Create a QR code for your stamp card: Getting started
Creating a QR code for your stamp card is the moment your loyalty program idea becomes real: the code on the display is the entry point where every customer gets their digital stamp card into Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. This post explains what the QR code does, how it's created, where it should go, and which mistakes slow down adoption at the checkout.
What the QR code actually does
The QR code of a digital stamp card isn't a stamp or a card—it's a link. It points to a public page for your shop where the card lands in the wallet with one tap. Here's how it works for your customer:
- Open the camera app and hold it over the code.
- Tap the link that appears at the top of the screen.
- Tap "Add to Apple Wallet" or "Add to Google Wallet."
- The card is in the wallet, done.
It takes just a few seconds. The code is the same for all customers—it contains no personal data. The page automatically detects whether an iPhone or Android device is scanning and offers the right wallet. For more on what a wallet pass is technically, see What is a wallet pass.
Important distinction: the QR code on the display is for adding the card. Stamping happens afterward—your team scans the card in the customer's wallet with your own smartphone. Two different codes, two different moments.
Creating the QR code: Two approaches
Approach 1: Generator plus your own page. You could create a QR code with any generator pointing to a page you build. The problem: that page must generate a real wallet pass, which requires certificates from Apple and a Google Wallet account. It's technically complex and impractical for a single shop.
Approach 2: Provider with ready-made display. With stampa, the QR code is created automatically once you set up your card. The AI generates a print-ready display or poster in your branding, with your logo, colors, and the QR code in the right place. You print the PDF and you're done. For the full onboarding picture, see Digital stamp card: how it works.
The second approach takes minutes and delivers a code backed by a working card.
Where to place the display
The best QR code is useless if nobody sees it. These spots work:
| Location | Why | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Right at the checkout | Customer is waiting anyway, eyes naturally fall on it | At eye level during payment |
| At the counter by the coffee machine | Customers wait while their drink is made | Don't hide it behind milk jugs |
| On tables as a table display | Guests are sitting and have time | On every table, not just by the entrance |
| On the door from inside | Last glance on the way out | Only as a backup |
| On the receipt | Customer takes it with them | Small code, often overlooked |
The checkout is most important because your team can mention it there: "Want our stamp card? Just scan it." That one sentence makes the difference between a display people ignore and one that brings customers. More on this at QR code display at checkout.
Size, contrast, and printing
A QR code only works if the camera reads it cleanly. These points matter:
- Size. At least 3 x 3 cm to scan from 30 cm away. On a checkout display, better to use 5 to 8 cm so it works from half a meter.
- Contrast. Dark code on light background. No code on photos, no light code on light background.
- Quiet zone. Free space around the code of at least one module width. No text, no logo right at the edge.
- Surface. Print matte. Glossy paper reflects ceiling light and confuses the camera.
- No distortion. The code must stay square. Lock the aspect ratio when scaling.
A common mistake when designing yourself is putting your logo in the center of the code. It looks good but only works if the code was generated with high error correction. When in doubt, leave the code clear and put the logo next to it.
The stampa-generated display handles this automatically. If you customize the design yourself, test the code before printing with several phones from different distances.
Mistakes that slow adoption
From real-world experience, the most common reasons a QR code is there but brings few signups:
- Nobody mentions it. The display is up, but the team says nothing. One sentence at checkout doubles signups.
- The code is too small or too far away. Behind the counter on the wall is unreachable for customers.
- The reward is missing from the display. "Scan for the stamp card" isn't a reason. "10 stamps, one free coffee" is.
- The code points to an old card. If you create a new card, check the display. With stampa, the code stays stable when you only change design or rewards.
- The team doesn't know how to stamp. Customer has the card, employee hesitates. Training takes under 15 minutes and should happen before your first customer day.
Your first test before the first customer
Before the display goes to the checkout, walk through it yourself: scan the code with your phone, add the card, have a coworker give you a stamp, check in the dashboard that the stamp arrived. If that works, it works for customers too. With stampa, this test is part of onboarding, including your own test card.
Summary
The QR code for your stamp card is a link to a page that puts the card in the wallet. You don't need to create it yourself: with stampa, it's generated automatically with a print-ready display in your branding. What matters is placement, size, contrast, and a team that mentions the code at checkout. With stampa you have card, QR code, and display in minutes, free up to 100 active customers, and no credit card needed. Get started free.