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Scanner App - Processing Cashback Cards - Calculating Purchase Cashback

Learn how to process cashback card transactions with the Scanner App. Complete guide to scanning cards, adding cashback with automatic tier-based calculations, redeeming points, and troubleshooting transactions.

Michael Francis avatar
Written by Michael Francis
Updated this week

Scanner App - Processing Cashback Cards

Overview

The Scanner App allows you to process cashback card transactions in real-time, whether adding cashback from purchases or redeeming accumulated points. This guide covers the complete workflow for cashback card operations using the scanner.

What you can do:

  • Scan customer cards or search by customer details

  • Add cashback based on purchase amounts (automatic % calculation)

  • Redeem points for purchases

  • View real-time customer card information and transaction history

  • Process transactions even when customers don't have their phone

Before You Begin

Requirements:

Important: The Scanner App always displays current, real-time information from the customer's card, including their current cashback tier percentage, point balance, and profile details.


Scanning a Customer Card

Method 1: Camera Scan

Step 1: Tap the Scan button on the main screen

Step 2: Allow camera access if prompted (first-time only)

  • The camera will activate automatically

  • Position the customer's card QR code within the frame

  • The app scans and loads the card automatically

Method 2: Manual Search

If the customer doesn't have their card available, you can search for them:

Step 1: Tap the Search button (magnifying glass icon)

Step 2: Enter customer information in any of these fields:

  • Name - Customer's first or last name

  • Phone number - Mobile number used during card installation

  • Email - Email address from their profile

  • Card serial number - Unique identifier on the card

Step 3: Select the correct customer from search results

When to use manual search:

  • Customer forgot their phone

  • Card won't scan due to screen damage or brightness issues

  • Processing phone orders where card isn't physically present

  • Faster for repeat customers you know by name


Adding Cashback from Purchases

Once a customer card is loaded, follow this workflow to add cashback points:

Transaction Process

Step 1: Review the customer's current information displayed on screen:

  • Current point balance

  • Current cashback tier and percentage

  • Last transaction date

  • Card installation date

  • Customer contact details

Step 2: Enter the purchase amount

  • Use the Enter Purchase Amount field

  • Enter the total purchase value (before any discounts or point redemptions)

  • The system automatically calculates cashback points based on the customer's current tier percentage

Step 3: Tap the Add Points button

  • Points are calculated instantly using the customer's tier percentage

  • A confirmation popup appears showing the transaction details

Step 4: Review and confirm

  • Verify the purchase amount is correct

  • Check the calculated points match expectations

  • Tap Add to complete the transaction

Result: Points are immediately added to the customer's card and visible in their wallet.

Understanding Automatic Calculation

The Scanner App automatically applies the customer's current cashback percentage to calculate points:

Example calculations:

  • Customer at 5% tier with $100 purchase = 5 points added

  • Customer at 10% tier with $50 purchase = 5 points added

  • Customer at 15% tier with $200 purchase = 30 points added

The calculation happens instantly, and customers automatically advance to higher tiers as they accumulate qualifying points according to your cashback card settings.


Redeeming Points

Allow customers to pay for purchases using accumulated points:

Redemption Process

Step 1: After scanning the customer card, tap the Redeem tab

Step 2: Enter the number of points to redeem

  • Check the customer's available balance (displayed on screen)

  • Enter only the points the customer wants to use for this transaction

  • Points can represent monetary value according to your redemption settings

Step 3: Tap the Redeem Points button

Step 4: Review the confirmation window

  • Double-check the redemption amount

  • Add an optional internal comment if needed (not visible to customer)

  • Tap Redeem to process

Step 5: Confirm the transaction

  • Points are immediately deducted from the customer's balance

  • Transaction appears in their history

Important: Verify the customer has sufficient points before processing redemption. The app will prevent over-redemption automatically.

Partial Redemptions

Customers can use points for partial payment:

Example workflow:

  1. Customer makes a $50 purchase

  2. Customer wants to redeem 25 points ($25 value)

  3. You process two separate transactions:

    • First: Redeem 25 points

    • Then: Charge remaining $25 to add 2.5 points (at 10% tier)

This allows customers to maximize their benefits while continuing to earn on remaining balances.


Customer Information Display

Below the transaction buttons, the scanner shows comprehensive customer and card data:

Customer Details

  • Name provided during card installation

  • Contact information (phone/email)

  • Customer registration date

Card Information

  • Current point balance - Total redeemable points

  • Cashback level - Current tier and percentage

  • Card installation date - When customer added card to wallet

  • Last accrual date - Most recent points addition

  • Transaction history - Recent purchases and redemptions

This information updates in real-time with every transaction, ensuring you always work with current data.


Best Practices

For Efficient Processing

Ask before scanning: "Do you have your loyalty card ready, or should I search by phone number?" This speeds up repeat customers.

Verify amounts clearly: Always confirm the purchase total with the customer before adding points to prevent errors.

Explain tier benefits: When customers are close to the next tier, let them know: "You're only 15 points away from 10% cashback!"

Process in order: Always complete redemptions before adding new points to avoid confusion in the same transaction.

For Accurate Records

Use comments for exceptions: When processing unusual redemptions or adjustments, add internal comments for tracking.

Double-check large transactions: For high-value purchases, verify the amount before confirming to prevent costly mistakes.

Monitor real-time data: Always check the displayed customer information before processing to catch any account issues.

For Customer Experience

Announce their balance: "You have 47 points available - would you like to redeem any today?"

Celebrate tier advances: When a transaction moves someone to a new tier: "Great news! You've just reached 10% cashback on future purchases."

Be prepared for questions: Know your redemption value (e.g., "Each point is worth $1") so you can quickly help customers decide.


Troubleshooting

Card Won't Scan

Problem: QR code doesn't scan when using camera

Solutions:

  • Increase phone screen brightness

  • Clean phone screen if smudged

  • Use manual search as backup method

  • Try holding the phone at different angles

Incorrect Cashback Calculation

Problem: Points don't match expected amount

Solutions:

  • Verify customer's current tier percentage on screen

  • Check if customer recently advanced tiers

  • Confirm purchase amount entered correctly

  • Review cashback card settings in admin panel

Points Don't Appear After Transaction

Problem: Customer says points weren't added

Solutions:

  • Ask customer to pull down to refresh their wallet

  • Wait 10-15 seconds for sync (especially on slower connections)

  • Verify transaction completed (check confirmation appeared)

  • Check transaction history in customer profile dashboard

Customer Not Found in Search

Problem: Manual search returns no results

Solutions:

  • Try alternative search fields (email instead of phone)

  • Check for typos in customer information

  • Verify customer has installed their card

  • Confirm you're searching the correct card program

Redemption Exceeds Balance

Problem: Customer wants to redeem more points than available

Solutions:

  • Show customer their current balance on screen

  • Explain exact redemption value

  • Offer partial redemption for available balance

  • Suggest they check for any pending transactions


FAQ

Q: Can I process transactions when the customer doesn't have their phone?

A: Yes, use the manual search feature. You can find customers by name, phone number, email, or card serial number. This is perfect for phone orders or when customers forget their device.

Q: What happens if I enter the wrong purchase amount?

A: You cannot edit a completed transaction in the Scanner App. If you make an error, contact your account administrator to adjust the transaction in the customer profile dashboard.

Q: Do points calculate differently at different tiers?

A: Yes, the Scanner App automatically uses the customer's current tier percentage. A customer at the 5% tier earns fewer points per dollar than at the 10% tier. The tier percentage is always displayed on the transaction screen.

Q: Can customers redeem points immediately after earning them?

A: Yes, points are available for redemption immediately after being added. However, it's best practice to complete any redemptions before adding new points from a purchase.

Q: How do I know when a customer advances to a new tier?

A: When a transaction pushes a customer to a new tier, their updated tier percentage will display on screen before the next transaction. You can also see tier progression in their customer profile.

Q: What does the "last accrual date" tell me?

A: This shows when points were most recently added to the customer's card. It helps identify inactive customers or verify recent transactions.

Q: Can I add comments that customers can see?

A: No, comments added during redemption are internal only and not visible to customers. They're for your records and team communication.

Q: What if a customer's card shows an unexpected balance?

A: The Scanner App displays real-time data from the server. If the balance seems incorrect, check the transaction history in the customer profile dashboard. You may need to investigate recent redemptions or manual adjustments.

Q: Can multiple staff members scan the same customer simultaneously?

A: The system handles concurrent access, but best practice is to complete one transaction before another staff member begins processing. This prevents confusion and ensures accurate record-keeping.

Q: How do I handle returns or refunds?

A: Returns and refunds must be processed through the customer profile dashboard in your admin panel. You can adjust points or reverse transactions there. The Scanner App is designed for point-of-sale transactions only.

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