Who this is for: Athletic directors, school administrators, and event managers deciding between QR Code and Tap at Gate ticketing for their events.
Bound offers two ways for fans to check in with their digital tickets: QR Code and Tap at Gate. This guide compares the two so you can pick the right ticketing technology for your school.
QR Code vs. Tap at Gate
Info | QR Code | Tap at Gate |
Fan needs an electronic device? | Optional — most fans show the code on their phone, but it can also be printed or screenshotted | Yes — tickets only display on a device |
Print a paper ticket? | Yes, from the ticket email | No |
Add to Apple/Google Wallet? | Yes- users must be logged in. | No |
Check-in speed | Fast, but slightly slower than Tap at Gate | Fastest — fans check themselves in |
School needs scanning devices at the gate? | Yes — a Bound Card Reader or any device with a camera or QR scanner | No — fans use their own devices |
Works from a screenshot? | Yes — a screenshot of the QR code scans fine | No — ticket must be opened live |
How does QR Code check-in work?
With QR Code ticketing, every ticket includes a QR code that gate workers scan as fans enter. Most fans will show the QR code right on their phone from the ticket email, a screenshot, or their Apple / Google Wallet. Fans without a device aren't left out, though; the QR code can also be printed from the ticket email and shown on paper.
Your school will need at least one device at the gate to scan tickets. This can be a Bound Card Reader or any device with a camera or QR scanner.
How does Tap at Gate check-in work?
With Tap at Gate, fans open their ticket on their own phone and tap to check themselves in as they enter. Because fans pull the ticket up on their own devices, your school does not need to provide scanning devices or station gate workers with technology, and the process is far quicker compared to QR Code check-in.
Tap at Gate tickets only work on an electronic device. They cannot be printed, added to Apple or Google Wallet, or shown as a screenshot.
Tap at Gate tickets only work on an electronic device. They cannot be printed, added to Apple or Google Wallet, or shown as a screenshot.
Which setup should my school choose?
Choose QR Code if you want the most flexibility in how fans present tickets. Fans can use their phone like normal, but those without a device — like younger students — can print or screenshot the code instead.
Choose Tap at Gate if you want the fastest check-in with the least equipment. Fans handle check-in themselves on their own phones, so your gate workers don't need scanners or devices.