Introduction: Why Wallet Loyalty Is Growing Fast
Loyalty programs are nothing new - but how you deliver them has changed dramatically. In 2025, more cannabis retailers are choosing wallet-based loyalty programs over traditional apps, punch cards, or email-only systems.
Why? Because wallet loyalty benefits go far beyond convenience. They increase visibility, reduce friction, lower costs, and drive repeat visits - all without requiring a customer to download an app or receive a single text.
What Is Wallet-Based Loyalty?
Wallet-based loyalty uses Apple Wallet and Google Wallet to issue a digital loyalty pass directly to a customer’s phone. It functions like a mobile boarding pass or ticket - but for rewards, offers, and customer engagement.
With Sticky Cards, for example, wallet passes can be:
Seamlessly claimed through a QR code in-store or a link via text or email
Updated in real-time with points or promos
Paired with push notifications - no SMS required
Top Wallet Loyalty Benefits for Dispensaries
1. No App Downloads Required
Most customers won’t download another app just to check loyalty points. Wallet passes work right from their phone’s native wallet, making adoption easier and faster.
Retailers using wallet loyalty see 2–3x higher enrollment than app-based programs.
2. Visible on the Lock Screen
Unlike emails or apps buried in folders, wallet passes can:
Show dynamic updates
Trigger lock-screen push notifications
Be accessed in one tap - no login required
That’s a huge visibility boost for your brand and offers.
3. Lower Marketing Costs
Forget SMS fees or app dev costs. Wallet loyalty:
Sends free push notifications
Doesn’t require per-text carrier fees
Has zero monthly fees per user on most platforms
Wallet loyalty benefits include massive cost savings, especially for multi-location retailers.
4. Higher Engagement and Repeat Visits
Real-time, personalized updates like “You just earned 100 points!” - are far more effective when delivered to a customer’s native wallet than via email or SMS.
This leads to:
More frequent store visits
Increased average order value
Stronger long-term retention
5. Real-Time Reward Updates
No more waiting for emails or staff to explain point balances. Wallet passes update instantly:
Show current point totals
Reflect reward tier changes
Display active promos
This immediacy increases customer trust and usage.
6. Frictionless Signup and Usage
Whether customers are checking out in-store or online, wallet loyalty can:
Be issued automatically (POS-integrated)
Be scanned instantly in-store or online
Eliminate forgotten cards or lost logins
Less friction = more participation.
7. More Compliant and Privacy-Friendly
Especially in cannabis, where SMS regulations and data privacy are critical, wallet loyalty offers a safer alternative:
No third-party text providers needed
No risk of TCPA fines
Opt-in experience tied to purchase
Summary: Wallet Loyalty Benefits Are Built for the Future
The shift to wallet-based loyalty isn’t just a tech trend - it’s a response to how consumers behave today. They want fast, mobile, permission-based experiences that don’t require more downloads or clutter.
If you're a cannabis retailer, wallet loyalty benefits are clear:
✔️ Lower costs
✔️ Higher engagement
✔️ Better retention
✔️ Fully compliant and easy to use
