How EfirCards work after installation in Google Pay and Apple Wallet
More and more companies are switching to digital loyalty programs, and one of the most common questions from business owners is how exactly the card works after a customer has installed it on their smartphone. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the process using EfirCards as an example: from installation to use at the checkout and automated integrations.
What types of cards can be created in EfirCards?
Several digital card formats are available in your business's personal account, each serving its own purpose:
1. Simple discount cards
The card shows a fixed discount, for example -5% or -10%.
2. Discount cards with accumulation
The discount level increases as the customer makes purchases.
For example:
- 0–500 ₴ → 5%
- 500–2000 UAH → 7%
- 2000+ UAH → 10%
3. Cashback cards
The client receives a percentage of the purchase to their bonus balance.
4. Stamp cards (loyalty through visits)
For example: "10 coffees - 1 free."
Each card type can be customized in your personal account, and you can immediately receive a QR code for distribution to your clients.
How customers install the card on their smartphone
The process is as simple as possible:
- The customer scans your QR code.
- Fills out a short form.
- Adds a card to Google Pay or Apple Wallet (in one click).
Once added, the card is saved in the phone's system wallet and is always accessible by double-clicking the power button.
How the card is used for purchase: two scenarios
When a customer comes to your store and makes a purchase, there are two ways the EfirCards system can participate in the process.
1. Manual method - replacing a regular plastic card
This is the simplest and fastest scenario, which does not require integration with the cash register.
- The client presses the side button on the phone.
- Shows the card to the seller.
- The operator manually enters the discount or customer details into the cash register system.
This option is suitable for:
- cafe
- beauty salons
- small shops
- Anyone who wants to implement cards very quickly , without any modifications on the part of the cash register.
2. Automatic method - via API integration
If you want to fully automate the process, the system supports direct integration with cash registers or web cash registers.
How does this work:
- The client shows the card - but no longer for viewing, but for scanning .
- The scanner reads QR/barcode.
- The checkout sends a request to the EfirCards API.
- The system returns:
- current discount level
- accruals
- number of stamps
- cashback amount
- transition to a new level.
The purchase is carried out automatically; operators do not need to enter anything manually.
👉 API documentation and examples are available in your business dashboard.
When automatic integration is especially necessary
1. Cumulative discount programs
When discounts are based on purchase amounts, automatic integration reduces errors.
The cash register itself:
- increases the client's balance,
- takes it to the next level,
- applies a new discount percentage.
2. Cashback programs
Purchase → accrual → balance update – everything happens instantly and without manual intervention.
3. Stamp cards
Perfect for coffee shops, barbers, salons, and services: After 10 visits, the client receives an automatic reward.
Which method should your business choose?
✔ If you need speed, choose the manual method
It can be implemented in 5 minutes and is suitable for most small businesses.
✔ If you have a network or a complex loyalty program, API integration will provide maximum efficiency.
- fewer human errors
- higher automation
- precise analytics
- more convenient for the client.
Why are digital cards more efficient than plastic ones?
- Clients don’t lose their card – it’s always on their phone.
- Smartphone screen notifications increase customer retention.
- Businesses receive analytics and purchase history.
- There are no costs for printing, logistics and plastic card service.
- Discounts and customer levels can be quickly updated in real time.
Conclusion
EfirCards makes card use simple for both customers and businesses. Once installed in Google Pay or Apple Wallet, the card operates either manually, like a regular discount card, or fully automatically, via API and POS integration.
Digital loyalty cards enable companies to improve customer experience, increase LTV and reduce operating costs.
FAQ
-
How does a client receive and install an EfirCards digital card?
The customer scans your QR code, fills out a short form, and adds the card to Google Pay or Apple Wallet in one click.
-
What types of loyalty cards does the EfirCards system support?
Available are simple discount cards, cumulative discount cards, cashback cards and stamp cards (visit cards).
-
Do I need POS integration for the cards to work?
No. Cards can be used manually - the customer simply presents the card, and the operator enters the data manually into the cash register. Integration is only needed for automation.
-
How does automatic API integration work?
The checkout scanner scans the card's QR or barcode, sends a request to the EfirCards API, and receives data such as discounts, levels, cashback, stamps, and more. Everything happens automatically.
-
Is it possible to use EfirCards without changes to the cash register system?
Yes. The manual version does not require any modifications to the cash register.
-
What happens when a customer changes the discount level (for example, from 5% to 7%)?
If API integration is available, the transition occurs automatically. Without integration, the operator must enter data manually in the EfirCards personal account.
-
Do cashback and stamp cards work without integration?
Yes, but in this case, the operator must be charged manually after the purchase.
-
Can one QR code be used for different types of cards?
Yes. In your personal account, you can create as many card types as you need and distribute different QR codes to your clients.
-
What devices support EfirCards?
All iPhones with Apple Wallet and almost all Android smartphones with Google Pay.
-
Can I customize discount levels to suit my loyalty program?
Yes. In your personal account, you can set any values: amounts, percentages, and level transition conditions.
-
What do I need to connect the cash register integration?
Get an API token in your EfirCards account and transfer it to your developer/integrator.
