QR Codes Change Face of Loyalty Cards

QR codes engender loyalty

The sheer number of businesses offering loyalty cards speaks to their potential marketing impact. Of course, the execution of a loyalty program directly affects its success. With our culture turning more tech-centric everyday, consumers are growing to expect more. Smart Transaction Systems (STS) addresses this issue with a groundbreaking solution that offers distinctive benefits to both consumers and merchants. Their new offering changes the face of loyalty cards, empowering customers to check their card balances instantly using unique two-dimensional QR barcodes printed on the back of each loyalty card.


When a customer scans the QR code with a smartphone, a web-browser opens automatically, displaying loyalty points, cash balance, transaction history, and promotional messaging from the issuing merchant.

"The convenience-factor of these cards is unmatched in the industry. There's no hassling with lengthy phone menus or typing web addresses into browsers, then tediously entering the card number. With these cards, all the customer has to do is scan the loyalty barcode and the information is there instantly, along with exclusive offers from the merchant," said Sarah Miller, Marketing Communications Manager of Smart Transaction Systems. "The cards work with virtually all smart phones and there's no need to download an extra application."

These next-generation loyalty cards function as an infinitely adaptable marketing tool for merchants, allowing them to easily change promotions as menu items change or bring new store traffic with location-based discounts. Merchants can also use their promotional content to target different segments of their loyalty audience based on cardholder purchase history.

"What really impresses us about QR barcode technology, when used in conjunction with a loyalty program, is the remarkable potential it has to change how merchants and consumers interact with their cards," said Miller. "Our solution enables merchants to give their customers extra incentive to act when they already have the merchant top-of-mind: during a balance check. Providing consumers with highly relevant offers at the right time pays off for everyone."

Smartphone and QR code adoption are increasing in tandem. Consumers are eager to make the technology at their fingertips work for them in new ways that make both life and shopping easier.