16PT Silk / Matte
Suede (Soft-Touch)Raised Spot UV
PlasticThe 10-second answer
If you just want a great card at a fair price, order 16PT with a matte or gloss finish — it's thick, professional, and works for almost everyone. Want people to remember the card itself? Step up to Suede for a velvety feel, Raised Spot UV for glossy raised accents, or Plastic for a card that survives a wallet forever. Below is exactly when each one wins.
Business card stocks & finishes, side by side
| Option | Feel & look | Best for | Relative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14PT Gloss/Matte | Standard sturdy card; gloss is shiny, matte is clean | High-volume handouts, tight budgets | $ |
| 16PT Gloss/Matte | Noticeably thicker & more premium than 14PT | The go-to for most businesses | $$ |
| Suede (Soft-Touch) | Velvety, matte, warm to the touch | Luxury, wellness, real estate, creatives | $$$ |
| Raised Spot UV | Matte card with glossy, raised, tactile accents | Logos, names, or icons you want to catch the light | $$$ |
| Plastic | Waterproof, rigid, translucent-capable, thick | Memberships, VIP, trades, anyone wanting "wow" | $$$$ |
Thickness is what people feel first. Finish is what they remember. The right card usually combines a heavier stock with one deliberate finish — not five effects fighting each other.
14PT & 16PT: the everyday workhorses
14PT is a solid, professional-weight card — the baseline most people picture when they think "business card." 16PT is thicker and feels distinctly more substantial in the hand, which is why it's our most popular pick. Both come in gloss (shiny, colors pop, great for photos) or matte (soft, modern, easy to write on). If you're not sure, 16PT matte is a safe, upscale default.
Suede (soft-touch): the luxury feel
Suede cards get a soft-touch laminate that feels like velvet or peach skin. They read as expensive and understated the instant someone touches them. Ideal for real estate agents, salons and spas, photographers, designers, and premium brands. Bonus: the laminate resists fingerprints and gives colors a rich, muted depth.
Raised Spot UV: shine that pops
Raised Spot UV prints a clear, glossy, slightly raised coating on specific areas — your logo, your name, a pattern — usually over a matte card. The contrast between matte background and shiny raised accent catches the light and invites a second look (and a touch). It's the move when you want one element to be the hero.
Plastic: bulletproof and unforgettable
Plastic cards are waterproof, tear-proof, and thick enough to feel like a credit card or membership card. They cost more, but they command attention and last for years in a wallet. Great for VIP programs, gyms, bars/clubs, tradespeople who work in the elements, and anyone whose brand is built on standing out.
How to pick in real life
Every i Can Print That order includes a free professional file check, so if your artwork isn't set up for the finish you chose, we catch it before it prints. Not sure which stock suits your art? Send it over and we'll recommend one.
Design once. Choose your finish. See your price.
Configure your business cards online, pick your stock and finish, and get an instant price that ships to your door.
Build Your Cards ⚡ Feel the FinishesFrequently asked questions
What is the best business card thickness?
16PT is the most popular premium thickness — noticeably heavier and more professional than standard 14PT, without the higher cost of plastic. 14PT is a solid budget-friendly choice for high-volume handouts.
What is the difference between suede and spot UV business cards?
Suede (soft-touch) cards have a velvety matte laminate across the entire card that feels luxurious. Raised Spot UV applies a glossy, slightly raised coating only to specific areas like your logo or name, creating shiny tactile accents against a matte background.
Are plastic business cards worth it?
Plastic business cards cost more but are waterproof, rigid, and extremely durable — they last for years and rarely get thrown away. They're worth it for VIP or membership cards and brands that want to stand out and be remembered.
Which business card finish is most professional?
16PT matte or gloss reads as clean and professional for almost any industry. For premium or luxury positioning, soft-touch suede feels the most upscale. Raised Spot UV adds a modern, eye-catching accent.
Can I get a proof before my business cards print?
Yes. i Can Print That includes a free professional file check on every order, and you can request a proof so you know exactly what you're getting before it prints.