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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryAgency & IndustryRate Card

Agency & Industry

Rate Card

A media owner's published list prices for ad placements, the starting point for negotiated discounts.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A rate card is a media owner's published list of prices for ad placements, serving as the starting point for negotiated discounts. It typically details formats, positions, audiences and costs. Large advertisers and agencies rarely pay rate card prices, because volume commitments and negotiation usually secure lower effective rates.