Digital leaving card: the easy way to say goodbye at work

Quick answer: A digital leaving card is an online card that colleagues sign through a shared link before someone's last day, then send to the leaver by link or email. The best online leaving card for work lets everyone sign without an account, keeps the surprise, and gives the leaver something to keep, such as a PDF.

Tom's last day is Friday. Half the team is in on Tuesdays, the rest on Thursdays, and two people are in the Manchester office. Passing a paper card round won't reach everyone in time. A digital leaving card will.

This guide explains what a digital leaving card is, what makes a good one, and how to organise it without fuss, including the etiquette that's easy to get wrong.

What is a digital leaving card?

Definition: A digital leaving card is a group ecard for a colleague who's leaving. Everyone signs it online through one link, and the organiser sends the finished card to the leaver, usually on or just before their last day.

In the US, the same thing is often called a farewell card or going-away card for a coworker. It's a type of group ecard: one card, many signers, one recipient.

It does what the traditional leaving card does, but works for teams spread across offices, shifts and home desks. If you're new to the format, our main guide to making a group card online covers the basics.

Why choose a digital leaving card over a paper one?

A digital card reaches everyone, wherever they work, and is easier to keep secret. It also avoids the last-minute scramble for a pen and an envelope.

Practical advantages:

• Remote and hybrid colleagues can sign. No one is left out because they weren't in on the right day.
• Former colleagues can join. Ex-team members, clients or contractors can be sent the link.
• No running out of space. On SignThisCard, new pages are added as the card fills.
• Photos and personal touches. Signers can add a photo and a drawn signature.
• A keepsake. You can print the card or download a PDF.

A paper card still has charm, particularly in a small office where everyone sits together. In our view, many teams now prefer digital simply because it's the only way to reach everyone.

What makes the best online leaving card for work?

The best online leaving card is quick to set up, easy to sign without an account, simple to keep secret, and affordable for the size of your team. These are the features we'd check.

For a broader view of which sites offer what, see our comparison of the best group card websites.

On SignThisCard, signers never need an account, and the organiser can share a link or a QR code, or send individual invitations. At the time of writing (November 2026), the first card is free for up to 15 signers, and a Single Card with unlimited signers costs £1.99.

How do you organise a digital leaving card?

Create the card, share the link with everyone except the leaver, remind people once, then seal and send it on their last day. Here's the process on SignThisCard.

1. Start a farewell card. Choose the farewell occasion and a cover, or upload a team photo (JPG, PNG or WebP up to 10 MB).
2. Write the cover message. For example: "Good luck, Tom – from everyone in Finance."
3. Add music or a short video (optional). A short team video is a lovely touch for a long-serving colleague.
4. Set a reminder. Enter the planned sending date and an email reminder. The card isn't sent automatically.
5. Share the signing link. Post it in a channel the leaver isn't in, or send it by direct message.
6. Track and nudge. Check the signature count on the management page and send one reminder before the deadline.
7. Preview, seal and send. Sealing closes signing and can't be undone. Then send the finished-card link or use the email send button.

For timing, gift ideas and the leaving-do itself, our guide to organising a farewell card for a colleague goes into more detail.

How do you keep a leaving card secret?

Keep the signing link away from the leaver, and only send the finished-card link when you're ready. The leaver can't see the card until you send it.

Watch out for:

• posting the link in a team channel the leaver is still in;
• reply-all emails that include them;
• mentioning the card at a meeting they attend.

A simple fix is to create a temporary group chat without the leaver, or send the link to one person in each team to pass on.

What should people write in a leaving card?

Keep messages short, specific and kind: thank them for something real, then wish them well. Two or three sentences is plenty.

A few examples:

• "Thanks for always having the answer to the payroll question nobody else could solve. The new team is lucky to have you."
• "I'll miss our Monday coffee debriefs. Good luck with the move to Bristol!"
• "You made my first month here so much easier. All the best in the new role."

For many more ideas by relationship, see what to write in a leaving card. If your team prefers a lighter tone, there's also a collection of funny leaving card messages that stay on the right side of office-appropriate.

Signers on SignThisCard can use a writing helper that suggests text they can edit, which helps if someone doesn't know the leaver well.

Can you add a leaving gift collection?

Yes, but separately: SignThisCard doesn't collect money. Pair the card with another collection method and share both links together.

Common options are a bank transfer to the organiser, a gift-collection service such as Collection Pot, or a voucher. Put the collection link next to the signing link in your invite, and say clearly that contributing is optional. Some people want to sign but can't chip in, and that's fine.

Common mistakes with digital leaving cards

• Leaving it too late. Start at least a few working days before the last day if you can.
• Sharing in the wrong channel. Check the leaver isn't a member.
• Sealing too early. Late signers often appear on the final morning.
• Forgetting to send it. Set an email reminder for the planned date.
• Making the gift feel compulsory. Keep signing and paying separate.

Key takeaways

• A digital leaving card is a group ecard that colleagues sign online for someone who is leaving.
• It's called a farewell card or going-away card for a coworker in the US.
• The best online leaving cards don't require signer accounts and let you print or save a PDF.
• On SignThisCard, the first card is free for up to 15 signers; a £1.99 Single Card allows unlimited signers.
• SignThisCard cards aren't sent automatically, so set a reminder and send it on the day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best online leaving card for work?

In our view, the best one lets colleagues sign from a link without an account, keeps the card hidden from the leaver, and lets you save a PDF. SignThisCard meets those needs, with a free card for up to 15 signers and a £1.99 card for unlimited signers.

How far in advance should I start a leaving card?

Give people as much time as you can, ideally several working days, especially in hybrid teams where people are in on different days. Set a clear deadline in your invite, send one reminder the day before, and seal the card only after the final signatures arrive.

Can people outside the company sign a digital leaving card?

Yes. On SignThisCard, anyone with the signing link can add a message, so former colleagues, clients or contractors can sign if you send them the link. Only share it with people you'd be happy to see on the card, as the link is the key.

How do I give the leaving card to someone on their last day?

Seal the card, then send the finished-card link or use the email send button. Many teams open it together at leaving drinks or on a video call. The leaver presses "Reveal card", and the card opens like a book with all the messages and photos.

Can I print a digital leaving card?

Yes. On SignThisCard, open the print view and print the card or choose "Download PDF". Printed and PDF copies show the messages, signatures and photos, but not the music or animations. A PDF is a good keepsake, as no fixed public expiry for online cards is published.

Can someone sign on behalf of a colleague who's away?

Technically yes, as anyone with the link can type a message and name. Good etiquette is to get the colleague's consent and be transparent, for example "From Sam (added by Priya)". That way, the leaver knows who wrote what, and nobody's words are invented for them.

Conclusion

A digital leaving card makes sure everyone gets to say goodbye, whether they're in the office, at home or in another city. Choose a card that's easy to sign, keep the link away from the leaver, and send it on their last day.

Ready to start? Create a farewell card for your colleague and share the link with the team in minutes.