracy of printed colors.
- Print compatibility: Different papers absorb ink differently, affecting the sharpness and vibrancy of printed graphic elements and text.
- Sustainability: Recycled paper stocks, bamboo and hemp are more eco-friendly than other options.
Types of business card paper
VistaPrint business cards come in three main tiers: standard, premium and specialty.
- Standard cards fit most business needs and are available in matte, glossy and uncoated options. The standard 14pt business card paper weight makes creating business cards easy and cost-effective.
- Premium and specialty cards make a higher quality impression and allow you to create a unique brand look. Premium and speciality paper stocks come in various textures, weights and finishes.
Use this table to quickly weigh up your options, then explore each paper type in more detail below.
| If you want… | Consider… | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| A versatile everyday card | Matte | Smooth, low-shine and works with most designs, including QR codes |
| Brighter colors or photography | Glossy | Adds shine and makes colors appear more vivid |
| A card you can write on | Uncoated | Absorbs ink better than coated surfaces |
| A premium tactile feel | Soft touch | Adds a smooth, velvety finish |
| More texture | Linen or naturally textured | Gives the card tactile character |
| Visual impact | Painted edge | An eye-catching premium addition |
| Extra weight | Ultra thick | Creates a heavier, more durable card |
| A natural look or eco-friendly | Recycled paper, kraft, bamboo or hemp | Natural or recycled materials are more sustainable and stand out |
Matte business card paper stock
Classic matte business cards have a smooth, shine-free and ink-absorbent finish that’s easy to read and write on.
Glossy business card paper stock
Grab attention and make your logo or graphic elements pop with glossy business cards. Glossy cards are excellent for bright colors and photography.
Uncoated business card paper stock
Uncoated business cards are lightly textured and easy to write on, which makes them the right choice for small business owners that make notes when networking. Thickness: 14pt.
Pearl business card paper stock
With a shimmery and eye-catching finish, pearl card stock makes a statement. This business card paper has a shimmering, light-catching surface that creates a soft, visual effect. Pearl stock works best with light colors and simple designs. Thickness: 16pt.
Ultra thick business card paper stock
Ultra thick cards are the thickest and most durable option available. This paper stock comes with a UV glossy finish, so it’s both sturdy and visually clear. Thickness: 32pt (as thick as a credit card).
Linen business card paper stock
A luxurious option with a refined look, linen business cards are made from paper woven with Italian cotton. Linen paper stock has an elegant matte finish with a slightly coarse textured surface, making it a great option for those wanting a high-quality, natural feel. Thickness: 16pt.
Natural textured business card paper stock
Recycled materials are the perfect option for eco-friendly businesses. This sturdy business card paper made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper is slightly speckled with a rippled texture. The natural canvas look and ink-absorbent paper is easy to write on and works well with muted colors and simple, geometric designs.
Soft touch business card paper stock
Soft touch business cards have an extra soft feel with matte lamination on both sides. This paper stock has a velvety, high-end look and feel.
Kraft business card paper stock
Kraft paper has an eco-friendly recycled look, but that doesn’t mean it’s made from recycled materials. The natural aesthetic comes from the manufacturing process and the type of wood pulp used. To back any sustainability claims, ensure the kraft paper stock is recycled and responsibly sourced. Thickness: 17pt.
Recycled matte business card paper stock
Recycled matte paper business cards made from 100% post-consumer paper have a rustic look and feel and an uncoated, shine-free finish that’s easy to write on.
Bamboo business card paper stock
A tree-free paper option, bamboo business cards are soft to the touch yet thick and flexible. Made with 90% bamboo and 10% cotton fibers, this unique woven texture can make an impression on potential clients. Thickness: 16.5pt.
Hemp-blend business card paper stock
Hemp-blend business card paper is made from 30% hemp, 30% post-consumer recycled paper and 40% responsibly forested paper, creating an unique uncoated visual texture and feel. Thickness: 17.5pt.
Painted edge business cardstock
These thick colorful cards with painted edges and smooth, matte lamination are bold and attention-grabbing. Choose between six different edge colors to complement your logo or card design. Thickness: 32pt.
Plastic business cards
With clear, white and frosted options, create a business card with the same look as a credit card. These unique, durable cards are waterproof and tear-resistant and spark interest with potential clients, helping your cards make an impression. Plastic business cards are available in flexible or rigid plastic options.
Premium plus business card paper stock
Try the premium plus paper stock, combining a classic business card look with a more durable, quality feel. This thicker paper is available in matte, glossy or uncoated options to suit any design needs. Thickness: 18pt.
How to choose the best business card paper for your business
So, which is the best business card paper? As tempting as it is to just go with the standard business card stock, it might not always be the best option for your business. To make sure the paper stock works for your specific business card needs, here’s what to consider:
- Your brand style and the impression you want to convey with your business cards.
- Your budget. Higher quality paper options feel more luxurious and are often more durable but come with a higher price tag. So, if you’re on a tight budget, explore more affordable standard options.
- Your durability needs. If your business cards are going to be handled a lot, go for thicker paper stock. But if you’re printing business cards for one specific event, opt for a cheaper, lighter paper stock.
- If sustainability is a priority, consider eco-friendly business card paper options like recycled or sustainably sourced paper stocks that minimize environmental impact and offer unique textures and finishes.
- Your business card design. Will the chosen paper stock work with your design? Will the colors pop?
Discover how to design a business card that works with your chosen paper.
Order samples of different paper types. Holding the paper in your hand and seeing how it feels and looks with your design can provide valuable insights that you can’t get from viewing a digital proof alone.
Need some inspiration? Check out these business card design ideas for different industries or explore these unique business cards to ensure your card stands out.
Should you use sustainable business card paper stock?
Sustainability isn’t just trendy – consumers are demanding it. Eco-friendly business card materials like hemp, bamboo or recycled paper communicate your brand’s commitment to sustainability and align your brand with conscious consumerism and environmental responsibility. For businesses targeting an eco-aware audience, these paper types resonate with like-minded customers, creating a sense of shared values and community.
It’s still important to consider how these stocks align with your brand’s aesthetic. Kraft, hemp and bamboo papers have a distinct natural look and feel that may not suit all brands. If your brand leans towards luxury and sophistication, explore other options that offer a premium finish while still considering environmental impact.
Ready to choose your business card paper?
The best business card paper for you suits both your design and your business card goals. Gloss can bring photography and bold colors to life, uncoated stock works well for cards that need to be written on, while extra weight or texture can feel premium. Consider how your design will print on the paper, how it will feel in someone’s hand and how it will hold up over time. Then balance those considerations against your budget and sustainability priorities.
Business card paper FAQs
What’s the best type of business card paper for everyday use?
Standard matte cardstock is durable and affordable, making it a reliable choice for most professionals.
Is thicker business card paper better?
Thicker paper feels more premium and holds up well in wallets or card cases. More substantial business card materials to consider include ultra thick, cotton, linen, plastic and metal.
Can I write on all types of business card paper?
Matte paper is easier to write on, especially with ballpoint pens or markers. Inks tend to smudge on glossy paper, making it not ideal for handwritten notes.
How do I choose between matte and glossy business card paper?
Matte finishes feel smooth and modern, while glossy finishes make colors appear more vibrant. And while specialty finishes cost more, matte, glossy or uncoated cards cost roughly the same. The best choice for you depends on your business card design and brand style.
Are textured business card papers professional?
Textures like linen or embossed finishes can make your business card feel more unique while staying polished.
Does business card paper affect how colors print?
Yes. Coated papers produce sharper, more vibrant colors, while uncoated and textured stocks tend to create a softer, more muted look.
What’s the difference between business card paper weight and thickness?
Paper weight measures how heavy the stock is, usually in GSM, while thickness measures its physical depth, often in points (pt). Heavier paper isn’t always necessarily thicker.
