FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About NFC and LinkStations

What is NFC?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It’s the same short-range wireless technology used in contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and transit cards. When someone holds their phone near an NFC chip, it triggers an action instantly — in this case, opening your LinkStations profile in their browser. No app, no Bluetooth, no pairing.

What is a LinkStations profile?

Your LinkStations profile is a personal page at linkstations.com/public/yourusername. It holds everything you want to share: links to your social media, portfolio, website, contact info, and more. When someone taps your NFC product, your profile opens instantly on their phone — and you can update it anytime without replacing the hardware.

Do I need a LinkStations account to use these products?

Yes. Each NFC product is pre-programmed to open a LinkStations profile URL. You’ll need a free account at linkstations.com to set up your profile. The free tier gives you a fully functional profile with links, contact info, QR code, and vCard download — no credit card required.

What plans does LinkStations.com offer?

There are three tiers:

  • Free Station — Digital profile, all your links, QR code, vCard download, and contact info. Great for personal use and getting started.
  • Startup Station — Everything in Free, plus analytics (tap tracking, link click stats), multiple NFC product management, light/dark theme picker, and priority support. Ideal for freelancers and small businesses.
  • Space Station — Everything in Startup, plus advanced analytics, custom domain support, scheduled link switching, and premium themes. Built for creators and teams who use their profile as a serious business tool.

Your NFC product works with any tier. Upgrading your LinkStations plan unlocks more control over what every tap delivers — not the hardware itself. Compare plans at linkstations.com.

Which phones are compatible?

All iPhones from XS (2018) and later support NFC reading natively — no app needed. All modern Android phones (Android 6.0+) with NFC enabled work too. NFC is on by default on most Android devices. To check on Android: Settings → Connections → NFC.

Does the other person need an app to tap my card?

No. NFC reading is built into the phone’s OS. Anyone with a compatible phone can tap your card and your profile opens in their browser instantly — nothing to install, nothing to configure.

Products

What is the NFC Pre-Programming Service?

For $1.99, we’ll program your NFC product before it ships so it’s ready to tap the moment you open the box. Just tell us the URL or LinkStations username you want your product to open, and we’ll handle the rest. Add it to your cart alongside any NFC product at checkout, and include your desired destination in the Order Notes field.

Tip: Create your LinkStations account and lock in your username before ordering — that way we can program your exact profile URL. Visit linkstations.com/signup to get started free.

Can I reprogram the NFC chip myself?

Yes. All our NFC products use standard NTAG chips you can reprogram using any free NFC writing app (we recommend NFC Tools for iOS and Android). That said, you generally won’t need to — just update your LinkStations profile and every future tap automatically reflects your latest info without touching the hardware.

What happens if I want to change my LinkStations username?

Your NFC product is pre-programmed to your profile URL. If you change your username, you can easily reprogram the chip yourself using a free NFC writing app, or contact us at support@linkstations.com and we’ll help. We recommend choosing your username before ordering.

Are the metal cards durable?

Yes. Our metal business cards are heavy-gauge stainless steel and built to last. The NFC chip is embedded inside and won’t wear with normal use. Avoid placing the card directly on metallic surfaces (like an all-metal wallet), which can temporarily reduce tap range.

Do the products work through phone cases?

Yes, in most cases. Plastic, silicone, and leather cases work fine. Very thick cases or cases with built-in metal plates can reduce range — hold the card/tag closer to the top of the phone (where the NFC antenna typically lives) for the best result.

Orders and Shipping

How long does shipping take?

Orders process within 1–2 business days. Standard shipping typically takes 5–8 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout. See our Shipping & Returns page for full details.

Can I order in bulk for my team or business?

Yes. We offer tiered volume discounts with no code needed at checkout:

  • Use BULK10 for 10% off orders of $100 or more
  • Use BULK15 for 15% off orders of $200 or more

For larger custom orders or team setups, contact us at orders@linkstations.com — we’re happy to work with you directly.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused, unprogrammed products in original condition. See our Shipping & Returns page for the full policy.

Account and Privacy

What data do you collect?

For orders: name, email, shipping address, and payment info (processed securely by Shopify Payments — we never see your card number). For your LinkStations profile: only what you choose to add. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Still have a question?

Reach us at support@linkstations.com. We typically respond within one business day.