QR code on a business card: best practices (vCard, LinkedIn, and scan reliability)
A QR code on a business card is one of the simplest ways to reduce friction:
- fewer people type your name wrong
- fewer people lose your details
- more people actually follow up
The downside is brutal: if your QR code does not scan, you look sloppy.
This guide covers what to link to, how to size it, and how to keep it editable after you print.
TL;DR
- Use a dynamic QR code so you can change the destination later without reprinting.
- Link to a mobile-first landing page or a clean contact page. Avoid random long URLs.
- Keep it simple: high contrast, correct quiet zone, no warping.
- Print bigger than you think. For a standard card, aim for at least ~2 cm wide.
- Test on real phones before you send the print order.
What should your business card QR code link to?
You have three good options.
Option 1: A personal landing page
This is the most flexible for sales and founders.
Include:
- name, role, company
- one CTA: book a call, email, or WhatsApp
- links: LinkedIn, website
The win: you can update your CTA over time.
Option 2: A vCard contact download
A vCard lets people add you to contacts quickly.
The win: it is fast.
The risk: vCard support varies by device and user habits.
If you use a vCard, keep a fallback link on the page too.
Option 3: Your LinkedIn profile
This is common and works.
The risk: LinkedIn pages can be heavy on mobile and require login.
If your audience is corporate, it is still a good choice.
Static vs dynamic: the part most people get wrong
If you encode your final destination directly (static QR), you cannot change it later.
When your company rebrands or your site structure changes, your printed cards become dead inventory.
A dynamic QR code solves that by pointing to a short redirect URL you control.
Internal reading:
Design rules for a QR code business card
1) Do not shrink it too far
Business cards are small. That is why QR codes fail on them.
Practical guidance:
- aim for 2 cm to 2.5 cm width on a standard card
- if you want it smaller, increase contrast and keep a generous quiet zone
If you are using textured paper, print bigger.
2) Contrast beats creativity
Use dark modules on a light background.
Avoid:
- light grey QR codes
- thin outlines
- colored gradients
- placing it on a photo
If you want brand color, use it in the border or label text, not inside the modules.
3) Respect the quiet zone
Do not cram text, logos, or borders into the quiet zone.
If you need the quick explanation:
4) Add a simple label
People scan more when they know what they get.
Examples:
- “Add me on LinkedIn”
- “Save contact”
- “Book a call”
5) Use error correction carefully
Many generators let you add a logo in the middle.
It can work, but it increases risk.
If you add a logo:
- keep it small
- test on older phones
- do not print tiny
Print and placement tips
- Put the QR code on the back of the card. Keep the front clean.
- Do not put it near the edge where it can get trimmed.
- Matte finish often scans better than glossy.
Tracking: know if cards work
If you hand out 200 cards, you should know if they are doing anything.
With a dynamic QR code, you can track scans and compare:
- events vs coffees vs conferences
- different CTAs (LinkedIn vs Calendly)
If you want structured tracking, add UTMs.
Internal reading:
Where QRShuffle fits
QRShuffle helps you generate QR codes that keep working after you print.
You can:
- create a dynamic QR code for your business card
- change the destination any time
- avoid common scan issues with sane defaults
CTA: Create a QR code in minutes at https://qrshuffle.com and keep it editable after printing.