Comparison
Wallet pass vs loyalty app
A branded app sounds impressive, but most guests will not download an app for a café they visit twice a week. A wallet pass asks for nothing: one tap, and the card sits in the phone’s own wallet next to boarding passes and bank cards.
Side by side
| Wallet pass | Branded app | |
|---|---|---|
| Guest effort to join | Scan and tap “Save” | Find, download, register |
| Storage and updates | None for the guest | App updates and space |
| Cost to build | Included in the platform | Design, development, store fees |
| Stays on the phone | Yes, in the wallet | Often deleted |
| Works for large chains | Yes | Yes — apps suit very large brands |
When an app makes sense
If you are a large chain with ordering, delivery and payments all in one place, an app can carry loyalty along with everything else. For most restaurants, cafés and hotels, a wallet card gets far more guests enrolled for far less effort.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a wallet card send updates?
- The card updates itself after each visit with the latest stamps, points and rewards.
- Do wallet cards work on Android?
- Yes, through Google Wallet — and any guest can also use the same card as a web page.