Google Wallet Loyalty Card: How It Works for a Small Business
By Alva Chew · Updated
Definition A Google Wallet loyalty card is a loyalty card saved in the Google Wallet app on a customer's phone, where it shows their points and a code staff can scan. The customer adds it from a link or QR code, so there is no separate app to install. You issue it through loyalty software, which builds the card with Google's API.
What is a Google Wallet loyalty card?
A Google Wallet loyalty card is your shop’s points card, saved in the Google Wallet app on the customer’s phone. Google describes Wallet loyalty cards as a way for users to redeem and use their points more efficiently. The card carries the member’s points and a code for staff to scan.
It is one kind of digital wallet pass, and one form of a digital loyalty card. The wallet is the place where the card is kept. The points rules behind it come from your points-based loyalty program.
What does the customer see?
Google’s documentation says saving a loyalty card in Google Wallet “eliminates clutter and enables faster access”. To use the card, the customer opens the app, swipes up and taps the card they want.
| Item on the card | What it does at the counter |
|---|---|
| Points balance | Shows the member’s current points |
| Code | Lets staff identify the member with one scan |
Source: Google for Developers, Google Wallet loyalty card overview, opened 4 November 2026.
How does a customer add the card?
Google says cards can be issued to Android apps and anywhere hyperlinks work, such as websites, email and SMS messages. At a till, the usual route is a QR code that opens an add-to-wallet prompt. The customer taps save and the card is in the wallet.
Joining takes a few taps, so it can happen while a queue is waiting. Ideas for making that moment work are in the no-app loyalty card guide.
What does it take to issue one?
Issuing needs a Google Wallet API issuer account. Google’s onboarding page says signing up means giving a public business name, agreeing to the terms and creating the account in the Google Pay & Wallet console.
New accounts start in demo mode. In demo mode you can create passes, but they can only be issued to users with the Admin or Developer role, or to added test accounts. Publishing access, which lets cards reach all Google Wallet users, is a separate step in the API dashboard.
Source: Google for Developers, Set up an Issuer account, opened 4 November 2026.
After that, a developer builds each card as a signed token and a link. That is why most owners pick software that already does this and test the result on a phone.
What should you check before choosing one?
- Whether the provider says “Google Wallet” by name, and which other wallets it does or does not support.
- Whether the card you add on your own phone shows the right points after a test purchase.
- Whether staff can scan it with a phone they already own.
- Whether one balance works at every outlet.
- Whether the plan is free, and for how long. Free loyalty program apps explains what free usually covers.
Gimify and Google Wallet
Every Gimify member card is a Google Wallet card with a live points balance and a scannable code. Staff add or redeem points on any phone at the counter, and the free plan covers one outlet with unlimited members.
Questions owners ask
What is a Google Wallet loyalty card?
A loyalty card that lives in the Google Wallet app. The customer saves it once and opens it from the wallet at the counter, where it shows points and a scannable code.
How does a customer find their loyalty card in Google Wallet?
Google's documentation says users open the Google Wallet app, swipe up and tap the card they want to use. There is no separate shop app to search through.
Can I issue Google Wallet loyalty cards myself?
Yes, but it needs an issuer account and developer work. New issuer accounts start in demo mode, which limits cards to admins, developers and test accounts until Google grants publishing access. Most small businesses use loyalty software instead.
Does a Google Wallet loyalty card work on every phone?
Google's loyalty documentation describes issuing to Android apps and to links on websites, email and SMS. It does not list phone models, so test the card on the phones your own customers carry.
Is a Google Wallet loyalty card free?
The loyalty software that issues the card sets its own price. Some plans are free with no end date, so ask the provider what the free tier includes.
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Gimify is free for one outlet with unlimited members and no time limit. Unlimited outlets are one flat monthly price.
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