Acrylic vs PETG: Which Business Card Holder Material Is The Best?
Business card holders, also known as corporate holders or business card cases, are small fixtures with big results. They place your key contact information within easy reach of customers and keep your cards neat and organized. This way, your visitors don’t have to ask for contact details.
Plastic business card holders are commonly made from two types of plastic: acrylic or PETG. The material you choose affects clarity, durability, maintenance and overall brand impression. Below, we compare acrylic and PETG so that you can choose the right fit for your desk, counter or event kit.
Features Comparison
Acrylic Business Card Cases
• Look: Exceptional clarity and gloss. Your business cards look “framed in glass.”
• Durability: Sturdy and rigid but can chip if dropped.
• Scratch resistance: Better surface hardness than PETG, can shrug off light scuffs.
• Care: Use microfiber and mild soap and water. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
• Use: Best for reception desks, lobbies, professional offices, and premium brands.
PETG Business Card Holders
• Look: Modern, slightly softer optical finish versus acrylic.
• Durability: Highly impact resistant, less likely to crack during travel.
• Scratch resistance: Has a softer surface. Should be stored and transported in soft packaging to prevent scuffs.
• Care: Requires gentle routine. Use microfiber clothes plus mild soap. Avoid harsh solvents.
• Use: Best for high-traffic counters, trade shows, job fairs and shared workspaces.
• Durability: Highly impact resistant, less likely to crack during travel.
• Scratch resistance: Has a softer surface. Should be stored and transported in soft packaging to prevent scuffs.
• Care: Requires gentle routine. Use microfiber clothes plus mild soap. Avoid harsh solvents.
• Use: Best for high-traffic counters, trade shows, job fairs and shared workspaces.
Where To Use Each Type
• Reception desks & client-facing lobbies: Acrylic projects a polished look and maintains card visibility under varied lighting.
• Trade shows, conferences, and job fairs: PETG’s resistance against impact shines when fixtures are packed and unpacked.
• Busy checkout counter: Use multi-pocket holders so each rep/department has a dedicated slot.
Price & Value
• Prices may vary by thickness, finish, and pocket count.
• PETG is typically the most cost-efficient for large rollouts or event kits.
• Acrylic commands a small premium for its unmatched clarity and presentation quality.
Which Material Should You Choose?
• Choose acrylic if you want a crystal-clear, premium look for offices, medical/financial lobbies, or design-forward spaces.
• Choose PETG for high durability - ideal for travel, student/public environments, or high-traffic counters.
• Still undecided? Use acrylic at the front desk and PETG for pop-ups and events.
Smart Add-Ons That Boost Pickups
• Add a mini sign (‘Take a card” or “Scan & take a card”) to encourage interaction.
• Pair with a brochure tray or larger sign holder if your service needs more context; keep the card holder on the right so right-handed visitors naturally reach it.
• Include a QR code on the card plus a small “Scan me” sign frame to enable digital follow-through.
• If you’ve invested in premium card stock or finishes like foil or spot UV, acrylic maximizes that “pop.” If your holders are frequently moved or handled, then PETG wins on the toughness scale
