Why wallet passes are quietly becoming part of everyday life

We’ve noticed that wallet passes are doing more than just clearing the clutter from our pockets. From the office to the gym, to the airport, they're actually changing how we move through the world.

From sidekick to silent superstar: digital wallet passes

When Apple launched Passbook back in 2012, it felt like a curious side project. It was a neat way to store a boarding pass or a cinema ticket, but nothing that was going to change our lives. It was a nice idea, but it didn't feel like it was going to move the needle for most of us.

Fast forward a decade, and these digital passes have moved from the sidelines to the centre of how we manage access. They aren't just a convenience anymore, they've become the backbone of how we enter buildings, prove our identity, and get where we need to go. Wallet passes arrived without much noise, and now they’re everywhere because they solve a real problem without adding more complexity.

What actually is a wallet pass?

Technically, a wallet pass is just a secure file that sits in your phone’s native wallet app. Apple and Google both provide these as standard on their devices, so you likely already have the software you need.

In practice, it’s the key to your life. It’s your membership card, your hotel room key, and your office ID, all without needing to download another bloated app that you’ll only use once. It works because it stays out of the way, and we’ve always believed that the best interface is often the one you don't even see.

Each wallet pass supports:

• Visuals like colours, logos, and text fields that look familiar.
• Barcodes for when you need to scan your way in.
• NFC for a simple tap to open a door.
• Live updates that happen in the background without you having to do anything.
• Notifications based on where you are or what time it is, so the pass is ready when you arrive.

It’s easy to use, it keeps things simple, and most importantly, it just works.

Why are wallet passes so popular?

We think a few major shifts have come together to make wallet passes the obvious choice for most businesses.

Mobile expectations

People expect to use their phones for everything now. If a brand makes you carry a physical card or log into a clunky website every time you need to show a ticket, they’ve already lost. Wallet passes fit right into that expectation because there’s no login or password to forget, and the pass is always right there on your screen when you need it.

Security that actually works

These passes use the biometrics already built into your phone, like Face ID or your thumbprint. They sit in a secure part of the hardware, which is much harder to bypass than a plastic card. Plus, you can issue or cancel them in a few clicks if someone loses their phone or leaves the company.

Economics and admin

Printing and shipping plastic cards is a hidden drain on time and money, and that doesn't even account for the hassle of programming them. Moving that process to a digital flow makes things much easier for the people running the business, and it removes the need for manual distribution.

Environmentally sensible

Going digital means less waste. We don't need to carry a thick leather wallet full of plastic and paper tickets anymore. It’s better for the planet and it’s much more convenient for the person who just wants to leave the house with their keys and their phone.

Where we’re seeing the biggest shift

Let’s look at where wallet passes are already making traditional cards look like relics of the past.

1. Coworking spaces: access for flexible work

The old way of using plastic fobs and waiting at a reception desk just doesn't work for modern, flexible teams, people want to book a desk and walk straight in. With a wallet pass, they get their access via email, tap their phone on the reader to open the door, find their desk and they’re working. It’s a much better way to handle movement in a building, especially when you need to cancel access quickly when a membership ends.

2. Sports clubs and gyms: membership simplified

Most major gyms have their own apps, but that can be a real pain for the user who just wants to get their workout done. We find that a wallet pass is much simpler because it replaces the physical card without forcing yet another app onto a crowded home screen. It also lets clubs send reminders for classes or rewards directly to the pass.

3. Hotels and resorts: keys in your pocket

Searching for a plastic keycard in your bag while you're standing outside your room is a frustration we’ve all had. Leading brands are moving these keys to the wallet so guests can head straight to their room, open the door with a tap, and get settled. It makes the whole stay feel more fluid, and the pass can simply expire when you check out.

4. Schools and universities: modern campus life

Students today expect their campus to work as well as their phone does. They’re using passes for everything from the library to the dorms, and it feels natural to them because carrying plastic is starting to feel a bit old-fashioned. It’s also a great way for the university to send out real-time alerts or timetable changes.

5. Events and conferences: tickets that stay ready

Waiting in a long queue because someone can’t find their paper ticket is a poor way to start a conference. Wallet ticketing is helping to reduce hold-ups and improve the overall experience for event-goers by making entry as simple as a quick scan or tap. Organisers can update the schedule on the back of the pass, which is much more useful than a piece of paper.

6. Public transport: tap and ride

No one wants to fumble for change or wait at a pay station when they’re in a rush. Tapping a phone to ride makes the whole journey feel more fluid and costs much less for the people running the network. It’s a pragmatic solution to a daily headache.

Use wallet passes in your business

Getting wallet passes into the hands of your users is easier than you might think. If you’re looking to get rid of the plastic and make things easier for your customers, we should talk.

We'd love to hear about what you’re building. Book a Demo Today or drop us a line at hello@passflow.io.