NFC cards and QR codes do the same basic job: they take someone from a physical card, sign or package to a web page on their phone. But they work in different ways, and each is better in different places. Here’s how they compare, and why many businesses use both.
NFC and QR codes at a glance
| NFC card | QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Tap the phone against the card | Open the camera and point it at the code |
| Phones | iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards, and most Android phones with NFC switched on | Almost any smartphone with a camera |
| Distance | A few centimetres – the phone needs to touch or nearly touch the card | Works from further away, depending on the size of the code |
| Speed | One tap | Open the camera, line up the code, tap the link |
| Design | The chip is hidden inside the card, so your design stays clean | The code needs clear space on the design |
| Cost | Each card has a chip inside | Free to print on almost anything |
| Best for | Counters, tables and cards you hand to people | Posters, windows, menus and packaging |
When an NFC card works best
NFC is at its best when the card is within reach of the customer: on the counter, in a bill folder, at a salon mirror or handed over at the end of a job. A single tap feels effortless and a little impressive, which makes people more likely to follow through – whether that’s leaving a review, following you on Instagram or starting a WhatsApp chat.
Because the chip is inside the card, your design isn’t taken over by a black-and-white pattern, and the card looks like a premium business card.
When a QR code works best
QR codes win when people are further away or when you need to print the link on lots of things cheaply – a window poster, a menu, a flyer or a parcel insert. Almost every smartphone camera can read them, including older phones without NFC.
Why the best cards use both
You don’t have to choose. An NFC card with a QR code on the back gives every customer a way in: a quick tap for most phones, and a scan for the rest. We can add a QR code to the back of any XTap Connect card that opens the same link as the chip.
Questions about NFC and QR codes
Do NFC cards work with iPhones?
Yes. iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards read NFC cards automatically when the phone is unlocked – just hold the top edge of the phone near the card.
Does an NFC card need a battery?
No. The chip is powered by the phone for the moment it’s tapped, so it never needs charging.
Is NFC safe?
An XTap Connect card only stores a web link. It can’t read anything from the phone – tapping it simply opens the page, just like clicking a link.
Can a QR code stop working?
A QR code can fail if it’s printed too small, smudged or badly scratched. Printing it at a sensible size on a durable material, like our waterproof PVC cards, helps it last.
Which should I choose for collecting reviews?
For reviews, an NFC card with a QR code on the back works best: the tap is quicker for most customers, and the QR code covers everyone else. See our NFC Google Review Card and our guide on how to get more Google reviews.
Want to learn more? Read our NFC business cards guide or the NFC card FAQs.