An NFC business card is a physical card with a small NFC (near-field communication) chip inside. When someone holds an NFC-enabled phone near it, the phone opens a link — usually your digital profile — where they can save your contact, call, WhatsApp you or visit your links. No app is needed to open the link.
How an NFC business card works
The chip in the card stores a link. It has no battery: the phone's NFC reader powers it for a moment when the two are a few centimetres apart, reads the link and opens it in the browser. Because the card only holds a link, everything people see lives on your digital profile — which means you can change your details without changing the card.
A good NFC card also carries a printed QR code, so phones without NFC (or with NFC switched off) can scan instead.
Which phones can read it?
- iPhone: iPhone XS, XR and newer read NFC cards automatically when the screen is on — hold the card near the top of the phone.
- Android: most current Android phones have NFC; it must be switched on in settings. The reader is usually in the middle of the back of the phone.
- Any phone with a camera: can scan the QR code.
See how to tap an NFC card on iPhone and Android for step-by-step help.
What to put on the profile
Start with the single action you most want: usually save contact or WhatsApp. Then add what helps people decide to contact you — services, portfolio, listings, testimonials — and finish with social links. Short profiles convert better than long ones.
NFC card vs paper card
| Paper card | NFC business card | |
|---|---|---|
| Saving your contact | Typed in by hand (if at all) | One tap to save |
| Changing your number or title | Reprint | Edit the profile |
| Links, WhatsApp, portfolio | Limited space | As many as you need |
| Works without the other person's phone | Yes | Needs a phone (QR as backup) |
Is an NFC business card secure?
The card stores a public link, the same as a link printed on a paper card. Don't put anything on your profile you wouldn't print. If you need to restrict a page, ElitezCard plans include password protection.