Merchant Support

Scanning varies depending upon the the scanner type and the mobile device. In general, an imaging (CCD) scanner will always read a barcode from your screen, but a laser scanner may or may not.

On some devices (iPhone and iPod touch prior to fourth gen, and some Android devices) CardStar's SyncScan® advanced system for rendering barcodes allows for successful scanning with many models of handheld laser scanning guns as long as our tips for laser scanning are followed (see below). On other devices, inclduing BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7 and Symbian, an imaging scanner is required to read the barcode from the screen.

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 have your card added: just set up an account and register (it's FREE). Once logged in "Create Your Digital Card" and once your order is submitted your card will appear within the app within 24 hours. To read more about getting added into the CardStar database or to get started click here for more information.

Yes. CardStar now offers merchants the ability to login and create coupons and/or messages for their customers to view from within the app. Click here for more information.

CardStar is available for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7 and Symbian. We are working to reach other platforms in the future. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for our latest product updates.

CardStar can be downloaded for FREE from the iTunes Store, Android Market, BlackBerry App World, Windows Phone 7 Marketplace and the OVI Store. 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.