This guide explains the four different options available for setting expiry dates on your multi-use passes, making it easier to manage your membership and loyalty programs. Understanding these options will help you choose the best approach for your specific needs.
You can set the expiry date through tier settings.
Accessing Expiry Settings
Navigate to your Project: Within your Membership or Loyalty Card project, access the Design Tab.
Tier Settings: Click on the Settings icon next to the Tier you want to adjust. (Repeat this step for each Tier if you have multiple).you want to adjust (note that you will need to do this for all Tiers if you have more than one Tier).
Expiry Settings Control: In the Tier Settings Tab, locate the "Expiry Settings" drop down menu.
Remember to click SAVE CHANGES once you have made your selection
Expiry Options Explained
Does not expire
Description: This option creates a pass with indefinite validity.
Example: Use this for lifetime memberships or programs without a set end date.
Things to Note:
Avoid including an "Expiry Date" field on your pass design if you choose this option.
Consider using your terms and conditions to communicate a "soft expiry date".
Fixed period after enrolment
Description: Set a specific duration (in days) for a pass' validity after it's issued.
Example: Offer a year's membership? Set this to 365 days.
Things to Note:
PassKit automatically calculates the expiry date based on the pass creation date.
PassKit won't automatically update expiry dates. To modify, you'll need to:
Manually update the date in the PassKit portal for a specific member, or
Update expiry dates using the PassKit API or no-code automations.
If you later change the number of days, the expiry date on passes already issued will not change.
Expires on a fixed date
Description: Define the exact date (day, month, year) when a pass will expire.
Example: Use this for seasonal memberships (e.g., gym expiring at summer's end) or limited-time promotions.
Things to Note:
PassKit uses the chosen date as the expiry date upon issuance.
PassKit won't automatically update expiry dates. For a different end date in a future program:
Set up a new tier or a separate project.
To update a specific pass' expiry date:
Manually update the date in the PassKit portal for a specific member.
Update expiry dates using the PassKit API or no-code automations.
If you later change the fixed date, only passes issued after that time will reflect the new expiry date.
Expiry date provided on issue
Description: For advanced users integrating with APIs, Zapier/Make, or using CSV imports, this option allows automatic expiry date setting based on your data.
Example: Use this if your membership system manages expiry dates and provides them during pass issuance.
Things to Note:
Requires some technical knowledge of data import procedures.
Ensure your data accurately reflects the desired expiry date. Incorrect formats can prevent pass creation.
Changing Expiry Settings
New Settings Apply to New Passes Only: If you update your expiry settings, the change will only affect passes issued after you save the new settings.
Previously Issued Passes will NOT automatically update: Passes already issued will keep their original expiry date set at the time of issuance.
Example:
You initially set passes to expire 365 days after issuance.
On July 5th, you change the setting to expire after 182 days.
Passes issued before July 5th: These passes will still expire 365 days after their original issuance date.
e.g. a pass issued on June 30, 2024 will expire on June 30, 2025.
Passes issued on or after July 5th: These passes will expire 182 days after their issuance date.
e.g. a pass issued on July 26, 2024 will expire on January 24, 2025.
To update expiry dates for existing passes, you'll need to do so manually.
After Expiry
Automatic Hiding: Once a pass expires, Apple Wallet and Google Wallet automatically hide it by moving it to the Expired folder within the wallet app.
Restoring Visibility: If you update the expiry date on a pass before it's permanently deleted from your PassKit account, it won't automatically reappear in the main wallet view.
In this case, inform your members to locate the pass in the Expired folder and manually "Unhide" it.
How to unhide a pass in Apple Wallet: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102544
Additional Considerations
Pass Updates: Regardless of the expiry setting, you can update information or visuals on active passes. This is useful for communicating changes or promotions.
Expiry Notifications: It's good practice to send reminders to users approaching expiry. This allows them to renew or take advantage of expiring benefits.
PassKit doesn't send automated reminders. You'll need to decide on sending messages or updating a field on the pass itself.
By understanding these options and considerations, you can effectively set expiry dates that enhance your program and user experience.
Further Information