Recently, more and more people are using one item for multiple purposes, such as putting an IC card in a business card holder or several business cards in a card case. With the increase in thin and compact products, it is certainly convenient to be able to use multiple items.
However, if you choose a card case or business card holder "just because," you may find yourself experiencing minor inconveniences as you use it.
At Munekawa, we sometimes receive consultations from customers who visit our directly managed stores saying, "I keep putting multiple IC cards in my business card case, and they always get caught at the ticket gates..."
If you're going to choose one, you want to find one that suits your needs. The important thing is to know what you'll be taking out and putting away, how much, and how often.
This time, we'll explain the differences between business card holders and card cases, and introduce how to choose one based on your work style and even how to carry two. Use this as a reference to find the style that suits you best.
▶︎ Click here for a list of Munekawa card cases and business card holders
Explaining the difference between a business card holder and a card case
Think about what you put in it
Business card holders are designed to accommodate the need to take out and put in business cards. It is important to be able to easily take out your own business cards and to be able to temporarily store business cards that you receive. 
Munekawa's recommended "Business Card Case through"
The pocket on the lid can hold 3 to 5 business cards, making it easier to exchange business cards. It can hold up to 50 business cards.
▶︎Product page here
On the other hand, card cases are primarily used to carry around thin, so-called "credit card-sized" cards, such as IC cards and credit cards. 
Munekawa's recommendation: "IC card case Tuck"
This compact multi-card case features three separate card slots, allowing you to store cards separately. It can hold up to 10 business cards. It's perfect for those who want to use it for multiple purposes, including credit cards and commuter passes.
▶︎Product page here
You can put business cards in either, and you can put cards in either. This is why it's easy to get confused, but if you first clarify what you want to put in it and how you want to use it , it will be much easier to choose.
The number of business cards that can fit varies depending on the size and thickness.
Business cards are slightly larger than credit cards, and the thickness of the paper varies depending on the type. Putting too many cards in a business card holder makes it difficult to take them out and can also cause the leather to lose its shape.
When deciding how much storage you need, consider three things:
-
The number of cards you usually carry
My business card that I keep in my bag every day -
Maximum number during peak season
Are there opportunities to give out lots of items at once, such as at events or exhibitions? -
Number to receive
Where should you temporarily place the business cards of people you exchange with each day?
We sometimes hear people say, "After an exhibition or business meeting, the leather gets stretched out because it's full of business cards." It's a good idea to choose a bag with a little extra capacity.
Three points to consider when choosing
When in doubt, consider three things: capacity (how many cards will you put in it?), usage (how many times will you take it out and put it back in?), and appearance (does it look appropriate for the occasion?).
Material and color are also important, but if you decide on these three things first, it will be easier to choose.
How to choose based on your work style
Salespeople who exchange business cards frequently prioritize "capacity" and "temporary storage"
Sales staff will need to change cartridges frequently, so choose one with sufficient capacity. Roughly estimate the number of cartridges needed by multiplying the number of cartridges changed per day by the number of working days, and leave some room for error.
We also recommend a structure that allows you to organize and separate your own business cards and the ones you receive.
Having two or more pockets will make it easier to organize and manage your belongings. Being able to quickly put away the business cards you receive will make you look smart. 
Munekawa's recommended "Meet" slim business card holder
A slim business card holder with four pockets . This is recommended for those who exchange business cards fairly frequently and for whom a certain amount of capacity is sufficient, or for those who want to use it for multiple purposes, such as storing credit cards and commuter passes in addition to business cards. It can hold about 25 business cards.
▶︎Product page here
For jobs that require many internal company cards, the number of times they are used should be prioritized.
You may take out and put away your employee ID, entrance pass, transportation IC card, etc. many times a day. In this case, it is recommended to prioritize "ease of removal," "minimal interference between cards," and "thinness" when choosing a card case.
An example of how to use Munekawa's Tuck card case. You can put a few business cards in the main pocket, emergency bills, commuter passes, etc. in the other pockets for functional use.
People who don't exchange business cards often prioritize "thinness" and "just the right amount of capacity"
For those who mainly work remotely or who have a lot of internal communication, business cards are rarely used. In these cases, a slim design with ample capacity that can be used when needed is sufficient.
If you're wondering whether you should buy a business card case, first try counting how many times you use your business cards. If you only use them a few times a month, simply putting a few business cards in a card case will be sufficient.
Munekawa's recommended "Leather card case"
This card case features a simple, minimalist design that is free of unnecessary elements. It is an easy addition to your everyday belongings as it allows you to smartly organize your ever-increasing collection of cards.
▶︎Product page here
Four questions to help you decide
- How often do you exchange business cards? (daily / several times a week / several times a month)
- How many business cards do you carry with you? (Less than 10 / Around 20 / More than 30)
- How many company cards do you have? (1 / 2-3 / 4 or more)
- How many times a day do you take it in and out? (Several times / 10 or more times)
As a rough guideline, if you exchange business cards every day and only a few company cards, one business card holder is sufficient. If you exchange a lot of company cards and business cards a few times a month, you can also use a card case to store a few business cards. If you exchange a lot of both, consider carrying two, as explained in the next chapter.
Carrying two reduces mistakes
Having two devices is suitable for people who want to do everything with one device
If you keep both your business cards and cards in one holder, it tends to become thicker and harder to take them out. We often hear from customers who say, "I was looking for a business card holder that would hold all my cards, but it ended up being too full and difficult to use," and then switch to a dual-holder holder and find it's neater.
Separating roles helps keep each one separate, reducing minor stresses at work.
Recommended combination patterns
Those who exchange business cards frequently
Divide the roles of a business card holder (Through/Meet) and a card case (Tuck). Put only business cards in the business card holder and IC cards and employee ID cards in the card case for smoother access.
Those with many company cards
Use a card case (tuck / leather card case) as your main item, and only carry a minimum number of cards in your business card holder. Speed of access is a priority.
Those who want to reduce their luggage
Another option is to carry only a few business cards in a leather card case. If you don't exchange business cards often, this is sufficient for many people.
How to choose Munekawa products
When choosing a product, think about what kind of work it is suitable for rather than the specs.
Business card holders are for people who meet a lot of people and want to look neat and tidy. Card cases are for people who take their cards in and out frequently and prioritize thinness. Comparing them while keeping in mind the purpose will make it easier to find the one that suits you.
summary
It's important to choose a business card holder or card case that suits your needs. By considering how often you exchange business cards and when you use your company cards, you can prioritize capacity, usage, and appearance to avoid making mistakes.
If you're unsure, one option is to have two and separate them for different purposes. This will keep each one thin, making it easier to use for many people.
Munekawa offers a selection of business card holders and card cases to suit your work style. If you're not sure which one is right for you, feel free to consult us online or in-store. We'll help you choose the right one while listening to how you'll use it.
▶︎ Click here for a list of Munekawa card cases and business card holders
