How do custom SmartLink Card Overlays work?

Every 42Kites SmartLink Card comes with a unique QR code on the front and a hidden NFC chip inside. That chip lets people tap their unlocked phone on the card and instantly open your Experience—no app needed.

If you’d like to make your SmartLinks look a little more eye-catching, you can cover the card with a custom-printed overlay. The NFC still works perfectly, and your device becomes way more fun and on-brand.

Want to see the difference? Here are a few examples—some with custom overlays, some with just the standard QR code:

Great news: All Premium Plans include our Helping Hand service, which means our design team will create a custom overlay for you! Just tell us what you want it to look like—or let us brainstorm ideas—and we’ll send you a ready-to-print design. You just print it, cut it to size, and slide it into the holder.

Prefer to DIY? No problem. Just create a 70mm x 70mm graphic with 12mm rounded corners.

One quick note: if you cover the QR code, the only way to launch the Experience is via NFC. That’s totally fine for most modern phones, but a few older models may not support it.

This overlay service includes the design files only—you’ll just need to print them (a regular color office printer works great) and place them inside the holder.