Now, when a user scans their club or loyalty card via CardStar during checkout, they can also tap to check in on the location-based service.
The idea behind the integration is to eliminate the extra steps required for CardStar users to check in on Foursquare, and help merchants better verify user checkins. Additionally, the company hopes to facilitate more engagement between customer and retailer, as well as encourage additional rewards for Foursquare checkins.
"The typical CardStar user already launches the app at point-of-sale in retail locations, airports, gyms and libraries. The CardStar integration with Foursquare was the next logical step to deliver a more cohesive mobile experience," says CEO Andy Miller.
The enhanced application also includes a few updates to improve the overall card storage and scanning experience. It has been updated to include support for iOS 4 and now includes a geo-aware favorite places list.
When it comes to the bigger picture, CardStar's Foursquare integration exemplifies the continued convergence of loyalty programs and location-sharing.
Tasti D-Lite has been very experimental in its integration of social media into its rewards program, even going so far as to build social functionality -- which automatically rewards points for tweets and checkins -- into their point-of-sale software. Mobile application Topguest also seeks to turn checkins into rewards points that can be redeemed at pricey hotels. Of course, many retailers like Starbucks, Ann Taylor and Domino's UK are simply turning to Foursquare for a location-based loyalty program that rewards mayorships or checkins.