Short answer: an NFC tag is a small chip with an antenna that stores a short piece of data, usually a web link. When an NFC-enabled phone is held against it, the phone reads the data and, for a link, offers to open it. A sticker is a tag with an adhesive back, a card is a tag in a card body, and a key tag or luggage tag is a tag in a durable holder. They all do the same thing; the form decides where you can use them.
What an NFC tag can do
- Open your website, WhatsApp chat, Google review page or menu.
- Open a contact profile with your details.
- Show a short message or open a map location.
A tag holds a small amount of data and does not need a battery or an app. The phone reads it when held close, within a few centimetres. Android’s NFC documentation describes how phones read these tags; from Android 17, a phone shows an “open link” notification before opening a web link, so people tap once more (see our Android 17 guide).
Sticker, card or tag: which one?
| Form | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Sticker | Counters, signs, posters, packaging | Can be removed; some stickers do not work well stuck directly on metal |
| Card | Business cards, review cards | Has to be held against the phone |
| Key tag / luggage tag | Cars, keys, bags | Choose a tag made to be carried |
Metal surfaces can block NFC; tags made for metal use a special layer. Ask the seller if you plan to stick one on metal.
Our NFC products
- Review and social media cards that open your review page or profile with one tap. See the NFC review cards.
- NFC business cards in PVC, metal and wood that open a digital profile. See NFC visiting cards.
- Contact tags for cars and luggage, with the phone number hidden, are being added to our shop. They will appear in our shop once photos and details are ready.
We do not currently list loose NFC stickers by the pack. If you need stickers for a shop or event, message us on WhatsApp +92 335 6656657 with the quantity and use.
Programming a tag
Most tags can be written with a free NFC app on a phone. Write a short link, lock it if you want it read-only, then test it on both Android and iPhone. See how to program an NFC tag with a phone.
Are they safe?
A tag holds only what was written to it, and a phone reads it only when held very close. See are NFC business cards safe.
Price
Prices depend on the type, quality and quantity. We do not quote a general price for loose tags because we do not sell them yet; compare the sellers’ specifications, not just the price.
Sources
- Android Developers, NFC basics.
- Product details are from our own listings.
Talk to us
Questions, or want a free mockup of your card? Message us on WhatsApp on +92 335 6656657, or see our NFC product range.
