Overview
Thanx supports two types of loyalty programs: Card-Linked Loyalty and Check-In Loyalty. Each merchant can use only one type, so it’s important to understand how they work before building an integration. Card-linked loyalty automatically tracks in-store and digital purchases when guests pay with a linked payment card. It offers a seamless, staff-free experience, maximizes passive enrollment, and captures rich transaction data. Due to card network agreements, it is currently available only in the United States. Check-in loyalty identifies guests at the register using a phone number, email, or QR code. It follows a more traditional loyalty flow and is supported on integrated POS platforms. It is ideal for brands that prefer in-store interaction or plan to operate internationally. In short:- Card-linked = automation + full data capture
- Check-in = interactive in-store flow + geographic flexibility
Card-linked Loyalty
Card-linked loyalty links a guest’s payment card to their loyalty account so that future purchases are tracked automatically.How It Works
- During a digital checkout, Thanx securely tokenizes the guest’s payment card.
- When the guest uses the same card in-store, the transaction is matched to their loyalty account.
- Thanx awards points and applies rewards without any action from the guest or staff.
Key Characteristics
- No manual guest identification: no phone number, QR code, or staff prompt required.
- Automatic enrollment: guests who complete digital purchases are enrolled in loyalty.
- Wide POS compatibility: works across most integrated POS systems for earn and redemption.
- Unified customer data: combines online and in-store activity for accurate profiles and reporting.
- Availability: limited to the United States due to card network rules.
Checkin Loyalty
Check-in loyalty relies on guest identification at the POS to track purchases and award points.How It Works
- At checkout, the guest enters a phone number or email, or scans a QR code.
- The POS identifies the guest and sends the transaction details to Thanx.
- Thanx records the purchase, awards points, and enables in-store reward redemption.
Key Characteristics
- Traditional in-store flow: aligns with common loyalty experiences.
- Supported on select POS: requires a POS integration.
- Guest or staff interaction: relies on prompts or displays at checkout.
- International support: not restricted by card network agreements.
Card linked vs Check-in comparison
| Card-linked | Check-in | |
|---|---|---|
| Earning points for digital purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Earning points for in-store purchases | Using an enrolled card or uploading a receipt | Checking-in at the POS with staff or via a guest-facing display |
| Redeeming rewards online | Yes | Yes |
| Redeeming rewards in-store | - Manager comp - Staff sees available rewards for identified customers and applies them via the integration - If available via POS, guests can see their rewards on buyer facing screens | - Manager comp - Staff sees available rewards for every customer and applies them via the integration - If available via POS, guests can see their rewards on buyer facing screens |
| Main benefits | - Customers can earn points by just checking out as they regularly would - Less likelihood to issue rewards to “win-back” repeat customers | - Widespread. No additional training required. - Unified communication: the only way to earn points is via check-in. |
| Means to drive capture rate up | Encourage digital orders | Focus on staff training to bring up check-in at every transaction |
| Receipts | Necessary to support cash purchases | Check-in will work regardless of how you pay |
How Consumer Experience Looks Like At Each Model
CARD LINKED
Customer can see the cards they are earning points with and are prompted to add more.
When they have no cards at all, they see a 0 state encouraging to add more cards.
CHECK-IN
Example for check-in for a merchant who has QR code scanners.
Example without QR codes. When any information is missing, customers can provide it right on the check-in screen.