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eMoney News

Mobile loyalty programmes 'an attractive wallet replacement'
4 May 2011

There has been optimism expressed by one expert about loyalty schemes going mobile.

Angela Self, a founder of the Smart Cookies money group, stated that she will "be happy when my smart phone replaces my wallet".

Such a method has taken a step closer to happening too, with Ms Self highlighting the release of the free app CardStar.

The device works in that users search for stores which use loyalty card programmes, which then leads to them being prompted to enter their membership numbers into the device.

Once carried out, customers will be able to create a card over their mobile, which will then either appear as a barcode to be swiped or a membership number for a cashier to code in.

However, Ms Self urged: "Before tossing your physical cards … double-check that the barcode for any individual card scans at the store or that manual input is accepted at check-out."

Debenhams have themselves decided to go mobile with their loyalty scheme, by making it available as an iPhone app.