What Are Some Terrible Ideas to Add to a Business Card?

A business card is meant to be clear, professional, and memorable—in a good way. However, many people ruin that first impression by adding unnecessary, confusing, or unprofessional elements. Below are some terrible ideas to add to a business card and why you should avoid them.

1. Too Much Information

Trying to fit everything onto one card is one of the most common mistakes.
Bad ideas include:
Full company history
Multiple phone numbers with no labels
Every social media handle you own
A cluttered card is hard to read and easy to ignore. White space is not wasted space—it improves readability.

2. Unprofessional Email Addresses

Your email says a lot about you.
Examples of terrible choices:
coolguy1993@email.com
sexyboss@domain.com
funny nicknames or inside jokes
A business card should always feature a professional, brand-aligned email address.

3. Hard-to-Read Fonts

Using overly decorative or novelty fonts may seem creative, but it often backfires.
Avoid:
Script fonts for contact details
Extremely thin or condensed fonts
Fonts with poor contrast against the background
If someone has to work to read your card, they probably won’t.

4. Low-Quality Images or Logos

Pixelated logos and stretched images instantly signal poor quality.
Why this is a bad idea:
It damages brand credibility
It makes even premium materials look cheap
It reflects lack of attention to detail
Always use high-resolution graphics, especially on plastic or UV-printed business cards.

5. Joke Content or Sarcasm

Humor is risky on a business card.
Terrible additions include:
Sarcastic job titles
Offensive jokes or memes
“Call me if you dare” type slogans
Unless your brand is explicitly comedic, humor can confuse or alienate potential clients.

6. Excessive Colors and Effects

More effects don’t equal better design.
Common mistakes:
Neon colors with poor contrast
Too many gradients
Overusing holographic or metallic effects
Even on custom plastic business cards, restraint creates a more premium look.

7. Personal Information That Doesn’t Belong There

A business card is not a personal profile.
Avoid adding:
Home address (unless absolutely required)
Personal ID numbers
Birthdates or personal quotes
This information is unnecessary and may create privacy concerns.

8. QR Codes That Go Nowhere

QR codes can be useful—but only if they work.
Terrible ideas include:
Broken or outdated links
Linking to unfinished websites
Multiple QR codes competing for attention
If you use a QR code, test it and make sure it leads to something valuable.

9. Cheap Materials That Don’t Match Your Brand

Using flimsy paper or poor-quality printing can undermine everything else.
Bad choices include:
Ultra-thin paper cards
Cards that bend or fade quickly
Inconsistent printing quality
If you want to stand out, materials like custom plastic business cards or matte-finished PVC cards offer durability and a more professional impression.

10. No Clear Call to Action

A business card without direction is forgettable.
Avoid cards that:
Don’t explain what you actually do
Have no next step (call, visit, contact)
A simple line like “Scan to view portfolio” or “Contact us for a quote” adds clarity and purpose.

Conclusion

The worst business cards fail because they try to be funny, flashy, or overloaded instead of clear and professional. Avoid clutter, low-quality design, and unnecessary personal details. Focus on readability, brand consistency, and material quality.
A good business card opens a conversation.
A terrible one ends it before it starts.