⚠ Key Concerns

Carrd is intentionally simple - single-page sites only, with limited functionality. While the pricing is refreshingly straightforward ($19/year for Pro), the platform cannot export your site design. If you outgrow Carrd's limitations, you'll need to rebuild elsewhere.

Score Breakdown by Category

How Carrd's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

📦 Data Portability (30%) 35/100

Why this score: Carrd does not offer code export. Your single-page site cannot be downloaded as HTML/CSS. Given the simplicity of Carrd sites, rebuilding elsewhere is relatively easy, but you cannot take your work with you.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 60/100 (code export) | Squarespace: 40/100 (XML) | Wix: 25/100 (no export) | Category avg: 40/100

🌐 Domain & Hosting Control (25%) 55/100

Why this score: Carrd encourages bring-your-own-domain (BYOD) rather than selling domains. This is actually a user-friendly approach - you maintain full control of your domain through your preferred registrar.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 50/100 | Squarespace: 45/100 | Wix: 35/100 (domain issues) | Category avg: 46/100

💰 Pricing Transparency (20%) 70/100

Why this score: Carrd's pricing is refreshingly simple: free for basic use, $19/year for Pro (3 sites), $49/year for Pro Plus (10 sites). No hidden fees, no confusing tiers. This is the best pricing transparency in the category.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 45/100 (complex) | Squarespace: 50/100 | Wix: 38/100 (misleading) | Category avg: 51/100

🔒 Content Ownership (15%) 55/100

Why this score: You own your content. Carrd's terms are relatively minimal compared to larger platforms. The platform license is limited to what's needed for service operation.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 55/100 | Squarespace: 50/100 | Wix: 50/100 | Category avg: 53/100

👁 Account & Termination (10%) 50/100

Why this score: Standard termination terms. Carrd is a small operation (one-person team) which can mean slower support but also means less corporate policy complexity.

Industry comparison: Webflow: 50/100 | Squarespace: 48/100 | Wix: 45/100 | Category avg: 48/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in Carrd's terms are worth understanding, though risks are lower than larger platforms.

No Code Export Available

Medium Risk

Carrd sites cannot be exported as HTML/CSS. While Carrd sites are simple enough to rebuild elsewhere, you cannot take your exact design with you if you leave the platform.

"Sites created with Carrd are hosted exclusively on Carrd's infrastructure and cannot be exported." Carrd Documentation

Single-Page Limitation

Medium Risk

Carrd only supports single-page sites. If your needs grow beyond a landing page or link-in-bio, you'll need to migrate to a different platform entirely.

"Carrd is designed for simple, responsive one-page sites... multi-page sites are not supported." Carrd Features

Limited Feature Set

Medium Risk

No CMS, no e-commerce (beyond simple payment buttons), no blog functionality. While this keeps things simple, it means outgrowing Carrd is inevitable for many use cases.

"Carrd focuses on simplicity... advanced features like content management and e-commerce are outside our scope." Carrd Documentation

One-Person Operation

Medium Risk

Carrd is famously run by a single developer. While this keeps the platform focused, it also means support response times can vary and the platform's future depends on one person.

"Carrd is a one-person operation... support requests are handled as quickly as possible." Carrd About

Annual Billing Only

Medium Risk

Pro plans are billed annually only. While the price is low ($19/year), there's no monthly option for those who want to try before committing to a year.

"Pro plans are billed annually... refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis." Carrd Pricing

Form Submissions Limits

Medium Risk

Built-in form handling has submission limits. High-volume use cases may need third-party form services, adding complexity and cost.

"Form submissions are subject to fair use limits... heavy usage may require third-party form services." Carrd Pro Features

Analysis

"Carrd represents an honest approach to website building. Unlike competitors that hide complexity behind marketing, Carrd is upfront about what it is: a simple tool for simple sites. The pricing reflects this - $19/year is remarkably fair.

The main risk with Carrd isn't predatory terms - it's platform dependency. If you build your online presence on Carrd and later need more functionality, you'll need to start over on another platform. The lack of export means your design work doesn't transfer.

My recommendation: Carrd is excellent for what it does - landing pages, link-in-bio pages, and simple portfolios. Use your own domain (not a carrd.co subdomain) so you maintain control of your web presence. For anything more complex, start with a more capable platform from the beginning."

Carrd Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

💡 Website Builder Questions?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

No Code Export Available

Single-Page Limitation

Limited Feature Set

One-Person Operation

Annual Billing Only

Form Submissions Limits

Analysis

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Schedule a Consultation

Carrd Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

💡 Website Builder Questions?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

No Code Export Available

Single-Page Limitation

Limited Feature Set

One-Person Operation

Annual Billing Only

Form Submissions Limits

Analysis

Need Help Choosing a Website Builder?

Schedule a Consultation