Metal Card Business Cards: Benefits, Costs & Design Guide (2026 UK Edition)
Considering upgrading to a metal card for your business? This guide explains what metal business cards are, how much they cost in the UK, the materials available, and whether they deliver real return on investment. If you operate in a premium or high-ticket industry, this could be one of the smartest branding upgrades you make.
What Is a Metal Card?
A metal card is a business card manufactured from thin sheets of metal rather than paper or plastic.
Typically made from stainless steel, aluminium, brass or copper, these cards are laser cut or chemically etched. They are usually 0.3–0.5mm thick and may feature engraved text, cut-through logos, or coated finishes.
Unlike paper cards, they do not bend, tear, fade easily, or absorb moisture — making them significantly more durable and visually striking.
Why Businesses Choose Metal Over Paper
Metal cards are chosen for impact, memorability, and premium positioning.
In high-value sectors such as finance, property, automotive, consulting, and luxury services, the card itself becomes part of the brand experience.
Key Advantages
- Strong tactile and visual impact
- Higher perceived value
- Exceptional durability
- Instant differentiation
- Luxury positioning signal
When used correctly, a metal card communicates permanence, stability and confidence.
Types of Metal Cards (Materials & Finishes)
The material you choose affects weight, colour, cost and overall perception.
Stainless Steel
The most common option. Durable, corrosion-resistant and versatile. Often paired with brushed or matte black finishes.
Aluminium
Lighter in weight and often slightly more affordable. Suitable for anodised colour finishes.
Brass & Copper
Heavier, warmer-toned metals associated with heritage and luxury brands. Ideal for boutique or craft positioning.
Finish Options
- Brushed: Subtle texture, professional appearance
- Matte coated: Modern and minimalist
- Mirror polish: High-gloss luxury effect
- Powder coated: Durable coloured surface
How Much Do Metal Cards Cost in the UK?
Metal business cards typically cost between £3 and £8 per card depending on complexity and order size.
Key pricing factors include:
- Material selection
- Card thickness
- Cut-through detailing
- Colour plating or coating
- Order volume
Example pricing (estimates):
- 100 stainless steel cards with basic etching: £350–£500
- 250 matte black cards with custom cut-outs: £900–£1,400
Small runs cost more per unit, while larger batches reduce the per-card price.
Metal vs Paper vs Plastic Cards
Metal cards cost more upfront but outperform in durability and memorability.
| Feature | Metal Card | Paper Card | Plastic Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Excellent | Low | Moderate |
| Cost per card | High | Low | Medium |
| Perceived value | Premium | Standard | Mid-range |
| Custom cut-through | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Weight & feel | Heavy & substantial | Light | Medium |
Design Tips for Maximum Impact
Minimalism works best with metal.
- Use negative space and cut-through logos
- Avoid overcrowding text
- Consider laser-engraved QR codes
- Stick to one dominant finish
- Ensure strong contrast for readability
Over-designing reduces the premium effect. Clean, confident layouts perform best.
Are Metal Cards Worth It? (ROI Perspective)
Metal cards are worth the investment when each new client carries significant value.
Example:
- Average client value: £5,000
- Cards distributed: 200
- Additional clients gained: 3
- Revenue generated: £15,000
- Total card investment: £1,000
In this scenario, the return is 15x the cost. However, they are less suited to mass-distribution settings like trade exhibitions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing mirror finishes with poor readability
- Overloading with contact details
- Using thin metal that feels cheap
- Ordering large volumes before testing design
Frequently Asked Questions
Are metal cards credit-card sized?
Yes. Most follow the standard 85.6mm × 54mm dimensions for wallet compatibility.
Do metal cards rust?
Stainless steel and coated metals are corrosion-resistant.
Can both sides be engraved?
Yes, though this increases production cost.
Are metal cards recyclable?
Yes, most can be recycled as scrap metal.
Do QR codes work on metal cards?
Yes, when engraved with strong contrast for scanning reliability.
Key Takeaways
- Metal cards instantly elevate brand perception
- They are significantly more durable than paper
- ROI depends on client value, not volume distributed
- Stainless steel is the most versatile material
- Minimalist design delivers strongest impact
Considering a metal card for your brand? If you operate in a premium or high-margin sector, the right design could become a powerful positioning tool — not just a business card.
