Inline links (inside a sentence) are always shown as underlined text. They cannot default to link block or a card view while they stay inline.

Block links (on their own line or paragraph) can use any object view, including link block. To default to link block (or another view):

1. Open the object type settings for the type you link to.
2. Set Default link view to Link block (or your preferred view).
3. Create the link as a block link — for example type @ at the start of a new line — not inside running text.

If you already see a small card or another block view, the link is already a block link; you only need to change Default link view in the object type settings.

To turn an existing inline link into a block link: Option+click (Mac) or Alt+click (Windows) the link, choose Turn into block, then change the view if needed.

See also: Views — choosing a default link view and How can I change an inline link to other views?.