The introduction of contactless loyalty cards on a digital basis is a quick process, whereas physical plastic card systems require separate card reader hardware and printing. Unlike payment cards, the mobile loyalty card (digital wallet card) operates using contactless payment (NFC technology) or QR codes, and can be saved directly to the customer’s smartphone. Your main question is when it is worth making the switch, and what to look out for in terms of hardware, costs and customer identification at the till. You can launch your own loyalty programme straight away using stmpr, with no coding required.
In short:
Setting up the digital card system takes just 10 minutes, with no coding or app development required.
It’s only worth buying a physical NFC reader if you’d be using a desktop QR reader at a busy counter.
Choose the mobile Wallet card if you want to save on the high costs of plastic printing and specialised RFID readers.
The stmpr system allows you to completely separate loyalty points collection from bank payments at the point of identification.
Table of contents
Save on printing and hardware with a contactless loyalty card
Wallet instead of hardware: which technical approach suits you best
Integration into your existing system without coding or an app
Contactless identification: points collection, no bank debit
Save on printing and hardware with a contactless loyalty card
Choosing the technology that best suits your goals will determine the success of your loyalty programme. Here are three typical scenarios, each with a specific approach:
Low-traffic shop or mobile sales: an employee’s phone camera is sufficient for scanning QR codes, without the need for a separate scanner.
A fixed counter in a busier venue: a desktop QR scanner or tablet in kiosk mode keeps the queue moving quickly.
A history of paper or plastic cards: the digital stamp collection approach eliminates printing costs, and the card is stored on the customer’s mobile phone.
We’ve noticed that our customers’ plastic cards quickly end up in the bin. Plastic cards require a physical reader – i.e. contactless payment at the counter – and this drives up costs. With a mobile loyalty card, no additional hardware is required: the visitor simply scans a QR code using their device.
Think of the digital card as a dynamic billboard in your customer’s pocket. A paper card remains silent in a wallet; with automated notifications, you can entice customers back. Ditching printed cards means immediate savings, and stmpr produces the card quickly with a stylish design. Try the free plan!
Wallet instead of hardware: which technical solution suits you best
A mobile loyalty card offers an effective alternative to physical card readers. Instead of installing complicated readers, a digital loyalty card based on the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet systems ensures quick card acceptance.
At a fixed counter, a desktop QR scanner allows for quick redemption; for staff on the move, the mobile phone’s built-in camera is the practical choice. Contactless payment enables direct, short-range data transfer between mobile devices and supports fast, convenient authentication.
Many people find that market guides lack precise implementation costs and specific lists of hardware compatibility. Instead of purchasing complex RFID and NFC card readers, the digital stamp and loyalty card approach offers a simpler solution. No separate hardware is required: guests use their smartphones, whilst staff manage operations via their own phones or tablets. Stamp collection can therefore be implemented without any additional investment, and the process remains secure because the loyalty card only handles an identification code, not bank details. Find out more: Digital stamp & loyalty card.
| Hardware option | How it works | Who is it recommended for? |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone camera | Software-based scanning | Small shops, travelling salespeople |
| Desktop QR scanner | Physical scanner | High-volume catering establishments with fixed till points |
| Kiosk mode (tablet) | Self-service interface | Fast-food outlets, fixed customer service counters |
You set the rules in the control panel, customers collect stamps on their phones, and automatic notifications are sent out about new offers. stmpr provides a clear interface for the processes; you can start a trial with the free plan.
Integration into your existing system without coding or an app
You don’t need to replace your existing IT system to integrate the new readers and cards. Nor is there any need to develop a separate mobile app to replace paper cards, as the digital loyalty card is integrated directly into existing smartphone wallets.
Here’s how you can integrate the process into your day-to-day operations:
System check: Check whether your till or the device you use is capable of processing codes via a camera or an external reader.
Designing the card: Set the colours, logo and logic to get the stamp collection scheme up and running.
Staff training: Teach your team how to scan quickly so that guests can collect stamps without any hassle.
Informing guests: Place leaflets on the counter as soon as you open.
Set-up takes just a few minutes. The Apple and Google Wallet set-up guides describe the steps in detail. The mobile loyalty card is just as simple for guests as contactless payment at the till.
The switchover doesn’t require any complicated investment. Test how it works, then take a look at the Starter Pack if you’d like to take it further.
Contactless identification: points collection, no bank debit
The contactless loyalty card does not involve any financial transactions; it is simply used to identify regular customers.
In our experience, business owners often confuse loyalty cards with card payments. This is an understandable mistake, as customers use a smartphone for both.
During contactless payment, the bank terminal debits money from the account. In contrast, the mobile loyalty card merely transmits data. During the digital stamp collection process, the system records the visit and credits the points.
The main differences are:
The payment process uses a banking network, whilst the loyalty card runs in a digital wallet.
The payment method handles sensitive banking data, whereas the loyalty card merely reads the identification code.
A terminal is required for purchases, whereas a quick scan is sufficient for collecting stamps.
Linking the two is not compulsory. The card operates independently of the payment method, so you can still award points even for cash purchases. You don’t need to buy expensive hardware, as the identification process can be run from an existing phone or tablet.
You’ll find details on using modern loyalty schemes in the customer retention guide. A related point is when payment and points collection overlap at the till: separating the two processes speeds up service. Customers appreciate not having to download a separate app to collect points. With a digital loyalty card, you can automatically build a base of returning customers, and running the programme takes less time. Start your free trial of stmpr!
When a physical NFC card isn’t worth it for your business
Situation: purchasing physical plastic cards and maintaining card reader hardware places an additional cost on your business. The cost of printing, replacing plastic cards and servicing faulty readers quickly adds to your expenses. Based on our practical experience, with plastic-based systems, troubleshooting technical faults and configuring card readers causes disruption to day-to-day operations: if the terminal fails to recognise the card, the customer has to wait whilst the staff member is unable to attend to other customers.
Solution: hardware-free operation eliminates these issues. Instead of physical cards, the mobile loyalty card is based on the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet systems, so there is no need for separate smart cards. The guest connects via a QR code on their phone; the stamp is credited at the till, either on the control panel or via a smartphone.
Result: by doing away with plastic cards, the financial burden of card production and physical handling is immediately eliminated. With a professional-looking, fully digital stamp collection system, uncertainties disappear: the control panel is simple to use, and guests carry their discounts on smartphone Wallet cards. A further advantage is that digital cards cannot be left at home, and automatic notifications encourage customers to return.
stmpr helps you switch quickly to a paperless and plastic-free solution. Try it out with the free plan!
Frequently asked questions
How does a contactless loyalty card differ from NFC payments using a bank card?
The contactless loyalty card is used to identify regular customers; it does not deduct money. Contactless payment debits your account via a payment terminal; the mobile loyalty card simply transmits data, records the visit and credits the points. It is not compulsory to link the two processes, so you can still earn points even when paying in cash.
Do you need special hardware or a dedicated app to set this up?
No. All you need for collecting stamps is the customer’s smartphone and a staff member’s phone or tablet; the card is added directly to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet without the need to download a separate app. Set-up takes just a few minutes, without the need to replace your existing IT system.
Where can I get help if I get stuck with the setup?
Please contact customer service if you encounter any technical issues. You can check and adjust the interface settings via the control panel; staff members are also on hand to help with using the mobile loyalty card. With the Free plan, you can test the features free of charge.
Get started in 2026
A contactless loyalty card is a good choice if you want to save on printing and reader hardware, and if you want to keep points collection separate from bank debits at the till. Switch to a digital solution instead of ordering paper cards.
The mobile loyalty card runs directly on customers’ phones, without the need to download a separate app. The experts at stmpr will help you get your loyalty programme up and running quickly. Fill in the form and request a personalised quote for setting up your system!
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