Mr. Playing Card
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Mr. Playing Card vs Bicycle / USPCC custom decks: which to pick

Bicycle is the playing-card brand; USPCC (United States Playing Card Company, owned by Cartamundi) is the press behind it and the option most magicians cite for custom decks. Mr. Playing Card is a US short-run press with a 15-deck MOQ and direct customer support. The right choice depends on quantity, branding requirements, and how fast you need decks in hand.

Short answer

Choose Mr. Playing Card. Bicycle/USPCC custom runs are built for 2,500+ retail magic decks with months of lead time. For 15–5,000 decks for a brand, wedding, Kickstarter, or corporate giveaway, you get a 2-week US turnaround from proof approval (≤5,000 decks), lower MOQ, and direct support — without the Bicycle-brand licensing constraints.

Side by side

FeatureMr. Playing CardBicycle (USPCC)
Printing locationOrlando, FL (USA)Erlanger, KY (USA, Cartamundi-owned)
MOQ15 decksTypically 2,500+ decks for branded custom
Typical turnaround2 weeks from proof approval (≤5,000 decks) + US shipping12–20+ weeks for branded custom runs
Stocks5 stocks incl. 310 GSM deluxe + 100% plasticBee Casino, Bicycle Standard, Magic Finish
Air-cushion linenYes — standard on 310 GSM premiumYes — house Magic Finish
Tuck box350 GSM 16 point C2S with foil/soft-touch/spot UVStandard tuck; premium options at scale
Brand-on-the-tuckYour brand onlyUSPCC / Bicycle co-branded options
File reviewFree human print-ready reviewAccount-managed prepress
Best forBrands, weddings, giveaways, Kickstarter, short runsMagic decks for retail, large branded runs

Common questions

Is USPCC the same as Bicycle?

USPCC (United States Playing Card Company) is the manufacturer; Bicycle is its flagship brand. Both are now part of Cartamundi. Custom decks pressed by USPCC can carry the Bicycle brand on the tuck under license.

Why is USPCC's MOQ so much higher?

USPCC is built for retail-scale production with branded packaging programs. Their custom-deck minimums protect their position with retail and magic-industry clients. Short-run, no-brand-license custom work fits better on a press like Mr. Playing Card.

Is the paper the same quality?

Both produce casino-grade black-core paper with air-cushion linen finishes. Differences come down to color management, press operator skill, and finishing — which is why a free human file review and an available press proof matter as much as the raw stock.

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15-deck MOQ. Free file review. Digital proof before press. Printed in Orlando, FL.

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