Scratch Off Business Cards: Networking That Gets Kept
Scratch off business cards turn a 2 x 3.5 inch handout into an interaction. See layout rules, offer ideas, stock options, and pricing from 250 cards up.
What size is a scratch off business card?
2" x 3.5", identical to a standard US business card, which is why it fits a wallet, a card sleeve, and a #10 envelope. That is the mini classic size in our lineup, and it is also our lowest cost per card, which makes it the natural pick for anything handed out by the boxful.
How much room do you actually have for a reveal?
We typically design a reveal area around 1" x 0.6" on a mini card, which leaves room for a headline, a short prize legend, and your logo. That is enough for a word, a number, a code, or a short phrase. It is not enough for a paragraph. If your offer needs more explanation, either move the details to the back or step up to the 2.75" x 4" small size.
What goes under the reveal?
The best answers are specific and immediately usable:
- A discount tier the recipient can use on their next order
- A unique promo code that ties the card to a tracked campaign
- A prize tier from a legend printed on the back
- A booking incentive, for example a free consultation or first session
Avoid a reveal that says nothing but "thank you". The card earned an action; give it a payoff.
What are the layout rules for a card this small?
Four things keep a mini card readable:
| Element | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Reveal area | Roughly 1" x 0.6", kept clear of the trim edge |
| Bleed | 0.125 in on all sides |
| Safe zone | Keep type and logos back from the trim |
| Terms | Move the legend and disclaimer to the back |
Our team lays this out at no charge when you send copy, logos, and brand direction. If you are preparing your own file, the artwork and design and cardstock pages cover the production side.
Which stock should a business card use?
Standard 12pt C2S is the baseline and holds up well in a wallet. If the card is a premium handout, meant to be kept, shown, and remembered, 14pt or 16pt gives it noticeably more presence in the hand. Foil and metallic accents are available for brands that want the card to look expensive before anything gets scratched: see foil and metallic accents.
Classic silver or a full-color reveal?
Classic silver or gold is the right default here. It is instantly recognizable as a scratch off, it keeps the card cheap enough to hand out freely, and it contrasts well with almost any brand palette. Go full color only when the payoff needs to be an image rather than text, and expect about 20% to 30% more than the same size in Classic.
What does a run of scratch off business cards cost?
Mini classic starts at $365 for 250 cards, about $1.46 each, and drops toward $0.08 per card on high-volume runs of 25,000. There are no setup fees on standard orders, and our in-house layout is included. Current tiers live on the pricing page, and a quote comes back within one business day.
How many should you order?
250 is the minimum and covers a single conference or a few weeks of walk-in handouts. Anyone handing these out weekly should price 1,000 and 2,500 on the same quote, because the per-card savings between tiers usually pays for the larger run outright. Order once, use for a year, keep the brand consistent.
Where do these get used most?
Anywhere a card changes hands and a second touch matters:
- Trade show booths and conferences, covered on the trade shows and conferences page
- Salons, spas, and med spas rewarding a rebooking, see salons, spas, and med spas
- Service techs leaving a card after a job
- Retail counters and packing slips, see retail stores and e-commerce brands
What do you have to be careful about legally?
Two rules. First, the card is a giveaway: nobody buys a scratch off card and nobody pays for a chance at a prize, because that makes it a lottery. Second, you supply the disclaimer and prize-legend language, and we print exactly what you approve. Keep the legend honest, list every tier including the common one, and give the offer an expiration date.
How fast can these be produced?
Standard production is 7 to 10 business days after proof approval, with 3 to 5 day rush available when the press schedule allows. Digital proofs are free and typically same-day, so if you are printing for a conference, count backward from the show date and leave room for shipping.
Frequently asked questions
What size are scratch off business cards?
2" x 3.5", the same trim as a standard US business card, so they fit wallets, card sleeves, and #10 envelopes.
How big can the reveal area be on a business card?
About 1" x 0.6" is typical, which leaves room for a headline, logo, and short legend.
What is the minimum order?
250 cards, the standard minimum across every scratch off size we print.
How much do they cost?
Mini classic starts at $365 for 250 cards, about $1.46 each, and reaches roughly $0.08 each on high-volume runs.
Can I sell them or charge for entries?
No. Charging for a chance at a prize would make the card a lottery. Cards are always giveaways.
Related guides
Share your artwork or use our Design-It-Yourself tools. We proof every job before printing. Orders ship in 7-10 business days.