Staples Business Card Printing: What to Expect, What It Costs, and When to Use It
staples business card printing is one of the most physically accessible options for business card printing in the US. With over 1,000 stores, there is a good chance one is close to you. That convenience is real and valuable if you need cards in a hurry. But convenience comes with trade-offs, and knowing what Staples does well and where it falls short helps you make a smarter call before you order.
Staples business card printing starts around $20-$30 for 250 standard cards, with same-day in-store pickup often available. The online Staples Copy & Print portal offers more design options and slightly more competitive pricing. For quick, no-frills cards on short notice, Staples is a solid choice – but for premium finishes, heavy card stock, or large-quantity orders, online-only printers like Vistaprint, MOO, or GotPrint typically offer better quality and value.
Staples Business Card Options
| Product | Size | Stock / Finish | Starting Price (250 cards) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Business Cards | 3.5 x 2 inches | 14pt gloss or matte | ~$20-$30 | Same day (in-store) or 1-3 days (online) |
| Premium Business Cards | 3.5 x 2 inches | 16pt thick card stock | ~$35-$55 | 1-3 business days |
| Rounded Corner Cards | 3.5 x 2 inches | 14pt or 16pt gloss/matte | ~$30-$45 | 1-3 business days |
| Folded Business Cards | 3.5 x 4 inches (folded) | Standard card stock | ~$40-$60 | 2-5 business days |
| Slim Business Cards | 3.5 x 1.5 inches | Standard card stock | ~$25-$40 | 1-3 business days |
Note: Prices vary by location and frequently change. Check staples.com/print for current pricing before ordering.
How to Order Business Cards at Staples
You have two paths: in-store or online. Each has real advantages.
In-store ordering: Walk into any Staples Copy & Print center with your design file (PDF, JPG, or PNG at 300 DPI minimum). A print associate can help with layout adjustments. Same-day printing is often available for basic designs – call ahead to confirm. Payment is at pickup.
Online ordering at staples.com/print:
- Go to staples.com and search ‘business cards’ or navigate to Copy & Print > Business Cards
- Choose your card type, size, and quantity
- Use the online design tool to create from a template, or upload your own file
- Preview your design carefully – check bleed lines, font sizes, and contact info
- Choose your paper stock and finish
- Select in-store pickup or shipping
- Add to cart and complete payment
File Requirements for Best Results
- Resolution: 300 DPI minimum – lower resolution files will print blurry
- Color mode: CMYK (not RGB) – RGB colors shift slightly in print; CMYK is what printers use
- Bleed: Include 0.125 inch bleed on all sides – content too close to the edge may be cut off
- Safe zone: Keep all important text and logos at least 0.125 inch from the trim line
- File format: PDF is most reliable; high-resolution JPG or PNG also accepted
Staples vs. Competitors: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Staples | Vistaprint | MOO | GotPrint | Canva Print |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price (250 cards) | ~$20-$30 | ~$12-$20 | ~$35-$50 | ~$15-$25 | ~$20-$30 |
| Premium stock options | Limited | Good | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Design templates | Basic | Very large library | Curated, stylish | Basic | Excellent |
| Same-day availability | Yes (in-store) | No | No | No | No |
| Paper/finish variety | Moderate | Good | Best in category | Good | Moderate |
| Large quantity pricing | Average | Good discounts | Expensive | Best value | Moderate |
| Best for… | Urgent need, local convenience | Budget, high volume | Premium, creative professionals | Best price per card | Design flexibility |
When Staples Makes Sense
- You need cards today or tomorrow – no online printer can match same-day in-store pickup
- You’re ordering a small quantity (under 500) and don’t need specialty finishes
- You prefer working with a person who can help troubleshoot your design file
- You’re already at Staples buying other supplies and can bundle the errand
When to Look Elsewhere
- You want thick, luxurious card stock (MOO’s ‘super thick’ or GotPrint’s 16pt+ options are superior)
- You’re ordering 500+ cards – online printers offer much better per-unit pricing at volume
- You need special finishes: foil, spot UV, letterpress, or soft-touch laminate
- You want a wider template library or more design control
Saving Money with Staples Rewards
- Staples Rewards members earn 5% back on copy and print purchases
- Sign up free at staples.com/rewards – pay nothing extra
- Staples regularly runs print promotions (50% off, free upgrade) – check the weekly ad or the app before ordering
- Business accounts (Staples Business Advantage) can negotiate better rates for regular large-volume orders
Staples is the right answer for a specific scenario: you need cards quickly, you want a straightforward process, and you’re not chasing premium finishes. Know that going in, and you’ll be satisfied. Walk in expecting MOO-level quality at MOO-level pricing from a strip mall print center and you’ll be disappointed.
