Choose the right card type

Choose the card type based on how customers earn value and how staff will manage it.

Written By Carrott Support

Last updated About 1 month ago

Quick comparison

Card typeBest forCustomer action
Stamp cardSimple repeat-visit rewardsVisit until the stamp target is reached.
Points cardFlexible rewards from spend or visitsEarn points and redeem reward tiers.
Coupon cardOne clear offer or discountUse the coupon until the usage limit is reached.
Membership cardAccess, paid tiers, benefits, or allowancesJoin a tier and show membership status.

Stamp cards

Use a stamp card when the reward is easy to explain: buy 9 coffees, get the 10th free. Staff usually scan the pass and add stamps after a visit or purchase.

Best when:

  • The earning rule is simple.
  • Staff can quickly confirm each visit.
  • Customers should see progress toward one main reward.

Points cards

Use a points card when rewards should scale with spend or repeat activity. Customers can earn points by transaction amount or by visit, then redeem tiers.

Best when:

  • Higher spend should earn more value.
  • You want multiple reward tiers.
  • You need more flexibility than stamps.

Coupon cards

Use a coupon card for a specific discount or offer. It can be percentage off or fixed amount off, with optional usage and minimum purchase rules.

Best when:

  • The offer is time-sensitive or simple.
  • Customers should redeem the same offer one or more times.
  • You want a lightweight promotion.

Membership cards

Use a membership card for tiers, access, subscriptions, perks, and allowances. Memberships can be free, paid, or invite-only.

Best when:

  • Customers belong to a tier.
  • You sell access or recurring benefits.
  • Staff need to verify active membership.

Important

Card type cannot be changed after creation. If you are unsure, create a test card first and scan it end to end.