None of these formats has fully replaced the others — each solves a slightly different problem, and many professionals now reasonably use more than one.
Traditional paper cards
Best for in-person moments where a tangible object builds trust — networking events, client meetings, retail counters. Downside: you have to have one on you, and they can't update once printed.
Digital business cards
A shareable link or app-based card with your contact details, often including social links and a "save contact" button. Best for remote-first professionals and anyone who wants details to update instantly without reprinting.
NFC cards
A physical card embedded with a chip that shares your digital card with a tap on a smartphone — combining the tangible hand-off of a paper card with the update-anytime flexibility of a digital one. Higher upfront cost per card than paper, but nothing to reprint as details change.
How to decide
If you meet people in person often, a traditional card (possibly paired with a QR code) still earns its place. If you're remote-first or meet people mostly through video calls, a digital card covers most of your needs. NFC is worth the investment if you attend a lot of in-person events and want the flexibility of digital without giving up the physical hand-off.
The short version
Match the format to how you actually meet people — physical for in-person trust-building, digital for remote-first work, NFC when you want both in one card.