Comparisons 18 min read

5 Best Stamp Me Alternatives (2026 Comparison)

Stamp Me starts at $49/mo. Compare 5 alternatives with Apple Wallet support, lower pricing, and no app download required.

Key Takeaway: Stamp Me is a feature-rich loyalty app, but alternatives exist at lower price points and with different approaches. FaveCard offers Apple/Google Wallet integration with a permanent Free plan ($0) and Pro at $19/month (no customer app required), Loopy Loyalty provides comprehensive features for businesses needing depth, and Square Loyalty integrates seamlessly if you use Square POS. Choose based on your budget, whether customers will download an app, and what features you actually need.

FT

FaveCard Team

Published February 17, 2026 · Updated February 18, 2026

Person holding smartphone showing a digital loyalty card interface

Last updated: February 2026

Stamp Me is one of the most established digital loyalty card apps on the market. It offers comprehensive features, works in 24+ countries, and has thousands of business customers. But it’s not the only option - and if you’re looking for a Stamp Me alternative, there are solid choices depending on your budget, tech comfort, and what your customers will actually use.

Quick Answer: The best Stamp Me alternative depends on what matters most to you. FaveCard (free, Pro from $19/mo) is best if you want Apple/Google Wallet integration without requiring customers to download an app. Loopy Loyalty ($25-95/mo) offers comprehensive wallet-based features for multi-location businesses. Square Loyalty is best if you’re already in the Square ecosystem.

Key Takeaway: Stamp Me is feature-rich and established, but alternatives offer different trade-offs. Some are cheaper, some don’t require customers to download an app, some integrate better with existing payment systems, and some offer free tiers. This guide compares the top 5 alternatives so you can choose what fits your business.

The Real Problem: Will Your Customers Actually Download Another App?

Before comparing features and pricing, let’s address the fundamental challenge with most loyalty apps.

Stamp Me - like many competitors - requires customers to download an app. Sounds simple. But here’s what research shows:

According to Appcues mobile app research, 25% of users abandon an app after just one use. By the 90-day mark, 71% have stopped using the app entirely. And if your onboarding takes more than 2 minutes? Most people give up completely.

What this means for your loyalty program:

You can have the best rewards, the slickest design, and the most generous stamps-to-rewards ratio in the world. But if customers won’t download and keep using the app, none of it matters.

Think about your own phone. How many apps do you have that you downloaded once and never opened again? Now imagine asking a customer - who just wants their coffee or haircut - to:

  1. Find the app in the App Store
  2. Wait for it to download
  3. Create an account
  4. Link it to your business
  5. Finally get their first stamp

Most will say “I’ll do it later.” They won’t.

This is why wallet-based alternatives have gained traction. Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are already on every smartphone. According to PYMNTS research, mobile wallet use in stores surged to 31% of consumers in 2025, up from 14% the year before. These wallet apps are already part of daily life. No download. No account creation. Customer scans a QR code, taps “Add to Wallet,” done. Ten seconds.

Learn more: Digital Loyalty Card: Complete Guide


Why Businesses Look for Stamp Me Alternatives

Beyond the app download challenge, here are the most common reasons:

1. Pricing Concerns

Stamp Me currently offers three pricing tiers:

  • Lite: $49/month (basic digital stamp card)
  • Pro: $79/month (full features including SMS, all stamp methods)
  • Elite: $199/month (Pro + dedicated account manager)

Stamp Me occasionally runs promotional discounts — check their pricing page for current offers. Still, even with promotions, these prices add up for a small coffee shop, barbershop, or salon watching every dollar - especially when alternatives like FaveCard have a permanent Free plan ($0).

The math on Lite vs alternatives:

  • Stamp Me Lite: $49/mo × 12 = $588/year
  • FaveCard Free: $0/year
  • FaveCard Pro: $19/mo × 12 = $228/year
  • Savings: $360-$588/year depending on your plan

2. Technical Reliability Issues

Based on user reviews on Capterra, some Stamp Me customers report:

  • Rewards not issuing despite customers meeting stamp requirements
  • Frequent logouts requiring 2FA reauthentication
  • Registration failures (phone/email verification issues)
  • Device blocking problems

No software is perfect, but it’s worth knowing alternatives exist if you’ve experienced these issues.

3. Feature Overload

Stamp Me Pro includes features like:

  • Scratch & Win gamification
  • Birthday Club
  • Advanced segmentation
  • Email campaigns
  • Multiple reward types

These are valuable for businesses that need them. But many small businesses just want a simple stamp card - get 10 stamps, get a free item. Feature-rich can become feature-bloated if you’re not using 80% of what you’re paying for.

4. App Download Friction

As mentioned earlier, getting customers to download yet another app is getting harder every year. Some business owners report that customers refuse or say “I’ll do it later” and never do.

Wallet-based alternatives eliminate this friction entirely.

Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think

Picking the right loyalty tool isn’t just about features - it’s about whether your customers will actually use it. According to The Bond Loyalty Report, 85% of consumers say loyalty programs make them more likely to keep buying from a brand. And research by Bain & Company’s Frederick Reichheld, cited in Harvard Business Review, found that a 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25-95%.

The catch? Those numbers only work if customers participate. A loyalty program with 20% adoption rate will always lose to one with 80% adoption - even if it has fewer features.


Quick Comparison: Stamp Me vs Top Alternatives

FeatureStamp MeFaveCardLoopy LoyaltySquare LoyaltyLoyverse
Starting Price$49/mo$0 (Free) – $19/mo (Pro)$25/moVaries*Free
Customer App RequiredYesNo (Wallet)No (Wallet)NoNo
Apple/Google WalletPartialYesYesNoNo
Free Tier AvailableNoYes (permanent Free plan)NoNoYes
Automated RemindersYesYesYesLimitedNo
Analytics DashboardAdvancedYesAdvancedYesBasic
Multi-locationYesYesYesYesYes
Best ForFeature depthNo-app simplicityProfessional featuresSquare usersBudget startups

*Square Loyalty pricing varies - check Square’s pricing page for current rates


The 5 Best Stamp Me Alternatives

1. FaveCard - Best for No-App Simplicity

Price: $0 (Free) – $19/month (Pro) | Free forever plan available

FaveCard solves the app download problem entirely: loyalty cards live in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet - the wallet apps already on every smartphone. No download, no account creation, no friction. And with the permanent Free plan, you can start without spending a penny.

How it works:

  1. Customer scans a QR code (or taps a link you share)
  2. Card adds to their phone’s wallet app - one tap, 10 seconds
  3. You scan their card to add stamps using the FaveCard staff app
  4. Customers get push notifications for rewards and reminders

What makes FaveCard different from Stamp Me:

The core difference is philosophical. Stamp Me builds a full-featured app ecosystem - powerful but complex. FaveCard strips loyalty down to the essentials: a card in Apple/Google Wallet that customers actually keep. Paulina Kubisztal, a cafe owner in Kraków, switched from paper cards and noticed her customers “gladly add the new card to their phone and always have it with them.” That adoption rate matters more than any feature list.

Why consider FaveCard over Stamp Me:

AdvantageDetails
No app downloadUses Wallet apps customers already have
Free plan$0 forever; Pro $19/mo vs $49/mo (saves $360-$588/year)
5-minute setupCreate your card and start using it today
Automated reminders”Time for a visit” notifications built-in
Faster enrollmentCustomers add card in 10 seconds, not 2+ minutes
Always visibleWallet cards appear on lock screen; apps get buried

Honest drawbacks:

  • Newer company than Stamp Me (less established)
  • Fewer advanced features currently (no scratch-and-win, birthday clubs)
  • Fewer integrations (API coming soon)

Best for: Small local businesses that want the simplest possible experience for customers AND staff. Coffee shops, barbershops, salons, bakeries, and any business where speed matters and you suspect customers won’t download another app.

Read more: Magic Stamp Alternatives (similar comparison format)

Create your free loyalty card — free forever, no credit card needed.


2. Loopy Loyalty - Best for Professional Features

Price: From $25/month | Free Trial: 15 days

Loopy Loyalty offers wallet-based cards like FaveCard but with more features aimed at businesses wanting professional depth without the complexity of Stamp Me.

How it works:

  1. Create branded digital cards that live in Apple/Google Wallet
  2. Customers add cards via QR code or link
  3. Rich analytics and customization options
  4. Multiple card types and reward structures

Why consider Loopy Loyalty over Stamp Me:

AdvantageDetails
Wallet-nativeNo customer app required (like FaveCard)
Professional featuresMore than FaveCard, simpler than Stamp Me
Flexible pricingStarter $25, Growth $69, Ultimate $95/mo
Customization depthDesign control without complexity

Potential drawbacks:

  • Higher price than FaveCard ($25 vs $0 Free / $19/mo Pro)
  • Fewer features than Stamp Me Pro
  • Learning curve steeper than FaveCard

Best for: Businesses wanting wallet convenience with professional features. Multi-location businesses needing customization without Stamp Me’s complexity.


3. Square Loyalty - Best for Square Users

Price: Varies by plan (check Square’s website for current pricing) | Free Trial: 30 days

If you already use Square for payments, Square Loyalty is the obvious choice. It integrates directly with your existing setup.

How it works:

  1. Integrates with Square POS
  2. Customers earn points automatically when paying
  3. No separate app or card needed - tied to phone number or email
  4. Redemptions happen at checkout

Why consider Square Loyalty over Stamp Me:

AdvantageDetails
POS integrationAutomatic point earning at checkout
No customer appWorks with phone number/email
One ecosystemPayments + loyalty in one place
Proven reliabilitySquare’s infrastructure backing

Potential drawbacks:

  • Requires Square POS for the best value (standalone pricing varies)
  • Less customization than dedicated loyalty apps
  • Phone number-based (less visual/engaging than stamp cards)
  • No wallet integration (Apple/Google Wallet not supported)

Best for: Businesses already using Square for payments. Simplest setup if you’re in the Square ecosystem.


4. Loyverse - Best Free Option

Price: Free (loyalty included in free POS) | Paid add-ons available

Loyverse is a free POS system used by over 1 million businesses in 170 countries. It includes basic loyalty features at no cost. If budget is your primary concern and you’re okay with basic functionality, it’s worth considering.

How it works:

  1. Free POS app on tablet/phone
  2. Customers earn points on purchases
  3. Basic loyalty tracking included
  4. Upgrade to paid features as needed

Why consider Loyverse over Stamp Me:

AdvantageDetails
FreeNo monthly cost for basic features
Full POS includedNot just loyalty - complete POS system
No customer appTied to phone/email
Start free, upgrade laterTest loyalty without investment

Potential drawbacks:

  • Very basic loyalty features (no sophisticated campaigns)
  • No wallet integration
  • Limited customization
  • No automated reminders or push notifications
  • No visual stamp card experience

Best for: Very small businesses or those just starting who want to test loyalty without any financial commitment. Upgrade to paid options as you grow and need more features.


5. Paper Stamp Cards - The Baseline

Price: ~$50-200 for printing 1,000 cards | One-time cost

This isn’t a “digital alternative” to Stamp Me - it’s the baseline that all digital solutions are replacing. We’re including it because some businesses genuinely wonder if they need digital at all. Fair question.

Why paper still works for some:

AspectDetails
Zero tech barrierNo apps, no tablets, no wifi needed
No monthly costOne-time print run
FamiliarEvery customer understands stamp cards

Why most businesses upgrade from paper:

  • Cards get lost - customers forget them at home, you lose the repeat visit
  • No data - you can’t track who’s returning, when, or how often
  • Fraud risk - anyone with a stamp can stamp their own card
  • No reminders - digital tools can nudge customers to come back; paper can’t
  • Ongoing printing costs - replacements for lost, damaged, and completed cards add up

The honest test: If you’re running paper cards and they’re working, you don’t need to switch. But if you’re finding half-stamped cards in your tip jar and wondering “are customers actually coming back?” — that’s when digital pays for itself.


Detailed Feature Comparison

Customer Experience

FeatureStamp MeFaveCardLoopy LoyaltySquare LoyaltyLoyverse
App download requiredYesNoNoNoNo
Apple Wallet supportPartialYesYesNoNo
Google Wallet supportPartialYesYesNoNo
Time to enroll2-3 min10 sec15 sec30 sec30 sec
Visual card designYesYesYesNoNo
Lock screen visibilityApp onlyYes (Wallet)Yes (Wallet)NoNo

Business Features

FeatureStamp MeFaveCardLoopy LoyaltySquare LoyaltyLoyverse
Analytics dashboardAdvancedYesAdvancedYesBasic
Automated remindersYesYesYesLimitedNo
Multiple card typesYesYes (3-5)YesLimitedNo
Staff accountsYesUnlimitedYesYesYes
API accessLimitedComingYesYesLimited
Email marketingYesNoYesNoNo
SMS marketingYes (Pro+)NoYesNoNo

Pricing Comparison

Plan LevelStamp MeFaveCardLoopy LoyaltySquare Loyalty
Free tierNoYes ($0 forever)NoNo
Entry plan$49/mo (Lite)$19/mo (Pro)$25/mo (Starter)Varies*
Mid-tier$79/mo (Pro)$69/mo (Growth)Varies*
Advanced$199/mo (Elite)Custom$95/mo (Ultimate)Varies*
Annual discountPromotionalYes (2 months free)N/A

*Square Loyalty pricing varies by plan — check their website for current rates


How to Choose the Right Alternative

Choose FaveCard if:

  • You want the lowest friction for customers (no app download)
  • Budget matters - start free ($0), or Pro at $19/mo saves $360+/year vs Stamp Me
  • You value simplicity over having every possible feature
  • Your customers are tired of downloading apps
  • You’re a small local business (cafe, barbershop, salon)

Choose Loopy Loyalty if:

  • You want wallet convenience with professional depth
  • You need more features than FaveCard but less than Stamp Me
  • You’re willing to pay $25-95/mo for professional features
  • Customization matters and you have specific branding needs

Choose Square Loyalty if:

  • You already use Square for payments
  • You want automatic point earning at checkout
  • You prefer a single ecosystem for everything
  • You don’t need visual stamp cards or wallet integration

Choose Loyverse if:

  • Budget is extremely tight (free option needed)
  • You need a full POS system too
  • Basic loyalty is enough for now
  • You’re just testing if loyalty works for your business

Stay with Stamp Me if:

  • You’re using advanced features (Scratch & Win, Birthday Club)
  • The features you use justify the $49-199/mo cost
  • Your customers have already downloaded the app and use it regularly
  • Technical issues haven’t affected you
  • You need email/SMS marketing built-in

Making the Switch: What to Expect

If you decide to switch from Stamp Me to an alternative:

What You Can’t Transfer

  • Existing customer stamp counts (they’ll need to start fresh)
  • Historical data from Stamp Me
  • Customer app installations (if switching to wallet-based)

Transition Tips

1. Give customers advance notice Announce the change 2-4 weeks before. Explain the benefits of the new system.

Example: “We’re upgrading to a new loyalty system that doesn’t require downloading an app - your card will be in Apple/Google Wallet that’s already on your phone!”

2. Offer a switching bonus Compensate customers for lost progress:

  • “Sign up for our new loyalty card and start with 2 free stamps”
  • “Everyone who switches gets a free coffee on us”

3. Run both systems temporarily Keep Stamp Me active for 2-4 weeks during transition so customers can use existing stamps while enrolling in the new system.

4. Train your staff thoroughly Make sure everyone knows:

  • How to enroll customers in the new system
  • How to scan cards or award points
  • What to say when customers ask about the change

5. Update all your materials

  • New QR codes for the counter
  • Updated social media posts
  • Website changes
  • Email announcement to your customer list

6. Track the transition Monitor how many customers switch in the first week. If adoption is slow, increase the switching bonus or extend the promotion.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stamp Me?

Stamp Me is a digital loyalty card app that replaces paper punch cards. Customers download the Stamp Me app to collect stamps and redeem rewards. It’s been on the market for several years, serves businesses in 24+ countries, and offers features like push notifications, SMS marketing, analytics, and gamification (scratch-and-win, birthday clubs). Pricing starts at $49/month for the Lite plan. It’s one of the more established apps in the digital loyalty space.

Why do people look for Stamp Me alternatives?

Common reasons include pricing concerns (Stamp Me starts at $49/month while alternatives like FaveCard have a permanent Free plan), wanting features Stamp Me doesn’t offer (like seamless Apple/Google Wallet integration), experiencing technical issues with rewards not issuing properly or frequent logouts, or preferring a solution that doesn’t require customers to download another app. Some businesses also find Stamp Me’s feature set too complex when they just need a simple stamp card.

What’s the best Stamp Me alternative?

It depends on your priorities. FaveCard (free forever plan, Pro from $19/month) is best for businesses wanting Apple/Google Wallet integration without requiring customers to download an app. Loopy Loyalty offers comprehensive wallet-based features for multi-location businesses. Square Loyalty works best if you already use Square for payments. Loyverse is best if budget is tight and you can accept basic features. Each has different pricing and trade-offs.

Does Stamp Me require customers to download an app?

Yes, Stamp Me requires customers to download the Stamp Me app from the App Store or Google Play to collect and redeem stamps. This is a key difference from alternatives like FaveCard and Loopy Loyalty, which use Apple Wallet and Google Wallet - apps already on customers’ phones, requiring no additional download. This difference matters because research shows 25% of users abandon apps after first use.

How much does Stamp Me cost compared to alternatives?

Stamp Me offers three plans: Lite ($49/month), Pro ($79/month), and Elite ($199/month). They occasionally run promotional discounts - check their pricing page for current deals. Comparatively, FaveCard has a permanent Free plan ($0 forever) and Pro at $19/month, Loopy Loyalty starts at $25/month, and Loyverse is completely free. Over a year, Stamp Me Lite costs $588 while FaveCard Free costs $0 and Pro costs $228.

Can I transfer my Stamp Me data to a new loyalty app?

No, customer stamp counts and historical data cannot be transferred between loyalty platforms. When switching, most businesses handle this by offering customers a “switching bonus” - like starting with extra stamps on the new system or a free item - to compensate for lost progress and encourage re-enrollment. Communicate the change clearly and give customers 2-4 weeks to transition.

Is Stamp Me still a good choice?

Yes, Stamp Me is a legitimate, working product used by thousands of businesses in 24+ countries. If you’re using its advanced features (Scratch & Win, Birthday Club, email campaigns, SMS marketing) and those features justify the $49-199/month cost for your business, it can be the right choice. Whether it’s the best choice depends on your budget, whether you need wallet integration, and whether your customers will download and keep using another app.


Our Honest Take

We built FaveCard, so obviously we think it’s great. But let us be direct about when you should - and shouldn’t - choose us over Stamp Me.

Choose FaveCard if:

  • Your customers won’t download another app (research says 25% abandon after first use)
  • You want something that works in 5 minutes, not hours
  • Price matters - start free ($0), or Pro at $19/month vs $49/month saves $360/year
  • You value simplicity and speed over having every advanced feature

Don’t choose FaveCard if:

  • You’re actively using Stamp Me’s advanced features (email campaigns, scratch-and-win, birthday clubs, SMS marketing) - they have features we don’t
  • You need API integrations right now (ours is coming soon)
  • You prefer an app-based experience over wallet-native

We’re not trying to be everything for everyone. We built FaveCard specifically for small local businesses - coffee shops, barbershops, salons, bakeries - who want a loyalty program that actually works without the complexity or high price tag.


The Bottom Line

Stamp Me is a feature-rich, established product used by businesses in 24+ countries. If you’re using its advanced features and they justify the cost, it works.

But the data is clear: 25% of users abandon apps after first use, and getting customers to download yet another app is getting harder every year.

If you want the path of least resistance:

  • For customers: No app to download (wallet-based solution)
  • For your budget: Free ($0) or Pro at $19/month instead of $49/month
  • For your staff: 5-minute setup, no complex features to learn

That’s FaveCard. It’s not the most feature-rich option. It’s the one your customers will actually use.

If you need advanced marketing features: Stamp Me Pro or Loopy Loyalty.

If you’re in the Square ecosystem: Square Loyalty.

If budget is extremely tight: Loyverse (free POS with basic loyalty).


Ready to try a Stamp Me alternative?

FaveCard offers everything you need to run a successful loyalty program - without asking customers to download another app.

  • Free forever plan - $0/month, no credit card needed
  • Pro at $19/month - Save $360/year vs Stamp Me
  • Apple & Google Wallet - Cards your customers already have
  • 5-minute setup - Create your first card today
  • Used by cafes, barbershops, and salons - From Kraków to London

Create your free loyalty card — free forever, no credit card needed.


Disclaimer: Pricing and features were accurate at time of writing (February 2026). We recommend checking each provider’s website for current information. FaveCard is our product - we’ve tried to present this comparison fairly, but we’re obviously biased. That said, we genuinely believe the wallet-native approach is better for most small businesses, which is why we built it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stamp Me?

Stamp Me is a digital loyalty card app that replaces paper punch cards. Customers download the Stamp Me app to collect stamps and redeem rewards. It's available in 24+ countries and serves coffee shops, salons, barbershops, and other local businesses. Pricing starts at $49/month for the Lite plan.

Why do people look for Stamp Me alternatives?

Common reasons include pricing concerns (Stamp Me starts at $49/month, while alternatives like FaveCard have a free plan), wanting features Stamp Me doesn't offer (like Apple/Google Wallet integration), technical issues with rewards not issuing properly, or preferring a solution that doesn't require customers to download another app. Some businesses also find Stamp Me's feature set too complex for their simple needs.

What's the best Stamp Me alternative?

It depends on your priorities. FaveCard (free forever plan, Pro from $19/month) is best for businesses wanting Apple/Google Wallet integration without requiring customers to download an app. Loopy Loyalty ($25-95/month) offers comprehensive wallet-based features for multi-location businesses. Square Loyalty works best if you already use Square for payments. Each has different pricing and trade-offs.

Does Stamp Me require customers to download an app?

Yes, Stamp Me requires customers to download the Stamp Me app to collect and redeem stamps. This is a key difference from alternatives like FaveCard, which uses Apple Wallet and Google Wallet - apps already on customers' phones, requiring no additional download.

How much does Stamp Me cost?

Stamp Me pricing starts at $49/month (Lite plan), $79/month (Pro), and $199/month (Elite). They occasionally run promotional discounts - check their pricing page for current deals. Comparatively, FaveCard has a permanent Free plan ($0) and Pro at $19/month, Loopy Loyalty starts at $25/month, and Loyverse offers a free POS with basic loyalty included.

Can I switch from Stamp Me to another loyalty app?

Yes, but you'll need to re-enroll your customers in the new system. Their existing stamps won't transfer. Most businesses announce the switch to customers and offer a bonus (like extra stamps) for signing up with the new program. The transition typically takes 2-4 weeks.

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