Scanner App Pro is a separate, standalone scanning tool — it is not a replacement for the standard Scanner App. Perkstar offers two scanner apps:

Both apps work with all card types and process the same transactions. Scanner App Pro has all the same features as the standard Scanner App plus 2D barcode scanner support — so there's no need to use both. The difference is how you scan: camera only (Scanner App) vs camera and 2D barcode scanner (Scanner App Pro).

Scanner App Pro is currently in beta and is being continuously improved.

Scanner App Pro works in any modern browser, but for the best experience, install it as an app on your device.

Once installed, the app opens full-screen without browser bars — just like a native app.

The app loads your loyalty programmes automatically.

Note: If the app has been idle for a long time (e.g., overnight), your session may expire. The app signs you out automatically and shows "Your session expired" — just sign in again.

When switched on, the app listens for a connected 2D barcode scanner (USB or Bluetooth). Scanning a customer's card automatically processes the action.

When switched off, scanning opens the full customer profile where staff choose what to do manually.

If you've made changes on the Perkstar dashboard (added new cards, changed settings), tap the Refresh Settings banner to pull in those changes.

The bottom half of the screen shows recent activity:

Tap any entry to see full details.

The app has three scanning modes. Choose which one to use in Settings.

Best for high-volume businesses where speed matters.

Pros: Fastest possible workflow. Cons: No chance to review before confirming.

Best for most businesses. Balances speed with accuracy.

Pros: Staff can verify the right customer before confirming. Cons: One extra tap per scan.

Best for businesses that need to enter amounts or add notes.

Pros: Full control over every action. Cons: Slower — requires more taps.

If you don't have a 2D barcode scanner, you can use your device's camera:

Supported barcode types: QR codes, PDF-417, Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, Aztec.

Tip: Hold the camera steady about 15–20cm from the barcode with good lighting.

Tap the Search button on the home screen to find customers without scanning:

Note: Phone numbers and emails are partially hidden (e.g., j***@email.com) for privacy.

When you open a customer's profile (via camera scan, search, or manual mode), you'll see:

Add tab — Record a visit, add stamps, add points, or record a purchase (depending on card type).

Redeem tab — Redeem available rewards. Only shows when the customer has rewards available. Tap a reward tier to select it, then tap Redeem.

Note: The Subtract tab has been removed to prevent accidental deductions. Use the Redeem tab for reward redemptions.

Each scan records a visit and adds stamps toward a reward. One visit per scan (locked to prevent fraud). When enough stamps are collected, the Redeem tab appears.

Records a visit or adds points depending on the programme type. Customers earn points or visits toward redeemable reward tiers.

Uses a visit (subtracts from remaining visits). Each scan deducts one visit. The display shows remaining visits.

Records a visit or uses a visit depending on the tier configuration. Automatically routes to the correct action based on the membership tier's limits.

Redeems the coupon. Single-use coupons are used up after redemption. The display shows the coupon name and discount value.

Records a transaction amount. Staff enters the purchase amount and the system calculates cashback automatically. The display shows the current cashback balance.

Adds funds or redeems balance. Staff enters the amount to add or redeem. The display shows the current balance in currency.

Records a transaction. The configured discount is applied automatically. The display shows the discount percentage.

When a customer has a reward available and you scan their card, you'll see a reward prompt.

Tip: If a customer doesn't want to use their reward right now, tap Record Visit Only to add the visit without redeeming.

Scanner App Pro requires a 2D barcode scanner. 1D barcode scanners are not supported — they cannot read QR codes, which is how Perkstar loyalty cards are scanned.

Important: A 2D barcode scanner is a separate physical device that connects to your tablet, phone, or computer — it does not work on its own. You still need Scanner App Pro open and running on your device. The barcode scanner simply replaces the camera as the way you scan cards, giving you a faster, hands-free experience. Think of it as a wireless (or wired) accessory for the device running the app.

Note: Perkstar does not provide barcode scanners — you purchase your own. Any 2D barcode scanner will work. If you're looking for a recommendation, the Sunmi Blink is a model we've tested and recommend.

Important: The scanner must be in HID (keyboard) mode, not SPP (serial) mode. Check your scanner's manual for how to switch modes.

Tip: If the Bluetooth scanner works in Search but not on the home screen, make sure Kiosk Mode is toggled on.

Tap the menu button (three lines) in the top right to open Settings.

Each loyalty programme (card template) has its own toggle. Auto-Accrual on means the card processes automatically when scanned. Auto-Accrual off means scanning always opens the full customer profile.

Some card types cannot use auto mode (e.g., cashback, gift cards, discount cards). These toggles will be greyed out with an explanation of why.

Quick Confirmation — When enabled, auto-mode cards show a brief confirmation popup before processing. When disabled, cards process instantly with no confirmation.

Cooldown — The minimum time between scans on the same card. Prevents accidental double-scans. Range: 10 seconds to 24 hours. Default: 10 seconds. Adjust with the slider.

Sound — Enable or disable success/error sounds and haptic vibration feedback.

Prompt for Rewards — When enabled, the app shows a reward redemption screen if the customer has rewards available. When disabled, rewards are skipped and only the configured action is performed.

Language — Choose from 44 supported languages. The entire app interface changes to the selected language.

Tap Check for Updates to pull the latest settings from your Perkstar dashboard. Use this after adding new loyalty programmes, changing programme settings, or modifying reward tiers. The app shows a message confirming what changed.

Protect the app with a 4-digit PIN to prevent unauthorised access.

Enter your 4-digit PIN. The app unlocks automatically after the 4th digit.

Tap Sign Out at the bottom of the lock screen. You'll need to sign in again with your email and password.

The app has limited offline capability. Here's how it works:

Queued items are saved to the device, so they survive even if you close the app.

Important: Offline mode only works if the card was already fetched while you were online. If you've been offline for a while and a new customer walks up, the initial card lookup will fail — it requires an internet connection. Offline mode covers the specific scenario where the connection drops between loading the card and completing the transaction.

Your session has expired. The app signs you out automatically — just sign in again. This happens after extended periods of inactivity.

Check your internet connection. If you were mid-transaction, the action will be queued and sync when you're back online.

The action you're trying to perform isn't compatible with this card. For example, trying to subtract stamps from a stamp card. Use the correct action (Add or Redeem) for the card type.

Tap the Refresh Settings banner on the home screen, or go to Settings and tap Check for Updates to pull new programmes from your dashboard.

Sign out and sign back in. If the issue persists, clear your browser cache and reload the page.

Make sure your programme settings are correct on the Perkstar dashboard, then tap Check for Updates in the Scanner App Pro settings.

The app supports 44 languages: English, English (UK), Arabic, Bengali, Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Estonian, Finnish, French, French (Canadian), German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Armenian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kazakh, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese (Brazilian), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Uzbek, Vietnamese.

Change the language in Settings at any time.

They are two separate apps. The standard Scanner App (at app.perkstar.co.uk/scanner-app/) is the default scanner included on all plans — it uses your device's camera to scan QR codes. Scanner App Pro (at scan.perkstar.co.uk) is an additional option on Growth and Scale plans that supports connected 2D barcode scanners (USB and Bluetooth), kiosk mode, multiple scanning modes, and offline capability. Both apps process the same transactions on the same card types — the difference is how you scan.

The standard Scanner App is the default and is suitable for most businesses. If you're on a Growth or Scale plan and want to connect a 2D barcode scanner for a hands-free experience, Scanner App Pro has all the same features as the standard Scanner App plus barcode scanner support — so there's no need to use both. Choose whichever one suits your workflow.

No. Scanner App Pro has all the same features as the standard Scanner App plus 2D barcode scanner support. If you're using Scanner App Pro, there's no need to also use the standard Scanner App.

Yes. Scanner App Pro is included with Growth and Scale plans at no extra cost. It is currently in beta.

Scanner App Pro is available at scan.perkstar.co.uk. It is not accessed through the dashboard. If you need help getting set up, contact us via chat or email support@perkstar.co.uk.

Only partially. If a customer's card was already loaded while you were online and the connection drops before the transaction completes, the action is queued and syncs when you're back online. However, you cannot scan a new customer's card from scratch while fully offline — the initial card lookup requires an internet connection.

No. Perkstar loyalty cards use QR codes, which require a 2D barcode scanner to read. 1D scanners (the type that only read simple barcodes like those on retail products) are not compatible.

You need both. The 2D barcode scanner is an accessory that connects to a tablet, phone, or computer where Scanner App Pro is running. The scanner reads the customer's QR code and sends it to the app on your device, which then processes the transaction. The barcode scanner does not work on its own.

No. You purchase your own 2D barcode scanner. Any 2D barcode scanner will work with Scanner App Pro. If you need a recommendation, the Sunmi Blink is a model we've tested and recommend.

Make sure Kiosk Mode is toggled on. For Bluetooth scanners, confirm the scanner is paired and in HID keyboard mode (not SPP serial mode). Try scanning into the Search field first to verify the scanner is connected. Also confirm you're using a 2D barcode scanner — 1D scanners cannot read QR codes and are not supported.

Tap the Refresh Settings banner on the home screen, or go to Settings and tap Check for Updates to pull new programmes from your dashboard.

Sign out and sign back in. If the issue persists, clear your browser cache and reload the page.

If you're having trouble with Scanner App Pro or setting up your 2D barcode scanner, email support@perkstar.co.ukand we'll help you get set up.