How Much Does It Cost To Make A Gift Card?

Custom gift cards are one of the most effective tools for driving sales, building loyalty, and creating memorable gift card deals for customers. But before placing an order, most business owners want to know the same thing: what’s this actually going to cost?

The good news is that custom gift cards are surprisingly affordable, especially when you understand the factors that influence pricing. Whether you’re a small boutique ordering 100 cards or a restaurant chain ordering 10,000, there’s a sweet spot that fits your budget and goals.

Typical Cost Range to Produce Custom Gift Cards

Most custom plastic gift cards fall well under a couple of dollars per card once you meet the minimum order quantity. For standard PVC cards with full-color printing, expect somewhere between $0.20 and $1.50 per card, depending on quantity and features.

Here’s how it generally breaks down:

• Small orders (50 to 250 cards): Higher per-card cost, usually closer to $1.00 or more each
• Medium orders (500 to 1,000 cards): Per-card cost drops significantly, often landing between $0.40 and $0.75
• Large orders (2,500+ cards): Best pricing, sometimes as low as $0.20 to $0.35 per card

Paper or voucher-style cards cost even less per unit, making them a budget-friendly option for short-term promotions or one-time gift card deals. However, they lack the durability and professional feel of plastic cards.

On the other end, premium finishes like metallic ink, embossing, or specialty materials push costs toward the higher end of the range. These features look impressive, but aren’t necessary for every business.

Core Factors That Affect Gift Card Cost

Several variables determine what you’ll pay per card. Understanding these helps you make smart choices that balance cost with quality.

1. Quantity and Card Type

The biggest factor in per-card pricing is order volume. Printing 500 cards costs far less per unit than printing 50 because setup costs get spread across more cards.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Card material also matters. Standard PVC plastic cards match the thickness and feel of a credit card, making them durable enough to last for years in a wallet. Paper or cardstock alternatives work fine for temporary promotions, but won’t hold up to repeated use.

If you want cards that customers keep and reuse, plastic is the better long-term investment.

2. Design, Printing, and Extra Features

Full-color printing is standard with most suppliers and doesn’t add much to the cost. Custom artwork, however, can vary. Some suppliers charge design fees while others include free design support.

Optional features that add functionality include:

• Magnetic stripes: Allow cards to be swiped at POS terminals
• Barcodes: Enable scanning for quick redemption
• QR codes: Link to digital offers or account balances
• Sequential numbering: Helps with tracking and inventory
• Signature panels: Add a layer of security

Each of these adds a modest cost, usually just a few cents per card, but they provide significant functional value. Choose features based on how your gift card program will actually work rather than adding everything available.

How To Keep Custom Gift Cards Affordable?

Custom gift cards can fit almost any budget when you understand the key ways to control costs. Here are some practical strategies:

• Compare Pricing and Get Quotes

Look for suppliers that provide transparent pricing and allow you to see real costs for your specific quantity and features. Getting multiple quotes helps you plan your budget and avoid surprises.

• Take Advantage of Volume Discounts

Ordering in larger quantities usually reduces the per-card cost. Small businesses can start with modest batches, while larger runs unlock better pricing and efficiencies.

• Use Flexible Design Options

Many suppliers offer online design tools or support for uploading your artwork. This reduces the need for expensive graphic design services and simplifies file preparation.

How to Budget for Your First Batch of Gift Cards?

If you’re ordering custom gift cards for the first time, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a simple approach to figure out what you need.

Step 1: Estimate Your Volume

Think about how many cards you’ll realistically use over the next 3 to 12 months. Consider how you’ll distribute them, whether that’s in-store purchases, holiday promotions, or corporate gifting programs.

Step 2: Get Real Pricing

Request quotes from multiple custom card suppliers or use online pricing tools if available. Comparing actual numbers at different quantities helps you identify the best value.

Step 3: Choose Features Wisely

Decide which features you actually need. If your POS system uses barcodes, add barcodes. If you don’t need magnetic stripes, skip them and save the cost. Start simple and add features on your next order if needed.

Step 4: Start with a Mid-Size Run

Ordering too few cards means paying a premium per unit. Ordering too many means sitting on inventory if you want to update your design. A mid-size run, somewhere between 500 and 1,000 cards, balances lower unit cost with the flexibility to tweak your design after seeing how customers respond.

Takeaway

Custom gift cards don’t have to break the budget. With per-card costs ranging from under $0.30 to around $1.00, most businesses can launch a professional program without a major investment. The key is planning your order size, choosing only the features you actually need, and comparing options to ensure you get real value.

For businesses looking for guidance, some suppliers like DuraCard offer tools and support that make it easier to estimate costs, explore design options, and manage orders efficiently. This kind of assistance helps businesses focus on creating cards that look great, function well, and reach customers effectively.