How members' clubs can benefit from digital wallet passes

Published on 26th November 2025

If we’re going to be honest, carrying around a plastic membership card is a bit of a nuisance. They end up lost down the back of the sofa, left on the kitchen counter, or in the hands of someone who shouldn't have them. It’s not the way a modern club should treat its members, and it certainly doesn't help the flow of people moving through your space.

But those days could soon be over thanks to digital wallet passes that live inside Apple Wallet and Google Pay. Most private members' clubs are built on the idea of being exclusive and safe. Moving your membership to a digital format is a practical way to make the daily life of a member much smoother without the usual faff of physical cards.

Why wallet passes for members' clubs make sense

Keeping things exclusive

A members' club is defined by its atmosphere. A scuffed plastic card that’s been rattling around in a wallet for months doesn't exactly feel premium. Digital passes can be designed with your own branding: your logos, your colours, and your images. Every time a member opens their phone, it looks sharp and acts as a digital badge they can be proud of. It feels much more aligned with a high-end service than a piece of printed plastic ever could.

Solid security

One of the biggest headaches for any club is when members lend their cards to friends so they can grab a drink or use the gym. It happens more than most managers care to admit. Digital wallet passes are tied to one device, so they can't be passed around or texted to someone else. We use NFC technology to scan these passes, which proves the card is the real deal and belongs to the person standing there. It cuts out the guesswork and stops those awkward conversations at the front door.

Making it about the individual

If you want a member to feel like they belong, their name should be front and centre. A digital pass puts their name, their membership level, and their specific details right in their pocket. We can send live updates or notes directly to the pass. If you want to let a specific person know their favourite table is ready, you can send a notification straight to their phone. It’s about being helpful without the unnecessary noise of corporate jargon.

What members' clubs can do with wallet passes

Quick identification

You can forget about squinting at old photos on plastic cards. Staff can scan a digital pass in a second using a barcode or NFC technology. The system tells them immediately if the membership is active and can even show a clear photo of the member on the staff's screen. It’s much harder for someone to sneak in when the data is coming directly from your central system.

Room access

Many modern systems for opening doors now work directly with wallet passes. Members can just tap their phone to get into the main building, the gym, or the spa. There’s no need to waste time with separate key fobs or codes that people always forget, you can manage everything from one place. If a member doesn't have a gym subscription, their pass simply won't let them in. It makes the movement through your building feel much smoother.

Tabs and rewards

You can even link a wallet pass your loyalty programme. Members can start a tab at the bar, earn points when they spend, and use those points for perks like free drinks or guest passes. The pass can even show their current balance and available rewards right on the screen.

Keeping everyone in the loop

If there’s live music tonight or a last-minute opening for a wine tasting, you can tell your members instantly. You can send these updates to everyone or just to people you know would be interested. It’s a direct way to stay in touch that people actually notice, rather than letting it get lost in a crowded email inbox.

A simpler way to move

Digital wallet passes aren't just about looking modern, they solve the actual problems that get in the way of a good day. They’re harder to lose, they’re safer for the club, and they make everything from entering the building to buying a drink much easier for the people using them. It’s about removing the friction and letting your members enjoy the space you’ve built for them.

How to get started

If you’re ready to move away from plastic and start issuing digital passes in your club, we should talk. We can look at how your space works and find the best way to get your members moving without the extra effort.

Book a Demo Today