Custom Holographic Card Printing
QinPrinting provides custom holographic card printing for trading card creators, TCG game designers, collectible brands, and game publishers. Whether you’re producing full-rainbow chase cards for a TCG rarity system, holographic booster packs for a sealed product launch, or premium gift editions of playing cards, we handle both full-surface holographic paper printing and precision holographic foil stamping — in-house, at offset quality, from 200 decks and up.
Note: We specialize in bulk offset printing with an MOQ of 200 decks — not print-on-demand or single-card orders. For serious trading card launches, Kickstarter campaigns, and retail-ready collectible sets, we’re one of the most cost-effective offset manufacturers globally, with over 25 years of card printing experience.
How Much Does It Cost to Print Holographic Cards?
The exact cost of printing holographic cards depends on the choice of size, number, and any special finishes. But you can get an idea by looking at the at-a-glance chart.
2.5" x 3.5" Custom Holographic Card Printing Price Chart
| Quantity | 200 sets | 500 sets | 1000 sets | 5000 sets | 10000 sets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 design / set | Unit: $1.88 Total: $376 |
Unit: $0.79 Total: $395 |
Unit: $0.43 Total: $430 |
Unit: $0.15 Total: $750 |
Unit: $0.13 Total: $1,300 |
| 2 designs / set | Unit: $1.98 Total: $396 |
Unit: $0.88 Total: $440 |
Unit: $0.50 Total: $500 |
Unit: $0.26 Total: $1,300 |
Unit: $0.21 Total: $2,100 |
| 3 designs / set | Unit: $2.10 Total: $420 |
Unit: $0.96 Total: $480 |
Unit: $0.59 Total: $585 |
Unit: $0.35 Total: $1,725 |
Unit: $0.32 Total: $3,150 |
| 4 designs / set | Unit: $2.24 Total: $448 |
Unit: $1.08 Total: $540 |
Unit: $0.68 Total: $680 |
Unit: $0.44 Total: $2,200 |
Unit: $0.42 Total: $4,200 |
| 5 designs / set | Unit: $2.30 Total: $460 |
Unit: $1.10 Total: $550 |
Unit: $0.75 Total: $750 |
Unit: $0.50 Total: $2,500 |
Unit: $0.48 Total: $4,750 |
- Please note that all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
- Card size: 2.5 x 3.5″
- 300gsm holographic cardboard on one side, round corners
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) is 200 sets. But the more units you order in a single print run, the less you pay per unit.
About Holographic Paper Printing
Holographic paper printing uses specialty holographic cardstock to create reflective, rainbow-like effects across the card surface. UV printing is the most common method, applying both white and CMYK inks. White ink masks areas where the holographic effect is not desired, while transparent CMYK inks allow the holographic surface to show through. After printing, a UV varnish—either smooth or sand—can be applied over the entire card or selected areas to highlight details and create a subtle 3D effect.
This process also allows printing individual serial numbers or QR codes on each card, which can be used for tracking, digital linking, or collectible numbering systems.
Custom Printed Holographic Card Surface Options
Aside from printing on holographic paper, we offer several options for finishing the surface of your cards. Adding a final coating can help protect the cards from scuffing, scratching, and dirt or moisture. It can also give the finished cards are more polished, professional look.
A glossy coating on both sides with a subtle texture.
We can apply a special coating to the cards which gives them a textured finish such as linen, beaten metal, or parchment, for example.
Metallic foil applied to the edges of the card, creating a premium and polished look from every angle.
Metallic gold foil pressed onto the card for an elegant, eye-catching detail.
Metallic silver foil applied to the card, adding a sleek, reflective accent.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Custom Holographic Card Packaging
Of course, you may want to include packaging in your custom holographic card project. At QinPrinting, we also specialize in custom printed packaging products, so we have you covered if you’d like to create a matching branded box for your card decks or just safely shrink wrap them for storage and transport. The most popular packaging options for cards are:
Tuck end box
We can design the box to fit your finished cards, print it with your artwork, logo, and text you wish for.
Telescope rigid box
The main tray holds the cards and then a separate lid, slightly wider than the tray, is over the top. The lid can completely or partially cover the tray.
Magnetic closure rigid box
These are a little more robust than the basic box, with a hinged lid and a flap which closes with an inserted magnet fastening.
Shoulder Neck Rigid Box
A premium two-piece box with a raised inner tray (shoulder) for added depth and a sleek.
Shrink-wrapped decks
Boxed or not, we can also shrink wrap each set of cards for extra protection during storage and transit.
Booster Packs
If you're releasing collectible card sets, we can produce booster packs with randomized or sequential card assortments.
We also offer extras such as ribbon pulls, custom inserts, belly bands, and sleeves on request.
Holographic Card Sizes
Which card size you choose for your custom holographic cards depends on your artistic preferences, the practical requirements of your game or other project, and your budget. If you opt for one of our standard sizes, then we’ll already have the die cut molds in stock and won’t need to charge you any added fees. If you select an unusual size, then we may need to charge you an added fee to make the mold before printing.
The most popular holographic playing card size is 2.5″ x 3.5″. We have the following card size molds in our stock:
Holographic Paper Printing vs Holographic Foil
Holographic paper gives a full-card, shimmering effect that’s great for bold, colorful designs. Holographic foil adds reflective accents to specific parts of a card, perfect for detailed highlights or logos.
Holographic Paper Printing
- Uses specialty holographic paper as the base material.
- The holographic effect is built into the paper itself, giving the entire card a shimmering, rainbow-like finish.
- Ideal for full-surface effects, premium card designs, and colorful, eye-catching prints.
- No additional foil stamping is needed—cost-effective for large runs.
Holographic Foil
- Involves applying a thin layer of holographic foil onto standard paper or cardstock.
- The effect is limited to the areas where the foil is applied (e.g., logos, patterns, or accents).
- Offers precise and customizable designs but requires extra production steps.
- Often used for highlighting details rather than covering the whole card.
Custom Holographic Card Types
Holographic and metallic foil card are striking options for a wide spectrum of uses. Among the most popular are:
Custom holographic trading cards
Holographic trading cards are the chase cards that drive TCG and collectible set excitement. Whether you’re launching a base set with holo rarity tiers, producing expansion booster packs, or creating numbered limited editions for a Kickstarter campaign, we print both full-holographic chase cards (entire card shimmers) and foil-stamp accented rares (holographic borders on standard artwork). Our UV printing technology supports white-ink masking for precise control over where the holographic effect shows.
Custom holographic game cards
Holographic game cards add visual impact to card-driven games — from action/character cards in card games to special-ability cards in board games. Use holographic paper for hero/boss cards that players need to visually identify across the table, or holographic foil for subtle rarity indicators. Common for TCGs, deck-building games, and legacy-style board games.
Custom holographic playing cards
Holographic playing cards are premium 54-card decks (52 standard + 2 jokers) with the classic playing card format but eye-catching rainbow shimmer. Popular for corporate gifts, magician stage decks (the holographic effect is highly visible from a distance), casino-branded promotional decks, and luxury retail sets. Typically paired with a telescope rigid box or magnetic closure box for gift-quality presentation.
We’re always happy to discuss new formats or unusual specifications. If you don’t see what you’re looking for above, get in touch. Our team will be glad to help.
Why Choose QinPrinting for Holographic Card Printing?
Holographic card printing has specific production requirements that standard card printers don’t always optimize for. Here’s what makes us different:
Both Holographic Paper AND Holographic Foil
Most card printers offer one or the other. We offer full-surface holographic cardstock for the classic rainbow-shimmer effect across the entire card, and holographic foil stamping for precise rainbow accents on specific design elements (logos, rarity symbols, chase card frames). We’ll recommend the right choice based on your design and budget — or combine both for premium chase cards.
TCG and Trading Card Expertise
Trading card creators come to us for rarity tier systems (common → uncommon → rare → ultra rare → mythic), chase card production, numbered limited editions with serial numbers printed directly on each card, and QR codes for digital collectible linking. Our UV printing technology supports both CMYK color and white-ink masking — essential for controlling exactly where the holographic effect shows through your artwork.
Booster Pack and Collation Support
We produce sealed booster packs with sequential or randomized card assortments — essential for TCG launches and Kickstarter campaigns where “the thrill of the chase” drives sales. Contact us to discuss custom rarity ratios (e.g., 1 ultra rare per 24 packs) and chase card drop rates for your set.
Premium Cardstock Options Beyond Standard
Beyond our standard 300 gsm holographic cardstock, we offer 350 gsm heavyweight holographic paper, 310 gsm black core cardstock (standard for playing cards and TCG — prevents light showing through the back), and linen-textured holographic paper for premium collectible editions.
Factory-Direct Pricing from 200 to 50,000+ Decks
We print in our own facility in China with direct access to holographic cardstock, foil film, UV printing technology, and die-cutting tooling. Our clients typically save 30–40% on holographic card production versus US printers. For indie TCG creators running 500-deck Kickstarter launches or established publishers ordering 10,000+ decks, the savings add up fast.
FAQs
What's the difference between holographic paper and holographic foil stamping?
The two are often confused but are entirely different production processes:
- Holographic paper uses specialty cardstock that has the holographic effect built into the paper itself. The entire card surface shimmers with the rainbow effect. Best for full-card dazzle — think classic TCG “full-holo” cards. Cost-effective for large runs.
- Holographic foil stamping applies a thin layer of reflective foil only to specific areas of standard cardstock (logos, frames, rarity symbols, chase card accents). Best for precise highlights — think modern TCG chase cards with holographic borders around standard artwork.
Do you support TCG rarity tiers and chase cards?
Yes. We routinely print TCG decks with multi-tier rarity systems — common, uncommon, rare, ultra rare, mythic, etc. For each tier we can adjust:
- Card stock: standard 300 gsm for commons, 350 gsm or black core for rares
- Surface: standard matte for commons, holographic paper or foil for rares/chase
- Serial numbers: unique numbering printed directly on each rare card (e.g., “#127/500”)
- Booster pack collation: specified rarity ratios (e.g., 1 ultra rare per 24 packs)
Send us your rarity structure (tier names, card counts per tier, foil specs) and we’ll produce a custom quote. MOQ is 200 sets total across all tiers.
What's your minimum order quantity?
Our MOQ is 200 decks. This is the minimum where offset printing economics work — below 200 decks, per-unit costs become prohibitive. Most of our clients order 500-2,000 decks to unlock best-value pricing.
If you need smaller quantities for prototyping, consider print-on-demand services like MPC, QPMN, or Snapshot — they support single-card orders. But for serious launches, retail sets, or Kickstarter campaigns, offset printing at 500+ decks gives you dramatically lower per-unit costs and superior print quality.
Can you print serial numbers or QR codes on each card?
Yes. We use variable data printing to print unique serial numbers (e.g., “#043/500”), individual QR codes, or custom codes on each card. Common use cases:
- Limited edition collectibles: numbered sequentially for authentication
- Digital linking: QR codes linking each physical card to a digital NFT or game asset
- Authenticity tracking: unique codes for anti-counterfeit verification
- Redemption codes: scratch-off codes for promotional campaigns
Variable data printing adds minimal cost — typically 5-10% on top of standard printing. Send us your numbering scheme or QR code CSV file with your order.
What card sizes are standard for holographic trading cards?
The most common sizes:
- Standard TCG size: 2.5″ × 3.5″ (63 × 88 mm) — same as poker/playing cards, used by Magic, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh
- Mini TCG: 41 × 63 mm — for smaller collectible sets
- Large TCG: 80 × 110 mm — for premium collector editions
- Square: 5.5″ × 5.5″ — for oracle/affirmation hybrid cards
- Custom sizes: we can create new molds for any dimension
For standard TCG size, we have die-cut molds in stock with zero tooling fees. For custom dimensions, mold creation fees apply but are typically <$200 for custom quantities 500+.
How long does production take?
Standard production: 12-15 business days from approved file to finished cards ex-factory. Timeline breakdown:
- Prepress and digital proof: 2-3 days
- Physical proof (optional): +5-7 days if requested
- Printing and die-cutting: 5-7 days
- Foil stamping / UV varnish (if selected): +2-3 days
- Packaging and QC: 2-3 days
Add shipping time based on destination: sea freight 20-30 days, air freight 5-10 days, express 3-5 days. We ship DDP to the US (duties and taxes included); other countries pay local VAT/GST on delivery.
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Let's Talk!
If you’re a game designer or developer, or a business, an entrepreneur, or a professional magician looking for an innovative and striking way to promote your brand — and only the finest product, unmatched customer service, and unbeatable prices will do — we should talk about custom holographic cards. Get in touch today to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can’t wait to help you!