Custom playing card printing cost depends mainly on order quantity, card stock, card count, packaging, finishing, and shipping. This guide compares custom playing cards prices for small prototypes and larger production runs.
Custom playing cards can cost about $1.95 to $9.59 per deck at the quantities shown in the supplier comparison below. A custom tuck box, premium finishing, shipping, taxes, and duties can raise the final landed cost.
The specification used in this article, 63.5 × 88.9 mm, 300gsm/310gsm black-core linen stock, premium finish, and a custom tuck box, does not have one universal market price. The final quote depends on quantity, card stock, card count, size, packaging, finishing, and destination.
Custom Playing Card Printing Cost by Quantity
The table uses the closest public benchmark available: 63 × 88 mm cards, up to 55 cards per deck, 310gsm black-core linen stock, full-color printing, and a custom tuck box. Shipping is excluded. The benchmark uses 63 × 88 mm cards rather than 63.5 × 88.9 mm, so these figures are reference calculations, not exact quotes for every manufacturer.
| Quantity | Estimated Price / Deck | Example Total | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 decks | $21.05–$30.10 | $210.50–$301.00 for 10 decks | Prototype / personal project |
| 25–50 decks | $13.00–$21.05 | $325.00–$1,052.50 | Gifts / small events |
| 100 decks | $9.70 | $970.00 | Promotional project / small test |
| 250 decks | $7.65 | $1,912.50 | Small commercial run |
| 500 decks | $5.75 | $2,875.00 | Kickstarter / small brand |
| 1,000 decks | $4.45 | $4,450.00 | Commercial production |
| 5,000 decks | $2.95 | $14,750.00 | Retail / larger production |
Prices are calculated using 310gsm black-core linen stock, 55 cards per deck, a custom tuck box, and full-color printing. This custom playing card printing cost benchmark excludes shipping.
Playing card printing cost usually falls as order quantity increases, while total playing card production cost depends on materials, packaging, finishing, and shipping. See our money-saving tips for playing card printing when planning a larger run.
How Much Do Different Playing Card Manufacturers Charge?
When comparing custom playing card printing cost across manufacturers, use the same card size, card count, stock, finish, packaging, and shipping terms.
| Manufacturer | 100 Decks | 500 Decks | 1,000 Decks | 5,000 Decks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EzraCard | $8.49 | $4.82 | $3.69 | $1.95 | Online configuration and project-specific quote |
| MPC | $9.70* | $5.75* | $4.45* | $2.95* | Public card-plus-custom-tuck-box calculation |
| QPMN (QP Market Network) | $9.59 | $5.72 | $4.35 | $2.23 | Online ordering; premium finishes by request |
| BoardGamesMaker | $9.70* | $5.75* | $4.45* | $2.95* | Pricing aligns with MPC's public calculation |
* Prices are calculated using 310gsm black-core linen stock, 55 cards per deck, a custom tuck box, and full-color printing. Review the available configurations on EzraCard's custom playing cards page.
EzraCard offers a smoother online upload experience, lower MOQs for premium finishes, and a lower entry barrier for creators.
QPMN, MPC, and BoardGamesMaker are part of the same company group. Their premium finishes require separate contact and have a 1,000-deck minimum order, which is higher than EzraCard's MOQ.
Why Does the Price of Custom Playing Cards Vary So Much?
Custom playing card printing cost can range from a few dollars to more than ten dollars per deck because the products are often different. A one-deck sample, a 100-deck promotional order, and a 5,000-deck retail run have different production costs. The quote can also change when a buyer switches from smooth blue-core stock to black-core linen stock, adds a custom box, increases the card count, or chooses foil or gilded edges.
| Order Quantity | Typical Pricing Model |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | Prototype / sample order |
| 25–100 | Small batch |
| 250–1,000 | Commercial production |
| 1,000–5,000 | Bulk production |
| 5,000+ | Large-scale production |
The unit price usually falls as quantity increases because setup, handling, cutting, packing, and production costs are spread across more decks. The total order value still rises, so a lower per-deck price does not necessarily mean a smaller budget.
What Affects Custom Playing Card Printing Cost?
1. Card Stock
Card stock affects thickness, opacity, stiffness, durability, and handling. MPC and EzraCard both offer smooth and linen blue-core and black-core paper, PVC, and eco-friendly paper. For more specialized paper choices, MPC requires at least 1,000 decks, while EzraCard starts at 300 decks. Review the available cardstock materials before requesting a quote.
A heavier or more specialized stock may improve handling or opacity, but the right choice depends on how the cards will be used and the available budget.
2. Number of Cards per Deck
More cards increase paper usage, printing area, cutting, sorting, and packing requirements.
A 54-card poker deck should therefore not be compared directly with a 72-card or 108-card game deck, even when the outer dimensions are similar.
3. Card Size
Card dimensions affect material usage and how efficiently cards fit on printing sheets. Common choices include poker, bridge, tarot, mini, and custom formats. EzraCard's playing card size guide explains the standard formats before you request a custom dimension.
The 63.5 × 88.9 mm traditional size in this outline is not identical to the 63 × 88 mm public benchmark used above, so the benchmark should not be presented as an exact traditional-size quote.
4. Packaging
Packaging can be a significant part of the total cost, especially for small orders. The comparison prices in this guide include a custom tuck box. EzraCard can also quote upgraded packaging based on the box structure, material, printing, finish, and order quantity.
How Much Do Premium Finishes Add to the Cost?
Manufacturers do not consistently publish a separate price for every premium finish. The table provides a price reference for gold gilded edges.
| Finish | 500–999 Decks | 1,000–2,499 Decks |
|---|---|---|
| Full-color print | $4.65 | $3.55 |
| Gold gilt edge + full-color print | $5.95 | $4.45 |
| Additional cost | +$1.30 | +$0.90 |
That represents approximately a 28% increase at 500–999 decks and approximately a 25% increase at 1,000–2,499 decks for this specific configuration. EzraCard can also quote foil stamping, holographic foil, embossing, debossing, spot UV, metallic ink, and specialty coatings. Its 300-deck MOQ for advanced options is lower than the 1,000-deck requirement used by QPMN, MPC, and BoardGamesMaker. Their MOQ is about 3.3 times higher. Review EzraCard's finishing options before choosing an effect.
A $1.50 deck and a $10 deck may therefore represent different card counts, paper stocks, packaging, shipping arrangements, or finishing levels rather than competing prices for the same product.
What Is Usually Included in a Custom Playing Card Printing Quote?
A quote may include card printing, cutting, collation, deck assembly, standard finishing, standard packaging, artwork review, and electronic proofing. The scope varies by supplier and configuration.
Before comparing quotes, confirm whether they include:
- Shipping
- Taxes and duties
- Premium packaging
- Foil, embossing, or other specialty effects
- Hard-copy proofing
- Custom dies or tooling
- Special materials
- Fulfillment or split shipments
EzraCard's in-house process covers printing, coating, cutting, finishing, inspection, and packaging. Ask the sales team to identify each included item, any one-time tooling charge, and the shipping terms so the quote can be compared on a landed-cost basis.
FAQs
How much does it cost to print one custom deck?
A single custom deck is normally treated as a prototype, so its price depends on the card stock, card count, finish, packaging, and shipping destination. EzraCard can provide a project-specific prototype quote before you move to production.
Is it cheaper to print more playing cards?
Usually, yes. For the reference specification in this guide, EzraCard's price drops from $8.49 per deck at 100 decks to $4.82 at 500, $3.69 at 1,000, and $1.95 at 5,000 decks. The unit price falls as more decks share the production setup costs, although the total order value increases.
What is the cheapest cardstock for playing cards?
There is no universal cheapest stock because the price depends on quantity and the complete specification. EzraCard offers smooth and linen blue-core and black-core paper, PVC, and eco-friendly paper. Tell the team how the cards will be used and your target budget so they can recommend a suitable option.
How much does custom packaging add to the cost?
Packaging cost depends on quantity, material, structure, printing, and finishing. The comparison prices in this guide already include a custom tuck box. EzraCard can quote upgraded packaging separately when you submit the deck specification.
Does shipping come with the printing price?
Not necessarily. Ask EzraCard to confirm whether shipping is included in the quote. Freight depends on order size, weight, destination, and delivery method, so compare suppliers using the final landed cost.
Get a Custom Playing Card Printing Cost Estimate
The cost of custom playing cards depends mainly on quantity, card stock, card count, size, packaging, finishing, and shipping.
For a custom deck printing cost estimate, send the complete deck specification and target quantity to EzraCard.
Get a Custom Playing Card Quote
