NFC and QR solve the same problem — getting your details onto someone's phone — in different ways. NFC is a tap and feels faster in person; QR works on any phone with a camera and can be shown on screens and print. Most people get the best result from a card that has both.
The quick comparison
| NFC | QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's used | Tap card to phone | Point the camera at the code |
| Speed in person | Very fast | Fast |
| Phone support | Most modern phones; NFC may need switching on (Android) | Practically every smartphone camera |
| Works on screens, slides, packaging | No | Yes |
| Works at a distance | No (a few cm) | Yes |
When NFC wins
Face-to-face introductions: property viewings, client meetings, the gym floor, the counter. A tap feels effortless and makes a memorable first impression.
When QR wins
Anywhere the person isn't holding your card: presentation slides, email signatures, menus, posters, packaging and video calls. It's also the fallback when someone's NFC is off.
Why ElitezCard uses both
Every ElitezCard physical card pairs NFC with a QR code, and both open the same editable digital business card. You never have to guess which one the other person's phone supports.