iPhone and Android users find their passes in their respective Apple or Google Wallet app. If they're using Apple Wallet, the passes can even show up on the lock screen when they're needed, such as when they get to the airport or enter a store.

How someone uses the pass, and how you accept it, varies based on the kind of experience you want to provide and the technology you want to use:

Passes can contain barcodes that are scanned in order to obtain information stored in the pass. Wallet supports barcodes using QR, Aztec, PDF417 and Code128 formats. Wallet optimizes the presentation of passes in order to facilitate a successful scan. For example, the screen's orientation locks to portrait and the backlight is temporarily boosted to the brightest setting. However, it's still important to test your passes with the hardware you expect to use for scanning. An optical scanner works between for scanning a smartphone screen than a laser scanner.

If you are not integrating with scanning hardware, you can use the PassKit PassReader app to scan your passes.

Passes offer the convenience of incorporating weblinks, which empower users to seamlessly engage in various actions. Whether it's making purchases from your online store, or accessing exclusive personalized offers, these weblinks enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

In the context of coupons, users can redeem them by simply tapping on a designated link. To facilitate this process, PassKit presents an out-of-the-box solution known as Customer Initiated Redemption (CIR). This feature not only streamlines the coupon redemption experience, but also eliminates the need for complex integration with your Point of Sale (POS) system.

Passes can display text below the barcode. This feature proves valuable for displaying a membership or account number, especially in situations where scanning might not be feasible. If you are not using barcodes an alternative option is to exhibit pertinent information within a designated text field. When it comes to membership cards, another approach is to employ the user's profile image for streamlined basic authentication purposes.

Passes can work with Near Field Communication (NFC) readers for contactless redemption. Users hold their devices near a reader with contactless symbol to use a pass, with no need for a barcode. If you are developing an NFC-enabled you'll need to request an NFC certificate direct from Apple. In addition to the NFC certificate there are a number of strict requirements before you can implement NFC passes.