BMO Pass · Practical guide
How to choose a loyalty programme for your business
Start with the behaviour you want to recognise, rather than the card design. A repeat visit, a larger purchase, a prepaid session and a membership term are different things. Choosing one clear purpose makes the programme easier to explain.
Compare the four programme types
Scroll the table sideways to compare each option.
| Programme | Best starting point | What to explain |
|---|---|---|
| Stamps | Each eligible visit earns equal progress. | What qualifies and what a completed card earns. |
| Points | Reward progress follows eligible spending. | The earning rule and the value of a redemption. |
| Class pass | A customer buys a fixed package of sessions. | Included classes, remaining visits and cancellation rules. |
| Membership | A customer has access or status for a term. | Benefits, validity and renewal conditions. |
Use stamps for a repeat action
Stamps are a straightforward choice when each qualifying visit or purchase should count equally. A café may count eligible drinks; a service business may count appointments. Explain what qualifies and what the completed card earns.
Before choosing the reward, calculate what fulfilling it costs. Avoid setting a target so distant that customers cannot understand their progress, or offering a reward your business cannot sustain. There is no universal stamp count that works for every shop.
Use points when eligible spending varies
Points can reflect differences in purchase value. They suit programmes where an amount spent contributes to reward progress. The trade-off is that you must explain both how points are earned and what they can be used for.
Write your proposed rule in one sentence and ask a member of staff to explain it back. If the rule needs several exceptions, simplify it before launch. Keep exclusions and redemption conditions visible at joining.
Separate rewards from prepaid entitlements
A prepaid class package is something the customer has purchased. Track sessions remaining with a class pass. Membership is access or status over a term; use a membership card to show validity. Neither needs to masquerade as a loyalty reward.
You may serve customers with different needs, but start with the programme your team can operate consistently. Ask how staff will record a visit, verify entitlement and correct mistakes before expanding the offer.
Plan the launch and review the activity
Choose a joining link or counter QR code, write a short staff explanation and make the reward conditions available. Decide who handles customer questions. Confirm the card type, supported wallet behaviour and any required integrations during setup.
After launch, review the activity your programme records and ask staff what customers find confusing. Compare periods carefully: a seasonal change or promotion can affect visits independently of a loyalty card. Do not treat every repeat visit as proof that the programme caused it.
Explore the next step
Compare BMO Pass plans and pricing, or ask us about your programme. You can also review our company and service information.