Paper or digital stamp card: which one suits your business
Updated October 21, 2026
A digital stamp card works just like a paper one (one stamp per purchase and a reward when it's full), but it can't be lost or faked and it lets you remind customers to come back. For most businesses it costs little more than printing cards.
Quick comparison
| Paper | Digital | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Print cards and order a stamp | A few minutes |
| Lost cards | Common | Impossible: it's on their phone |
| Fake stamps | Easy to copy | Only your team can stamp |
| Knowing your customers | No | Name, email and visits |
| Comeback reminders | No | Automatic emails |
| Cost | Reprints every few months | Low monthly fee |
When paper still makes sense
If you have very few regulars and don't mind not knowing who they are, paper is simple and cheap. But as soon as you want them to come back more often, digital wins: you can send birthday greetings or let them know when they're close to their reward.
What about customers who don't want apps?
No app is needed. With Apego customers scan a QR and their card opens in the phone's browser. If they don't have a smartphone, they just give their phone number at the counter.
How to switch to digital
- Create your card Choose how many stamps it has and the reward. It takes a few minutes.
- Put the QR at the counter Customers scan it and join in seconds.
- Honor the old cards If a customer brings their paper card, add the stamps they had by hand. That way nobody loses out with the change.