What exactly is a Wallet pass?
On iPhone, a pass is a signed file (.pkpass) that Apple Wallet stores and displays in one of five styles: boarding pass, event ticket, coupon, store card or generic. Loyalty cards use the store card style. On Android, Google Wallet stores a loyalty object that belongs to a loyalty class (the programme) created by the business.
In both cases the pass carries a barcode or QR code, a few text fields and images, and a link back to the issuer’s server. When the issuer changes something, such as the number of stamps, the phone downloads the new version within seconds.
Why does it matter for a shop?
- Nothing to install. Apple Wallet and Google Wallet come with the phone, so a customer adds your card in a few taps instead of downloading an app.
- It can’t be forgotten at home. The card lives on the phone the customer already carries.
- It talks back. A pass can show a notification on the lock screen when it changes: a stamp added, a reward ready, a message from the shop.
How does Fidelia handle it?
Fidelia issues an Apple Wallet store card and a Google Wallet loyalty card for each customer, with your name, logo, colour and reward. Customers add it by scanning the QR code on your counter; phones without a wallet get a web card with the same QR code. Each stamp updates the pass on the customer’s phone within seconds, and a full card switches to a “reward ready” layout. See how yours would look in the card preview.