NFC business cards are becoming one of the most memorable ways to share contact information at networking events, meetings, and conferences. This guide walks you through everything you need — from choosing the right NFC tag to making your first tap — in plain terms.
What Is NFC?
NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It is the same short-range wireless technology used in contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. When an NFC-enabled device (like a smartphone) comes within a few centimeters of an NFC tag, it can read data stored on the tag — including a URL.
For business cards, the idea is simple: you program an NFC tag with your digital card URL. When someone taps their phone to it, their phone opens that URL in their browser. No app required on their end. Your full profile loads instantly.
What You Need
To set up an NFC business card you need three things:
- A digital card URL — your permanent profile link (e.g., mylinkscard.com/yourname)
- A blank NFC tag or card — available online for $0.50–$2.00 each; look for NTAG213 type
- An NFC writing app — free apps like NFC Tools (iOS and Android) work well
If you subscribe to MyLinksCard Pro+, a pre-configured NFC card is mailed to you — no programming needed. Skip to the "What Recipients See" section if that is your route.
Step-by-Step: Programming Your NFC Tag
Step 1 — Create your digital card URL
Sign up at mylinkscard.com and complete your profile. Add your photo, name, title, phone number, email, and any social links you want to share. Once saved, you will have a permanent card URL. Copy it — you will need it in the next step.
Step 2 — Get a blank NFC tag
Purchase NTAG213 tags online. They typically come in packs of 10–25 and cost less than $1 each. You can get them as thin stickers (to attach to a card sleeve or the back of your phone case), as plastic cards the same size as a credit card, or as key fobs. The sticker format gives you the most flexibility.
Step 3 — Download NFC Tools
Install the free NFC Tools app on your iPhone or Android device. It is available in both app stores at no cost. Open the app and you will see options to Read, Write, and Other.
Step 4 — Write your URL to the tag
In NFC Tools, tap Write, then Add a record, then select URL/URI. Paste your MyLinksCard URL into the field. Tap Write / OK, then hold your NFC tag to the back of your phone near the top (where the NFC chip usually is). The app will confirm the write was successful.
Step 5 — Test the tap
Hold the programmed tag near the NFC area of a different phone (or the same device after closing NFC Tools). A system notification should appear offering to open the URL, or your browser may open directly. Confirm it loads your card correctly.
Step 6 — Attach and carry
Stick the NFC tag to the back of a card holder, attach it to a physical business card, or use it as a phone case sticker. You are ready to share with a single tap at your next meeting or event.
What Recipients See
When someone taps an NFC-enabled phone to your card, they see a system-level notification — on iPhone it appears as a small banner at the top of the screen, on Android as a notification card. Tapping that notification opens your digital profile in their default browser.
No app download is required on their end. No special software. The page loads like any other website — instantly on a good connection. They can save your contact details with a single button tap on the card page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of NFC chip do I need?
NTAG213 is the most common and cost-effective choice. It holds enough data for a URL (up to 144 bytes). Either NTAG213 or NTAG215 works well for a card URL — NTAG215 has more storage but is less widely available in card form.
Which phones support NFC?
All iPhone models from iPhone 7 onwards support NFC. On Android, NFC has been standard on most mid-range and flagship devices since 2013. Check under Settings > Connections or Settings > Wireless to confirm it is enabled on your device.
Can I reprogram the tag if I change my URL?
Yes, most blank NFC tags can be rewritten. However, with MyLinksCard your URL never changes — you update your card content in the dashboard and the same URL always serves the latest version. You should rarely or never need to reprogram the tag.