Introduction

PassReader is PassKit's official scanning and validation app for loyalty cards, memberships, coupons, event tickets and other digital passes created using the PassKit platform.

Designed for frontline staff, event teams, reception desks, retail locations and kiosk deployments, PassReader enables teams to scan, validate and manage passes directly from a mobile device.

Whether you're checking in event attendees, redeeming coupons, validating memberships or managing loyalty programme activity, PassReader provides a simple and secure way to interact with PassKit-powered passes.

What is PassReader?

PassReader is a mobile application that connects directly to the PassKit platform.

Using PassReader, authorised users can scan supported barcodes and QR codes on digital wallet passes and perform actions such as:

Validating passes
Checking members in or out
Redeeming coupons and offers
Validating tickets
Managing loyalty programme activity
Viewing passholder information

All actions are performed in real time against your PassKit account, helping ensure that staff always have access to the latest pass information.

When should I use PassReader?

PassReader is ideal when your staff need a dedicated application for scanning and managing PassKit-powered passes.

Common use cases include:

Loyalty programme enrolment and redemption
Membership validation
Event check-in and ticket validation
Coupon and offer redemption
Retail and hospitality operations
Reception and front desk workflows
Shared-device and kiosk deployments

If your team needs a simple, reliable way to interact with digital passes, PassReader is usually the quickest way to get started.

When might I not need PassReader?

PassReader is only one way to work with PassKit passes.

Many organisations already have their own point-of-sale (POS), ticketing, membership, CRM or operational systems that include barcode scanning capabilities.

In these situations, it is often possible to integrate PassKit directly with your existing systems using APIs, webhooks or integration platforms such as Zapier and Make.

If your staff already scan barcodes within an existing application, you may not need PassReader at all.

PassReader is best viewed as a dedicated scanning and validation application for PassKit. It does not automatically connect to third-party POS, CRM, ticketing or membership systems.

Key Features

PassReader includes a range of capabilities designed to support day-to-day operations:

Real-time pass validation
Fast barcode and QR code scanning
Batch Scan Mode
Member management tools
Coupon redemption
Ticket validation
Check-In Only Mode
In-app notifications
Biometric authentication
Light and Dark themes
Multi-language support
Shared-device security controls

Detailed information about each feature is available in the related PassReader help articles.

Important Requirements

Before using PassReader, there are a few requirements to be aware of.

Passes must be created in PassKit

PassReader is designed to work with passes created and managed using the PassKit platform.

The Pass ID must be encoded in the barcode

PassReader relies on the Pass ID being embedded within the barcode or QR code. If the Pass ID is not present, PassReader cannot validate or manage the pass.

A PassKit user account is required

Users must log in with a valid PassKit username and password to access PassReader.

If multiple staff members require access, additional PassKit users may be required depending on your subscription and operational requirements.

Available actions depend on configuration

The actions available within PassReader depend on your pass type, programme configuration and the permissions configured within your PassKit account.

Download PassReader

PassKit PassReader is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Here’s how to get started:

For iOS Devices

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Search for “PassKit PassReader”.
Download and install the app.

For Android Devices

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Search for “PassKit PassReader”.
Download and install the app.

Once installed:

Open PassReader.
Sign in using your PassKit username and password.
Select the programme or account you wish to access.
Start scanning and validating passes.

Configuring PassReader

PassReader behaviour can be configured from within the PassKit Portal.

To manage PassReader settings:

Log in to the PassKit Portal:
- Go to the PassKit website and log in using your credentials.
Navigate to the PassReader page:
- Select “App Settings” from the menu.
Configure Allowed Actions:
- From the PassReader settings, you can enable or disable specific actions that users can perform within the app.
- These settings ensure that the app is tailored to your business’s specific needs and workflows.
Save Your Changes:
- After configuring the allowed actions, click “SAVE CONFIGURATION” to apply the changes. These settings will sync with the PassReader app the next time it is used.

Pricing

PassReader is included with your PassKit subscription.

There is no separate fee for the application itself. However, depending on your deployment requirements, you may need additional PassKit user accounts for staff who require access.

For detailed guidance on specific features, see: