Card Types Explained | Passtastic Help
☰

Card Types Explained

Cards live inside programs. When you pick a card type you're really picking the design of the wallet pass inside a program. If you're new to the terminology, read Programs, Cards, Campaigns, and Messages first.

Loyalty cards (free for customers)

These cards are free for your customers to install. You use them to reward repeat visits and build loyalty.

Stamp Card

The classic "buy X, get 1 free". Customers collect a stamp on each visit. When the card is full, they earn a reward.

  • Best for: coffee shops, bakeries, salons — any business with frequent repeat visits
  • Example: "Buy 9 coffees, get 1 free"

Points Card

Customers earn points on each visit or purchase. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for rewards.

  • Best for: restaurants, retail stores — when you want flexible reward tiers
  • Example: "Earn 10 points per visit, redeem 100 points for a free dessert"

Membership Levels

Multiple tiers (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum) with increasing benefits. Customers level up based on points earned.

  • Best for: businesses that want to reward their best customers with exclusive perks
  • Example: "Silver: 5% off, Gold: 10% off + priority booking, Platinum: 15% off + free upgrades"

Loyalty Card (VIP / Constant Reward)

A simple card with a fixed reward on every visit — no stamps to collect, no points to track. Scan it, get the benefit.

  • Best for: member-only discounts, VIP access, "show this card for 10% off"
  • Example: "Members get a free appetizer with every meal"

Coupon

A single-use offer. Once redeemed, the coupon is done. Great for attracting new customers.

  • Best for: first-time promotions, seasonal offers, event specials
  • Example: "20% off your first purchase"

Tip: Coupons can auto-convert to a loyalty card after redemption. A customer uses a "Free coffee" coupon, and their card automatically becomes a stamp card. This turns one-time visitors into regulars.

Paid cards (customer pays via Stripe)

These cards require a payment from the customer before they're added to the wallet. See the Stripe payments guide for setup.

Bundle (Prepaid Stamps)

Customer pays upfront for a set of visits or items, then redeems them one at a time.

  • Best for: service bundles, class packs, treatment packages
  • Example: "10 coffees for the price of 9" or "5 yoga classes for €45"

Store Credit

Customer pays a discounted price and receives a higher credit balance to spend.

  • Best for: encouraging larger upfront purchases
  • Example: "Pay €90, get €100 to spend"

Membership (Subscription)

Customer pays a recurring fee (monthly or yearly) and receives a membership card with ongoing benefits.

  • Best for: gyms, clubs, coworking spaces, subscription services
  • Example: "€29/month for unlimited classes"

One program = one card

Each program in Passtastic uses exactly one card type. You can't combine two different types on a single card (e.g. a stamp card that's also a points card).

Instead, create a separate program for each offering. A customer can hold multiple cards from your business — for example, a stamp card for coffees and a membership card for VIP benefits. They'll see each of them separately in their wallet.

Choosing the right card type

Want to reward repeat visits?
Use a Stamp Card if the reward is simple (visit X times, get something free) or a Points Card if you want more flexibility.
Want tiered membership?
Use Membership Levels for free tiers based on visits/points, or a paid Membership if customers should subscribe.
Want to attract new customers?
Use a Coupon with auto-convert to turn one-time visitors into loyalty members.
Want to sell prepaid packages?
Use a Bundle or Store Credit — customers pay upfront and redeem over time.