How to save discount cards in Android: from Google Pay to screenshots with QR codes

Why digital discount cards are more convenient than plastic ones

Discount cards on your smartphone save time at the checkout, free up space in your wallet and protect against loss of bonuses. According to a study Statista for 2026, 68% of buyers in Russia prefer digital analogues of plastic cards - they are easier to present, more difficult to forget at home, and some stores even give additional bonuses for using mobile versions.

But not everyone knows that saving discount cards in Android is not only an addition to the Google Pay or Samsung Pay. There are at least 5 ways, including specialized store applications, cloud services, and even manually creating widgets on the home screen. The main thing is to choose a method that suits your habits and phone model.

In this article we will analyze all the current options with step-by-step guide, compare their pros and cons, and also tell you how not to lose cards when resetting your phone or changing devices. Let's start with the most universal solution - Google Pay (now Google Wallet).

Method 1: Adding cards to Google Wallet (formerly Google Pay)

Google Wallet is a standard application on most Androidsmartphones that supports not only bank cards, but also discount and bonus cards, as well as tickets and passes. The main advantage is integration with NFC: just bring your phone to the terminal for bonuses to be written off or a discount to be applied.

To add a card:

1. Open the application Google Wallet (if it is not there, download from Play Market).
2. Click Add → Loyalty card.
3. Select a store from the list (for example, Magnit, Perekrestok, Feed) or enter the name manually.
4. Scan the barcode/QR code from the physical card or enter the number manually.
5. Save the card - it will appear in the section Loyalty cards.

Important: not all stores support automatic addition. In such cases, you will have to. enter data manually or use alternative methods (more on them below).

The card number does not contain spaces or dashes

The barcode/QR code is clear and not damaged

NFC is enabled on the phone (for contactless presentation)

The Google Wallet application has been updated to the latest version-->

⚠️ Attention: If the store requires presentation original card when using the digital version for the first time (for example, for activation), check this rule with the cashier or on the network website of some networks, like Auchan or Metro, they may request plastic even if they have a digital copy.

Method 2: Store applications - when Google Wallet is not suitable

Many supermarket chains and clothing brands develop their own mobile applications, where discount cards are stored built-in. For example, Magnit Bonus, Pyaterochka, Wildberries or Sportmaster. The advantage of this approach:

• 🔹 Automatic accrual of bonuses without scanning (geolocation determines store visits).
• 🔹 Access to personal promotions and coupons.
• 🔹 Possibility of paying for purchases directly from the application (in some cases).

To save the card in the store application:

1. Download the official network application from Play Market.
2. Register or log into your personal account (sometimes you need to link a phone number).
3. B section My cards or Bonuses add a new card (usually there is an option “I already have a card”).
4. Enter the card number or scan it.

Disadvantage of the method: you will have to install a separate application for each store. But this way you are guaranteed not to lose bonuses when you change your phone - the card is linked to your account, not to the device.

Application	NFC support	Auto-accrual of bonuses	Additional functions
Magnit Bonus	❌ No	✅ Yes	Online checks, geolocation promotions
Pyaterochka	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Payment for purchases through the app
Wildberries	❌ No	✅ Yes	Order tracking, promotional codes
Sportmaster Club	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Personal discounts for birthdays

Method 3: Samsung Pay for owners of Samsung gadgets

If you have a smartphone Samsung Galaxy (series S22, S23, A54 and newer), then instead Google Wallet you can use Samsung Pay. This service supports discount cards and has several unique features:

• 🔹 Works even on devices without NFC (via technology MSTthat imitates a magnetic stripe).
• 🔹 Integration with Samsung Knox for protection data.
• 🔹 Possibility of linking cards to Samsung SmartThings for automatic presentation when entering the store.

Instructions for adding a card:

1. Open Samsung Pay and go to the section Cards.
2. Click Add → Loyalty card.
3. Select a store from the list or enter the name manually.
4. Scan the barcode or enter the card number.
5. Save and, if necessary, activate the card (some networks require confirmation via SMS).

Samsung Pay supports cards of some stores that are not in Google Wallet (for example, M.Video or Eldorado in certain regions). Before adding, check the current list of supported networks in the application itself.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Samsung older than 2020 (for example, Galaxy S10 or Note 9) the MST function can be disabled. Check this in the settings Samsung Pay → About the app.

Method 4: Cloud services - card backup

If you are afraid of losing discount cards when your phone is reset or stolen, you should make a backup copy. Cloud services are suitable for this:

• 🔹 Google Drive —save screenshots of maps in a folder and synchronize with your account.
• 🔹 Dropbox or Yandex Drive —convenient for storing PDF versions of maps (if the store provides such files).
• 🔹 Notion or Google Keep — create a table with card numbers and barcodes.

How to save a card in Google Drive:

1. Take a photo the front and back of the card (if there is important information on it).
2. Open Google Drive, click + → Upload and select files.
3. Create a folder Discount cards and move the downloaded images there.
4. If necessary, scan the QR code from the photo using the application Google Lens.

The advantage of the method: files are accessible from any device, even if your phone broke. The downside is that you will have to manually present the cards at the checkout (show a screenshot or print a barcode).

How to restore cards after resetting the phone?

If you used Google Wallet or Samsung Pay, just log into your Google/Samsung account on the new device - the cards are synchronized automatically. For store applications, just reinstall them and log in to the same account. If the cards were saved only as screenshots, download them from the cloud and re-add them to the necessary services.

Method 5: Widgets and shortcuts on the main screen

For quick access to discount cards, you can create widgets or shortcuts on the main screen. This is relevant if you often use cards from several stores and do not want to open applications every time.

Implementation options:

• 🔹 Google Keep widget: create a note with card numbers and add it to the main screen.
• 🔹 Shortcut to the store application: hold down the application icon (for example, Magnit Bonus) and drag to the main screen.
• 🔹 Application Widgetsmith (for customization): allows you to create a widget with a QR code of the card.

Creation example widget with a QR code:

1. Install the application QR & Barcode Scanner and scan the code from the card.
2. Save the QR code image to the gallery.
3. Install Widgetsmith, select the type widget Photo and download the saved QR code.
4. Add a widget to the home screen and label it (for example, “Magnet”).

This approach is convenient for cards that you use daily. For example, a transport pass or a card of your favorite supermarket.

💡

Widgets save time, but do not replace the full storage of cards in Google Wallet or store applications. Use them as an addition, and not the main method.

How not to lose bonuses when changing your phone

Switching to a new smartphone is stressful for discount card owners. In order not to lose accumulated bonuses:

1. Synchronize accounts: make sure that you are logged in on the same Google account or Samsung Account on a new device. Maps from Google Wallet and Samsung Pay will be restored automatically.
2. Export data from store applications: some applications (for example, Wildberries) allow you to save card data to a file. Find this option in settings.
3. Take screenshots: even if the card is linked to an account, save its number and barcode in case of failure.
4. Check the link to the phone number: many stores link cards to a number, not to a device. Check this in your personal account.

If you are selling an old phone, do not forget:

• 🔹 Log out of all accounts (Google, Samsung, store applications).
• 🔹 Delete applications with maps or reset the phone to factory settings.
• 🔹 Unlink cards from the device in settings Google Wallet or Samsung Pay (section Devices).

⚠️ Attention: Some stores (for example, Leroy Merlin) block access to the card if fraud is suspected (for example, if you logged into your account from a new device in another region). In such cases, you may need to call support to unblock it.

Comparison ways to store discount cards

Method	Convenience	Security	Synchronization	Suitable for
Google Wallet	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes	Daily use, NFC payment
Samsung Pay	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes	Samsung owners, MST payment
Store applications	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes	Regular customers of the same network
Cloud services	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	✅ Yes	Backup
Widgets	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐	❌ No	Quick access to frequently used cards

The choice of method depends on your habits:

• 🔹 If you change phones often give preference Google Wallet or store applications.
• 🔹 If you have Samsung with MST — use Samsung Pay for maximum compatibility.
• 🔹 If you buying in one store — install its official application.
• 🔹 If you afraid of losing data make backups in the cloud.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about discount cards in your phone

Can I add a card to Google Wallet that is not in the list?

Yes, select the option Add manually and enter the card number and store name. However, some networks may not support such an addition - in this case, use a screenshot of the card or the store application.

What to do if the cashier does not accept a digital card?

Check the store rules: some networks (for example, Ikea Family) require presentation of the original card at the first using the digital version. If the problem persists, contact the administrator or store support.

How to transfer cards from an old Android to a new iPhone?

Discount cards from Google Wallet are not transferred to Apple Wallet automatically. You will have to:

1. Export card data (numbers, barcodes) from old applications.
2. Add them manually to Apple Wallet or install store applications on iPhone.
3. Link cards to the same phone number or account as on Android.

Is it possible to use one card on two phones?

Yes, if the card is linked to an account (Google, Samsung or personal account of the store). Just sign in to the same account on the second device. An exception is cards linked to a SIM card (for example, some transport ones).

What to do if the phone is dead and the card is only in digital form?

In this case:

• Ask the cashier to print a temporary barcode (some networks provide such a service by phone number).
• Use a backup copy of the card (screenshot or printout).
• If the card is linked to a store account, show the cashier the phone number - he will be able to find it in the system.