Where Can I Get Free Business Cards?
Free business cards are one of the most searched-for printing deals — and it's easy to see why. When you're starting out, every pound counts, and business cards can feel like an easy place to save.
Free offers do exist, but they almost always come with conditions. In this guide we'll explain where free business cards come from, the catches to look out for, and the most affordable ways to get cards that actually help your business look professional.
Where free business card offers come from
Online printer promotions
The most common source. Many online printers offer free or heavily discounted business cards to new customers. The aim is to get you onto their mailing list and win your future orders.
Business banking and start-up packages
Some business bank accounts, accountancy packages or start-up support schemes occasionally include printing vouchers or discounts.
Co-working spaces and memberships
Some co-working spaces, networking groups and trade associations offer printing perks to members.
Free design, paid printing
Many sites offer free design tools and templates — Canva is the best known — but you'll still need to pay for printing. This is often the best-value route (more on this below).
The catches to look out for
"Free" is rarely completely free. Here's what often comes with the offer:
Delivery charges. The cards might be free, but the postage usually isn't — and it can be more than you expect.
Limited templates. You may have to use the printer's templates rather than uploading your own design.
Printer branding. Some free cards carry the printer's logo or website on the back. It's a small detail, but it tells everyone you received your cards for free.
Lightweight card. Free cards are usually printed on the thinnest stock available.
Upsells. Double-sided printing, heavier card, a different finish or faster delivery are often charged as extras. By the time you've made the card look professional, the total can match a normal paid order.
Slow turnaround. Free orders typically go out on the slowest production and delivery option.
Marketing emails. Expect regular promotional emails once you've signed up.
Do free business cards make a good impression?
Your business card is often the first physical thing a potential client receives from you. People notice:
- Thin card that bends or creases in a wallet
- Another company's logo on the back
- Generic templates they've seen before
- Rough or uneven colour
None of these are deal-breakers for everyone, but if you're trying to present yourself as an established, professional business, they can quietly work against you.
Free vs affordable: the real comparison
| Typical "free" offer | Professional printing | |
|---|---|---|
| Card price | Free | From £37 + VAT for 50 |
| Delivery | Usually charged | None if you collect |
| Card weight | Usually lightweight | Heavyweight 400gsm |
| Printer branding | Sometimes | Never |
| Your own design | Sometimes limited | Yes |
| Turnaround | Usually slowest option | Same day |
The best-value alternative: free design, affordable printing
The smartest way to keep costs down is to design your card for free and pay only for good-quality printing.
- Design your card in Canva using a free template. Set the size to 85 × 55mm.
- Add 3mm bleed and keep important text a few millimetres inside the edge.
- Download as PDF Print with crop marks and bleed ticked.
- Check our artwork guidelines to make sure your file is print-ready.
- Order and collect the same day if you order before 2 PM Monday to Friday.
With us, 100 professional single-sided cards on heavyweight 400gsm card cost £40 + VAT, with no delivery charge and no branding on the back. See how much it costs to get 100 business cards made for the full price breakdown.
Our prices
| Quantity | Single-sided | Double-sided |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | £37 + VAT | £38 + VAT |
| 100 | £40 + VAT | £42 + VAT |
| 200 | £47 + VAT | £50 + VAT |
| 300 | £54 + VAT | £59 + VAT |
| 400 | £60 + VAT | £66 + VAT |
| 500 | £62 + VAT | £69 + VAT |
Prices correct at the time of writing — see the product pages for the latest prices.
What about printing them yourself for free?
If you already have a printer, it can feel like printing your own cards is free. It isn't — card sheets and ink both cost money, and the results rarely look professional. We've compared the costs in is it cheaper to print your own business cards?
For a full comparison of online printers, local studios and free deals, read what's the cheapest place to get business cards made?
Our business cards
400gsm uncoated business cards — thick, rigid and matt, easy to write on.
Mayfair Ivory business cards — a warm off-white, lightly textured 400gsm card with a classic feel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really get free business cards?
Free offers do exist, usually as introductory promotions from online printers. They normally come with delivery charges, limited options or lightweight card.
Why do some free business cards have a logo on the back?
Some printers add their own branding to free cards as a form of advertising. Always check before ordering.
What's the cheapest way to get professional business cards?
Design your own card using a free Canva template, then have it professionally printed. You avoid design fees and still get a quality result.
Do you offer free business cards?
We don't offer free cards, but our prices start from £37 + VAT for 50 heavyweight cards, printed same day with no delivery charge.
Get professional cards without the catch
Browse our business cards range — heavyweight card, no hidden extras, and same-day collection in Finchley.
