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The QR code, first invented in 1994 by a Japanese engineer to track automotive parts, is scanned approximately 2 billion times daily worldwide, connecting the physical and digital worlds.
QR codes have become a powerful source of customer engagement in a world where speed, personalization, and convenience are highly important.
Not just for scanning menus or making payments, brands are using QR codes to power loyalty programs. A quick scan turns into an opportunity to engage and retain customers.
By integrating QR codes into loyalty programs, brands create highly engaging, touch-free experiences where customers effortlessly join, earn points, redeem rewards, and stay connected with just a single scan.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what a QR code loyalty program is, why it’s crucial for today’s businesses, and how to build a program that keeps customers coming back.
What is A QR Code Loyalty Program?
A QR code for a loyalty program is a digital tool that allows customers to easily participate in a business’s rewards system by scanning a QR code with their smartphone. This scan enrolls them in the program, tracks their purchases, accumulates loyalty points, or redeems rewards, eliminating the need for physical loyalty cards or manual entry.
Customers scan a unique QR code, which might be displayed at the time of purchase, on receipts, or on product packaging, to earn points, redeem rewards, or access exclusive offers.
Types of QR codes used in loyalty programs
QR codes used in loyalty programs typically fall into the following two categories:
Static QR codes
Information embedded in a static QR code never changes. This type of QR code is ideal for simple actions, such as linking to a signup form, a promotional landing page, or general program information.
The use of a static QR code could be as simple as a store saying, “Scan to join our loyalty program.” Such QR codes are simple to create and do not require a back-end system for integration. The drawback here is that it cannot track individual users or transactions.
Dynamic QR codes
The data behind the dynamic QR code can be updated without changing the QR itself. It enables deeper functionality, such as point accumulation, reward redemption, and personalized offers.
In fact, 79% of businesses leverage dynamic QR codes to deliver personalized, context-aware interactions, rather than static QR codes. Dynamic QR codes enable real-time tracking, a customized experience, and integration with CRMs or loyalty management solutions, such as Loyalife.
How QR Codes Work in a Loyalty Program
Let’s understand what the customer journey looks like when using a QR code.
Scan-to-earn
- A customer purchases at a store. At checkout, they scan a dynamic QR code on the receipt.
- The QR code is linked to their loyalty profile and automatically adds points based on the transaction amount.
- Customers view updated points balance in real-time via email or the app.
Scan-to-redeem
- While shopping online or in-store, a customer chooses to redeem points.
- They scan a QR code that applies a coupon or discount linked to their points balance.
- The code validates whether the customer is eligible and instantly applies the reward at checkout.
Scan-to-join
- A new customer sees a QR code on product packaging.
- Scans the QR code, which opens the signup page for the loyalty program.
- Once signed up, they automatically receive a welcome reward or a signup bonus.
Event-based scans
- At a promotional event or pop-up shop, customers scan QR codes at different booths.
- Each scan earns points or unlocks a reward, such as a free product or a discount voucher.
Why Are QR Codes Necessary for Loyalty Programs?
QR codes personalize loyalty program experiences, making engagement easier, faster, and more meaningful. Let’s understand why QR codes are necessary for loyalty programs:
Convenience
QR codes provide a seamless, app-free experience, allowing customers to simply scan and interact with the loyalty program using their smartphone's camera.
There is no need to download an app, remember passwords, or carry physical cards, which removes the hassle and boosts adoption.
Cost efficiency
Implementing QR-based loyalty programs eliminates the need for plastic cards, app development, or expensive POS system upgrades.
A QR code loyalty program is a budget-friendly option for both small businesses and large enterprises looking to modernize their operations without a heavy tech investment.
Real-time tracking
Every scan captures instant, actionable data on what was redeemed, when, where, and by whom. This enables brands to track customer behavior in real-time, allowing for smarter decisions and more personalized rewards.
Scalability
Whether you're a single-location café or a national retail chain, QR codes will help roll out quickly and consistently across all touchpoints.
They’re easy to implement, manage, and update, ideal for businesses at any growth stage.
Contactless engagement
Following the pandemic, the use of QR codes in the US increased by 26%. The pandemic pushed consumers to utilize touch-free options.
QR codes offer a safe and hygienic way to engage with loyalty programs, eliminating the need for physical interaction with staff or devices.
Cross-channel integration
QR codes work seamlessly across offline and online channels. A customer might scan in-store for loyalty points and then redeem a reward online, allowing for an omnichannel experience that today’s consumers expect.
Faster enrollment
With a quick scan, customers are instantly onboarded into a loyalty program, eliminating the need for forms and wait time. This reduces drop-off rates and increases membership sign-ups at the point of interaction.
Increased participation
The simplicity of scanning a QR code lowers the barrier to entry. This convenience often leads to higher customer engagement, increased participation, and improved redemption rates.
Customizability
QR codes are linked to dynamic landing pages that adapt based on the customer’s location, language, or campaign type, making the experience feel personal, even at scale.
Use Cases Across Industries for QR Code Loyalty Programs
Retail: scan to earn or redeem points at checkout
At clothing stores, supermarkets, or convenience stores, customers scan a QR code at the point of sale (POS) to instantly earn loyalty points for their purchase. This avoids delays often caused by app logins or swiping physical cards.
The same QR code can be used for personalized offers, such as “double points this weekend” or exclusive member discounts.
All of this leads to a faster checkout process, increased engagement, and higher return visits. Starbucks and IKEA utilize QR codes at checkout.
Food & beverage (F&B): table-top QR codes for order-based loyalty
At a café or restaurant, customers scan a tabletop QR code to view the menu, place an order, and automatically earn points on qualifying items. It bundles convenience (contactless ordering) with rewards (loyalty points), creating a mutually beneficial outcome.
By leveraging QR codes, food chains also track which dishes are most popular among their loyal customers, enabling restaurants to tailor special offers accordingly.
The ease of ordering increases the frequency of visits, leads to higher ticket sizes, and enables data-driven menu optimization.
Travel & hospitality: loyalty through amenities and upgrades
Hotels place QR codes in rooms or at concierge desks where guests scan to earn points for room service, spa treatments, or booking directly. It taps into high-touch moments of the guest journey that often go unrewarded.
The QR Codes can be personalized by room number or booking tier to offer tailored upgrade options.
This results in improved guest satisfaction and higher direct booking rates.
eCommerce: digital receipts with loyalty QR codes
After making a purchase online, customers receive a digital receipt that includes a QR code, allowing them to scan and claim loyalty points or use it on their next in-store visit. It keeps the loyalty loop active even after the transaction ends.
QR codes can also be added to product packaging, offering gamified loyalty or review-based rewards.
Gyms & fitness studios: scan for check-ins and perks
Members scan a QR code at the entrance to log workouts and earn points toward free sessions or branded gear. This encourages consistency among users and makes them feel rewarded and motivated during their fitness journey.
Fitness institutes offer milestone badges or tier upgrades after a set number of scans—a great way to boost member retention and increase engagement with in-house services.
Health & wellness: loyalty for appointments and refills
Clinics and pharmacies place QR codes on receipts or counters, allowing customers to earn points for making recurring visits or refilling their medications. This is done to encourage routine health behaviors while reducing the need for paper-based tracking.
Tie loyalty points collected from undertaking healthy actions can be redeemed for flu shots or regular checkups.
How to Set Up a QR Code Loyalty Program
QR code loyalty programs eliminate the need for physical punch cards or complicated sign-ins, making it easier for customers to participate. Let’s understand what a step-by-step guide is on how to set one up:
Choose a platform
The first step is selecting the right technology platform to support your QR code loyalty program. It is best to opt for a loyalty management solution, such as Loyalife, which features the ability to develop QR codes and manage the loyalty program simultaneously.
When evaluating a platform, try to answer some questions:
- How easy is it for customers and staff?
- Does it integrate with your point of sale (POS), customer relationship management (CRM) system, or email marketing platform?
- Does it provide real-time data on customer behavior and program performance?
Design the reward structure
A loyalty program is only as good as the value it offers to customers. Crafting the proper reward structure is critical.
Here are some models of reward structures:
- Point systems: Customers earn points for every dollar spent, which they redeem for rewards.
- Tiered rewards: Customers progress to higher tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) with enhanced benefits as they engage more frequently.
- Cash back or store credit: Offer a percentage back (e.g., spend $100 and receive $5 in store credit).
- Special perks: Early access to sales, birthday gifts, and exclusive events.
- Gamification elements: Incorporate gamified elements, such as badges, challenges, and referral bonuses, to maintain high engagement.
Pro tip here is to keep the rewards attainable, make the first reward easy to earn (to create momentum), and offer both short-term (instant gratification) and long-term rewards (to sustain loyalty).
Generate and distribute QR codes
Once your platform and reward structure are ready, it's time to create your QR codes. These codes will link customers to the loyalty signup page, a rewards portal, or a mobile app.
It is now time to distribute your QR codes. Here are some methods to do that:
- Include in-store Materials such as flyers, table tents, counter cards, receipts, and window clings.
- At the point of sale (POS), staff prompt customers to scan a QR code after they have made a purchase.
- Share QR codes with your existing customer database through email and message.
- Include QR codes on product packaging for e-commerce orders to facilitate a seamless checkout experience.
- Promote your loyalty QR code digitally to reach broader audiences.
Promote and track usage
A loyalty program needs marketing support to succeed. It’s essential to both actively promote it and closely monitor its performance.
Some ways to promote the use of QR codes are:
- Announce the program through email, social media, and in-store signage.
- Ensure your frontline staff are trained to effectively encourage customers to sign up.
- Offer rewards for scanning and (e.g., 50 points) just for joining.
- Run campaigns highlighting how close customers are to earning rewards.
- Encourage existing customers to invite friends by offering incentives.
For tracking its performance:
- Use the platform’s dashboard to track the number of signups, QR code scans, points awarded and redeemed, customer retention rates, and best-performing rewards.
- Conduct A/B testing to determine which one drives the most engagement.
- Collect customer feedback about the program and iterate accordingly to improve it.
Key metrics to watch include the Enrollment Rate, Active Participation Rate, Redemption Rate, and Average Customer Lifetime Value (CLV).
Best Practices To Keep In Mind While Developing A QR Code Loyalty Program
Setting up a QR code loyalty program is only half the battle. Ensuring it delivers a satisfactory experience is what makes it successful. Here are some of the best practices businesses should follow:
Personalize the experience
Avoid offering generic rewards or identical messaging to every customer. Instead, use customer data to personalize incentives, suggest rewards based on past behavior, and celebrate milestones such as birthdays or anniversaries.
Prioritize security
QR codes are vulnerable to fraud, including counterfeit codes that redirect users to malicious sites. Always use dynamic QR codes whenever possible and implement security layers, such as verification prompts, to enhance security.
Optimize the scanning experience
The QR code experience should be mobile-optimized and incredibly fast. Pages should load within seconds, without unnecessary forms or clunky interfaces. Every second of delay risks losing a customer’s attention; frictionless UX is key.
Make redemption simple
Redemption should feel effortless, whether online or at the point of sale. Complicated processes frustrate customers. Utilize straightforward claim processes, such as “click to redeem” buttons, digital wallets, or instant discounts applied automatically at checkout.
Why Loyalife is A Game-Changer in QR Code Loyalty Programs
When it comes to deploying a QR code loyalty program, having the right partner makes all the difference. Loyalife is an ideal AI-powered solution for building the modern, omnichannel customer journey.
Loyalife empowers brands to create personalized, flexible, and data-driven loyalty programs while integrating QR codes at various customer touchpoints. Allowing customers to scan, earn, and redeem rewards without barriers.
The loyalty management solution ensures that QR codes are seamlessly embedded across all customer touchpoints, including retail stores, e-commerce websites, mobile apps, event booths, and packaging inserts..
One of Loyalife’s biggest strengths is its plug-and-play integrations. It easily connects with
POS systems (in-store purchases), e-wallets (for instant rewards), CRMs (for customer segmentation and personalization), and e-commerce platforms (like Shopify, WooCommerce)
This ensures that you leverage the QR code for any action or behavior that you want to drive.
Going Forward
QR code loyalty programs offer businesses an exciting, low-friction way to attract, engage, and retain customers. When paired with innovative reward structures and user-friendly technology, brands transform casual buyers into loyal advocates.
By providing personalized experiences, ensuring security, and offering easy redemption, brands unlock the full potential of QR-driven loyalty programs by choosing a powerful platform like Loyalife.
Ready to take your customer loyalty to the next level? Book your demo now with Loyalife!