LoyaltyPass vs Smile.io
Smile.io dominates Shopify e-commerce loyalty. LoyaltyPass is built for physical locations: wallet passes in Apple and Google Wallet, in-store QR scanning, and stamp card programs.
Feature comparison
Side-by-side breakdown of LoyaltyPass vs Smile.io on the features that matter most.
Orange dot = LoyaltyPass advantage. All information based on publicly available data as of 2026.
Where Smile.io wins
- 1
Smile.io is the dominant choice for Shopify e-commerce stores: points, referrals, VIP tiers, and reward notifications all built into the Shopify checkout flow.
- 2
Referral programs are a genuine Smile.io strength: customers can share links and earn points for bringing new buyers, something LoyaltyPass does not offer.
- 3
Smile.io has a large merchant community and extensive documentation for Shopify sellers.
Where LoyaltyPass wins
- 1
LoyaltyPass is built for physical locations. Staff scan customer wallet passes using the free merchant app. Smile.io has no physical-store scan flow.
- 2
LoyaltyPass issues branded passes in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. Customers carry your card everywhere; Smile.io has no wallet pass feature.
- 3
LoyaltyPass supports stamp card programs in addition to points. Smile.io is points and referrals only.
- 4
LoyaltyPass push notifications go directly to the customer's lock screen via the wallet pass. Smile.io notifications are email-based.
Pricing snapshot
Smile.io has a limited free tier and a Starter plan at around $49/month. LoyaltyPass starts at $29/month with wallet passes, push notifications, and full analytics included.
Starter plan. Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, push notifications, analytics, and team accounts included.
- +Apple Wallet + Google Wallet passes
- +Stamp cards, points, and coupons
- +Push notifications included
- +Real-time analytics
- +Team scanner accounts
- +14-day free trial, no credit card
Smile.io has a limited free tier and a Starter plan at around $49/month. LoyaltyPass starts at $29/month with wallet passes, push notifications, and full analytics included.
Visit Smile.io pricing page for current rates.
Which one is right for your business?
Pick Smile.io if...
Shopify-based e-commerce brands that want points, referrals, and VIP tiers tightly integrated with their online store checkout.
Pick LoyaltyPass if...
Brick-and-mortar businesses, cafes, restaurants, salons, and retail stores that need physical-location loyalty with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Smile.io work for physical stores?
- Smile.io is designed for Shopify e-commerce. It does not have a physical-store scan flow. LoyaltyPass is built for brick-and-mortar: staff scan customer wallet passes at the counter using the free merchant app on any smartphone.
- Does LoyaltyPass integrate with Shopify?
- LoyaltyPass does not have a native Shopify integration. It is designed for physical locations where staff scan a wallet pass at the point of service. For Shopify e-commerce, Smile.io is a better fit.
- Can Smile.io issue Apple Wallet or Google Wallet passes?
- No. Smile.io rewards live in a customer's Smile account or on the Shopify storefront. There is no Apple Wallet or Google Wallet pass. LoyaltyPass issues native wallet passes that customers carry on their phone.
- Does LoyaltyPass support referral programs?
- Not currently. Referral programs are a Smile.io strength. LoyaltyPass focuses on visit-based loyalty for physical locations: stamps, points, push notifications, and wallet passes.
- How do push notifications compare between the two?
- Smile.io sends reward notifications via email. LoyaltyPass sends push notifications via the wallet pass, delivered directly to the customer's lock screen without requiring an email to be opened.
Ready to try LoyaltyPass?
14-day free trial. No credit card required. Setup takes under 10 minutes.
Starting at $29/month · Apple Wallet & Google Wallet · No customer app required