Digital vs paper loyalty card: which one to choose?

Updated 2026-06-28

Quick answer

A digital loyalty card beats a paper card on almost every criterion: it can't be lost (it lives in the phone), lets you send free notifications to bring customers back, collects customer data, and rewards Google reviews. Paper cards are cheaper to print but 87% get lost and allow no follow-up. For a business that wants customers to return, the digital card is the better choice.

Point-by-point comparison

On the criteria that matter to a business owner:

Loss: paper = 87% lost; digital = impossible to lose (in the phone).
Reminders: paper = none; digital = free, unlimited push notifications.
Data: paper = none; digital = you know every customer.
Google reviews: paper = no; digital = prize wheel tied to reviews.
Cost: paper = recurring printing; digital = ~€10/month all-inclusive.

The hidden cost of paper cards

Beyond printing, paper cards cost you in missed opportunities: no way to re-engage an inactive customer, no data to understand your regulars, and a less modern image. A digital card turns every visit into a lasting relationship.

When to keep paper?

A paper card can be enough for a business with no recurring customers or no desire to communicate. As soon as the goal is to bring customers back, the digital card is clearly more profitable.

Switch from paper to a digital loyalty card

1
Choose a Wallet solution
Pick a card in Apple/Google Wallet (no app to install).
2
Recreate your program
Keep your current points or tier logic.
3
Migrate customers
Have them scan a QR code at checkout to add the digital card.
4
Enable reminders
Set up the push notifications a paper card never allowed.

Frequently asked questions

Is a digital card more expensive than paper?

In practice, no: paper cards cost you in recurring printing and lost customers, while a digital card like DimaCard costs ~€10/month all-inclusive.

Will older customers know how to use it?

Yes. If the customer has a smartphone, they already have Apple or Google Wallet. The card is added in 1 click — simpler than a stamp card.

Can you keep both?

It's possible at first, but the value of the digital card (reminders, data, reviews) disappears if the customer keeps using paper.

Put it in place with DimaCard

Loyalty card in Apple & Google Wallet, free push notifications, Google-review wheel. 14-day trial.

Start free trial