Merchant Support

Yes! CardStar features SyncScan™, our advanced system for rendering barcodes. This new technology allows for successful scanning with most merchants using handheld scanning guns. Scanning success will also vary depend upon device. See also our FAQ’s below which discuss Tips for Scanning on specific platforms.

Handheld imaging (CCD) scanners are ideal for use with CardStar. They tend to work consistently across all platforms. We have also found many newer model laser scanners to work well in the lab and field. In particular, Symbol handheld scanners work very well including the Symbol 2208, Symbol 4208 and 4268 cordless. For a complete list of compatible scanners, please contact

1. Make sure the screen is free of dust and fingerprints. The screen MUST be clean in order to scan properly.
2. Keep the screen just shy of perpendicular to the scanner and hold the barcode image steady (don't wave around).
3. Hold the screen approximately 5-7 inches from the scanning device.
4. Keep the screen in a vertical (portrait) orientation. Only use horizontal (landscape) orientation when the barcode is too wide to display otherwise.
5. Set your screen brightness to 80% or higher for best scanning results.
6. Avoid screen protector covers which can hinder the laser from reading the barcode off the screen. Some screen protectors can work fine and not hinder the scanning process. If you are looking for alternative screen protectors please email as we have tested a number of covers in our lab and can give suggestions for specific compatible brands.
7. Avoid flatbed scanners, which can be problematic for scanning off of phones. Instead stick to handheld scanners, which allow the laser scanner to read effectively off the phone screen. NOTE: some users have reported successful scanning off of flatbeds but only under very specific circumstances so its easiest to stick to handhelds.

Simply go to the Add a Card section of our website where you can request to get your card added. For small merchants with a few locations or stores, take advantage of CardStar Local or Hyper Local services. For a low monthly fee, become part of the CardStar community, discover branded in-store promotional materials and further develop your relationship with your customers by providing messages and coupons via the CardStar app. Click here for more information.

For national merchants or large regional retail chains, reach your customers like never before! Increase your customers’ convenience with pinpoint messages and promotions via the CardStar app. Click here for more information.

For other membership or not-for-profit organizations, please contact us for more information.

CardStar is a mobile application that can be used on any iPhone or iPod touch, Android, or BlackBerry device. We are working on reaching platforms like Windows Phone, Palm and others in the future. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for the latest product updates and merchant additions.

Depending on the users device, CardStar can be downloaded for FREE from the iTunes Store, Android Market or BlackBerry App World. CardStar is also available to download directly from our web site for Android and BlackBerry users.

We have a dedicated support page for customers on this site.

For national merchants or large regional retail chains, we are willing to explore strategic relationships that include licensing technology. For more information, please contact .

No, membership numbers entered into our application are never transferred to us. We also do NOT access or otherwise collect any other information that directly personally identifies a CardStar user. We do collect certain technical and usage data including information about how and when the CardStar application is being used. However, this information does not directly personally identify shoppers and CardStar will only use and share this information in a manner that does not personally identify any individual user.