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What is an RCS Rich Card?

An RCS Rich Card is a structured business message that combines media, text, and interactive actions in a single visual unit. It helps businesses present a product, offer, notification, appointment, or service option in a more engaging format than plain SMS.

A Rich Card may include an image or video, title, description, price or supporting information, and buttons that let the customer take an action.


What can an RCS Rich Card contain?

Depending on the implementation, a Rich Card can include:

  • Image
  • Video thumbnail
  • Title
  • Description
  • Product information
  • Call-to-action buttons
  • Suggested replies
  • Suggested actions
  • Website links
  • Phone actions
  • Location actions

The content should be designed for a small mobile screen. The most important information should appear first, and the action should be clear.


How do Rich Cards work?

A business creates the card through an RCS API or messaging platform. The card is then sent from an approved RCS Agent to eligible recipients.

For example, a fashion retailer can send a card showing a new product, its price, a short description, and a “View Collection” button. The customer can open the product page directly from the message.

Businesses should see RCS messaging examples and use cases before designing cards for campaigns or transactional communication.


Common use cases

  • Product promotions
  • Appointment reminders
  • Order tracking
  • Travel updates
  • Insurance offers
  • Banking services
  • Event invitations
  • Restaurant menus
  • Location-based offers
  • Customer surveys


RCS Rich Card versus SMS

SMS generally provides plain text and links. A Rich Card provides visual context and a structured action.

A Rich Card can reduce the number of steps between receiving a message and taking action. However, the landing page, checkout process, or support workflow still needs to work properly after the customer taps the button.


A single Rich Card presents one content unit. An RCS Carousel contains multiple Rich Cards that the customer can browse horizontally.

Use a single card when one product, notification, or action is the focus. Use a Carousel when the customer needs to compare several products, destinations, offers, or choices.


Content best practices

  • Use a relevant, high-quality image.
  • Keep the headline short.
  • Write a clear description.
  • Use one primary action.
  • Make the CTA match the landing page.
  • Avoid overcrowding the card.
  • Test images on different screens.
  • Include fallback content where appropriate.
  • Track button interaction and conversion.


Limitations

The appearance and supported features of Rich Cards may depend on:

  • RCS client
  • Device
  • Carrier
  • Country
  • API implementation
  • Message size
  • Fallback configuration

Businesses should test the rich experience and fallback version before launching a campaign.


Frequently asked questions


Can a Rich Card contain video?

Some RCS implementations support video or video thumbnails. Availability depends on platform and message specifications.


Can a Rich Card include buttons?

Yes. It can include supported suggested actions or replies.


Can Rich Cards be used for transactional messages?

Yes. They can support order updates, reminders, travel notifications, and other relevant business messages.


RCS Rich Card