A clear, numbers-based comparison of cost, conversion, lifespan, and real ROI.
When businesses look for a simple way to collect Google Reviews, they usually compare two options:
- NFC Review Cards
- Printed QR Review Cards
At first glance, QR cards look cheaper. But cheaper upfront does not mean cheaper long-term. This guide breaks down NFC Review Cards vs Printed QR Cards using what actually matters:
- Conversion rates
- Cost per review
- Customer behaviour
- Lifespan
- Local SEO impact
- Real ROI over time
No hype. Just numbers and behaviour.
⭐ The Short Answer
Printed QR cards cost less upfront, but NFC Review Cards deliver significantly more reviews at a lower cost per review over time.
In most real-world scenarios, NFC wins on performance, scalability, and ROI.
🔍 What Are NFC Review Cards?
NFC Review Cards are physical cards embedded with NFC chips (often with QR as backup).
Customers simply:
Tap phone → Google review page opens → review submitted
Key characteristics:
- Tap-based (no camera needed)
- One-step
- Reusable
- Durable
- Feels modern and premium
🔍 What Are Printed QR Review Cards?
Printed QR Cards rely entirely on QR codes.
Customers must:
Open camera → scan code → wait → tap link → review page
Key characteristics:
- Scan-based
- More steps
- Often paper or thin plastic
- Easier to ignore
- Lower engagement
💰 Cost Breakdown
💸 Upfront Cost Comparison
| Card Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Printed QR Card | £0.20 – £1 each |
| NFC Review Card | £5 – £15 each |
At face value, QR looks cheaper. But this is where most businesses stop thinking.
📊 Performance Comparison (Conversion Rates)
| Method | Avg Conversion Rate |
|---|---|
| Printed QR Cards | 5–15% |
| NFC Review Cards | 20–40% |
NFC converts 2–4× higher than QR. This gap compounds over time.
🧮 Cost Per Review (The Metric That Matters)
Let’s compare the real cost per review.
Example scenario (per 100 customers)
Printed QR Cards
- Conversion: 10%
- Reviews generated: 10
- Card cost: £10
- Cost per review: £1.00
NFC Review Cards
- Conversion: 30%
- Reviews generated: 30
- Card cost: £10
- Cost per review: £0.33
👉 NFC is 3× cheaper per review, despite a higher upfront cost. And that’s just the first cycle.
♻️ Reusability & Lifespan
Printed QR Cards
❌ Often single-use
❌ Get lost or thrown away
❌ Wear quickly
❌ Need reprinting
NFC Review Cards
✔ Reusable indefinitely
✔ Durable materials
✔ One-time setup
✔ No reprints needed
Over 6–12 months, NFC cards become dramatically cheaper.
🧠 Behavioural Performance (Why NFC Wins)
NFC outperforms QR because:
- Tap is faster than scan
- No camera friction
- No QR fatigue
- Feels more modern
- Matches tap-to-pay behaviour
QR codes are now:
❌ Overused
❌ Ignored
❌ Associated with menus & ads
Tap feels intentional. Scan feels like an effort.
🔥 Local SEO Impact Comparison
NFC Review Cards:
✔ Higher review volume
✔ Better recency
✔ Steady velocity
✔ Longer, more detailed reviews
Printed QR Cards:
❌ Slower accumulation
❌ Inconsistent timing
❌ Lower engagement
Since reviews directly influence Local SEO, NFC cards produce stronger ranking signals.
⚠️ Where QR Cards Still Make Sense
QR cards still work when:
- Budget is extremely tight
- NFC isn’t supported (rare now)
- Used as backup only
- Combined with staff-led asking
QR should be Plan B, not Plan A.
📈 ROI Over Time (12-Month View)
| Metric | QR Cards | NFC Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Avg monthly reviews | Low–Medium | High |
| Cost per review | Higher | Lower |
| Replacement cost | Ongoing | None |
| SEO impact | Moderate | Strong |
| Staff resistance | Medium | Low |
| Customer friction | Medium | Very Low |
NFC wins on every long-term metric.
🧠 MUVERA & Google Compliance
Both QR and NFC are allowed.
But MUVERA rewards:
✔ Real-world interactions
✔ Immediate actions
✔ Natural velocity
NFC cards produce these signals more consistently.
🧠 AEO FAQ: NFC vs QR Cards
Are NFC Review Cards worth the extra cost?
Yes — lower cost per review long-term.
Do QR cards still work?
Yes — but at a lower conversion.
Can NFC cards include QR codes too?
Yes — best practice is NFC + QR backup.
Which is better for Local SEO?
NFC Review Cards.
Which do customers prefer?
Tap over scan consistently.
🏁 Final Verdict (Clear & Honest)
✅ NFC Review Cards outperform Printed QR Cards on performance, cost per review, and Local SEO impact.
QR cards:
✔ Are cheaper upfront
❌ Convert less
❌ Cost more per review long-term
NFC Review Cards:
✔ Convert more
✔ Last longer
✔ Costs less per review
✔ Feel modern
✔ Build trust faster
✔ Strengthen Local SEO
If your goal is maximum reviews with minimum effort, NFC is the smarter investment in 2026.