Digital vs paper loyalty card: which one to choose?

Updated 2026-06-28

Quick answer

A digital loyalty card adds capabilities a paper card cannot provide: visit history, an opt-in notification channel and exportable data. A paper card remains simple, but it provides no follow-up or measurement. The right choice depends on how much the business needs to operate and measure retention.

Point-by-point comparison

On the criteria that matter to a business owner:

Access: paper = physical card; digital = card available on a compatible phone.
Reminders: paper = none; digital = free, unlimited push notifications.
Data: paper = no centralized history; digital = tracked visits and rewards.
Reviews: an honest review link can be offered separately, with no conditioned reward.
Cost: paper = recurring printing; DimaCard = from €39/month.

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?

Printing is only one part of the comparison: DimaCard starts at €39/month and adds visit tracking, follow-ups and data export. Measure actual returns to decide whether those capabilities cover the subscription.

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, included notifications, and an independent loyalty prize wheel. Plans from €39/month. 30-day commercial money-back guarantee under the Terms.

View plans