Comparison
Plastic vs. paper gift cards
The two most popular gift card materials, compared side by side.
Short answer: Choose plastic gift cards for durability, encoding and a premium wallet feel. Choose paper gift cards for an eco-friendly, natural look. Both carry your brand.
| Plastic gift cards | Paper gift cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very durable | Good |
| Look | Glossy or matte, premium | Natural, crafted |
| Eco impact | Plastic | Recyclable paper |
| Encoding | Barcode, magstripe, QR | Barcode or QR |
| Best for | Restaurants, retail, gyms | Cafes, bakeries, eco brands |
| What drives the price | Finish, encoding | Stock, foil |
When plastic is the better choice
Plastic cards last and support magstripes. For restaurants, retail and gyms, choose plastic.
When paper is the better choice
Paper cards look natural and avoid plastic. For cafes, bakeries and eco brands, choose paper.
Verdict
Go plastic for durability and encoding; go paper for an eco look. We can mock up both for free so you can compare before you order.
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