Introduction
When creating passes in PassKit, one of the most common questions we receive is: "Should I use a single-use or multi-use pass template for my use case?"
While the answer may seem obvious—single-use passes are for one-time redemption, and multi-use passes are for repeated use—some scenarios can be less clear. This guide will help you decide which template to use by providing clear examples and considerations.
Multi-Use Passes
Best for Ongoing Access or Benefits
Multi-use passes are designed for repeated scanning or redemption without being invalidated after a single use.
Common Use Cases for Multi-Use Passes
Loyalty Cards – Earn points with each purchase.
Membership Cards – Gym memberships, VIP club access.
Stored Value Cards – Balances that deduct per use (e.g., Gift Cards).
Business Cards – Digital cards shown repeatedly with contacts.
Season Passes – Unlimited entry to an event or venue over a period.
Multi-Use Pass Templates
If you are choosing a template from the Pass Designer, the following Pass Templates are Multi-Use Passes:
Basic Loyalty
Basic Membership
Policy Pass
Gym Pass
Business Card
Coffee Pass
Example Scenarios
"I’m creating a loyalty card where customers earn points every time they buy coffee. Should this be single-use or multi-use?"
➡ Multi-use – The pass should remain valid and update with new points after each purchase.
"I’m creating a staff card where staff get 15% off their purchases when they show their card. Should this be single-use or multi-use?"
➡ Multi-use – The discount applies repeatedly, not just once.
Single-Use Passes
Best for One-Time Redemption
Single-use passes are ideal when a pass should be redeemed once and then invalidated. Once scanned or used, they cannot be reused.
Common Use Cases for Single-Use Passes
Event Tickets – Once scanned for entry, the ticket should no longer be valid.
Coupons & Discounts – A one-time discount that expires after redemption.
Boarding Passes – Valid only for a single flight.
Ride Tickets (e.g., amusement parks, transit) – One-time access to a ride or service.
Purchase-Linked Credits – A credit tied to a specific transaction (e.g., "$5 off your next coffee" after a purchase).
Single-Use Pass Templates
If you are choosing a template from the Pass Designer, the following Pass Templates are Single-Use Passes:
Movie Ticket
Nuggets
Basic Coupon
Basic Event Ticket
Example Scenarios
"I’m creating a coupon for 10% off a customer’s first purchase. Should this be single-use or multi-use?"
➡ Single-use – The coupon should only work once per customer.
"I’m creating an entry pass for a one-night-only event. Should this be single-use or multi-use?"
➡ Single-use – The event ticket should only work once per customer.
Still Unsure?
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Will this pass be scanned or tapped multiple times?
If yes → Multi-use.
If no (one scan / tap only) → Single-use.
Is the pass tied to a single transaction or event?
If yes → Single-use.
If no (ongoing value) → Multi-use.
Should the pass expire or deactivate after one use?
If yes → Single-use.
If no → Multi-use.
Can I Experiment Before Deciding?
Yes! If you're still unsure, you can:
Create test passes in both formats and see which works best.
Use PassKit’s PassReader app to simulate scans and redemptions.
Check our API docs to see how passes behave after updates.
Final Thoughts
Single-use passes = One-and-done (coupons, tickets, one-time credits).
Multi-use passes = Ongoing value (loyalty cards, memberships, reloadable credits).
If you’re still stuck, feel free to contact our support team with your specific use case—we’re happy to help!