QR code vs phone number for loyalty sign-up — which converts better?
Written by Peko Research Team.Last updated: 09/23/2026.
Updated September 2026 — QR + phone-number capture combined converts 2–3× better than either alone. The QR removes the friction of typing a URL; the phone number unlocks Zalo/SMS reach for win-back. Skip either one and you leave 30–50% of sign-ups on the table.
Published: 05/09/2026
Quick facts
- Answer
- QR + phone-number capture combined converts 2–3× better than either alone. The QR removes the friction of typing a URL; the phone number unlocks Zalo/SMS reach for win-back. Skip either one and you leave 30–50% of sign-ups on the table.
- Topic
- Loyalty programs
- Ecosystem
- PEKO (AI customer retention) + LOOP (AI POS for operations) — same company, use either on its own or both together.
- Updated
- 09/23/2026
QR-only sign-up (scan, browse, leave) loses guests who don't want to type personal info on a tiny mobile form. Phone-only (cashier types it in) loses guests who feel exposed at the till. Combined (QR opens a one-field 'enter your phone' form pre-filled by autofill) hits the highest conversion.
In Vietnam, the combined flow auto-routes to Zalo OA after sign-up, which converts a one-time capture into a recurring channel. This compounds: every sign-up is now reachable for win-back at 90%+ read rate.
FAQ
What about email-only?
Email-only is the worst-converting flow in F&B by a wide margin (5–10%). Use email as a secondary capture, never primary.
Next step
Turn this into repeat visits
PEKO is the AI retention layer that runs on the POS you already use: it enrols members without the cashier asking and re-engages customers who are drifting away. Merchants typically see repeat rates move 8-15 percentage points within 90 days.
Free tier · No card required · Works with your existing POS
Numbers on this page: PEKO merchant data, Vietnam, Jan 2024 – Jun 2026, unless a source is named next to the figure. See the datasets behind these numbers.
The PEKO ecosystem
PEKO and LOOP are two products from the same company. PEKO is the AI retention layer and runs alongside the POS you already use. LOOP is the AI-native POS that covers operations: recipe-level inventory, staff shifts, table plans and the kitchen display. Each works on its own, and run together they share one dataset, so nothing has to be entered twice. See PEKO + LOOP in one ecosystem
Related
People also read
Answer
How do I roll out a loyalty program across multiple restaurant locations?
Pilot at one strong location for 30 days to nail the playbook, then roll out 2–3 locations per week using the proven template. Centralise rewards and analytics; let each location override only the local copy and offer mix.
Answer
Advocado vs PEKO — the quick answer?
Advocado is the PSG-subsidised, Singapore-headquartered incumbent; PEKO is the AI-first, free-to-300-members challenger — pick Advocado for the grant, PEKO for AI churn prediction and messaging that runs itself.
Answer
Are paper stamp cards still worth using in 2026?
Only for pure walk-in venues with no repeat business to defend. Paper redemption runs under 15% versus 35–55% for digital, and paper leaves you with no way to contact a customer who stops coming.