The loyalty app of the Magnit chain of stores has long ceased to be just a piece of plastic in a wallet. Today it is a full-fledged digital tool that allows you not only to receive discounts, but also to pay for purchases with points, accumulate them on group accounts and take advantage of personal offers. For owners of smartphones based Android the process of integrating a card into the digital ecosystem of the network has become as simple as possible, but many users have questions during the initial setup.
Registering a card in the official mobile application provides access to full-scale management of the bonus account. You will be able to track the history of transactions in real time, instantly activate promotional offers and, most importantly, use QR code to present it to the cashier directly from the smartphone screen. This eliminates the risk of losing or damaging the physical media. In this article, we will analyze in detail each step of the binding process, and also solve typical technical problems that users encounter.
To start enjoying all the benefits of the app, you will need to install the official software from a reliable source. The process of authorization and linking a phone number takes only a few minutes, but requires care when entering data. This is especially true when confirming the number, which must match the number specified when issuing a physical card in the store. If you have not previously registered, the system will prompt you to go through a quick verification procedure.
Preparing the device and installing the application
The first step towards the digital use of a loyalty card is installing the correct version of the software. The operating system Android provides various ways to download applications, but for financial and bonus services it is critical to use only official distribution channels. This guarantees the absence of malicious code and the relevance of the functionality. Go to the store Google Play and enter “Magnet” or “My Magnit” in the search bar.
Pay attention to the application developer. The official application was released by Tander JSC. Before clicking the “Install” button, check the number of downloads and recent user reviews - this will help ensure that you are not downloading a fake one. Once the download and installation is complete, the application icon will appear on the desktop of your device. Launching the app requires granting a number of permissions for correct operation.
When you launch the application for the first time, it will request access to the necessary functions of the smartphone. Typically this is access to the Internet for data synchronization, notifications to receive information about discounts and, in some versions, access to the camera for scanning QR codes. Refusal to provide these rights may lead to incorrect operation of the service or the inability to use some functions, for example, a product barcode scanner.
⚠️ Attention: The application interface and button layout may change slightly after major service updates. If you don't find the button described, check for updates in Google Play or check the "Help" section inside the application itself.
Before installation, make sure that geolocation is enabled on your device. Some personal offers in the Magnit application only work if your location is determined near a chain store.
The process of registration and authorization in the system
After successfully launching the application, you will see a welcome screen asking you to log into an existing account or register. If you don't have an account yet, select the sign up option. The main identifier in the system is the phone number. Enter your number in international format or select the country code from the list if the application did not automatically enter it.
The security system requires confirmation of ownership of the number. It will come to the specified phone SMS message with a confirmation code. Enter the resulting combination of numbers into the appropriate field on the smartphone screen. The code is valid for a limited time, usually a few minutes, so try not to delay entering it. After successful verification, you will automatically log into your personal account.
At this stage, registration in the application is considered completed, but the loyalty card has not yet been linked. You'll be taken to the main screen, where your current points balance (most likely zero) and card status will be displayed. To activate all features, you must link this digital profile to your loyalty card number. This can be done for both a new and previously issued plastic card.
☑️ Preparation for registration
How to link an existing plastic card
If you already own a Magnit plastic card, the process of transferring it to the application will take a matter of seconds. On the main screen of the application, find the card image or button that says “Add card” / “Link card”. The system will offer several ways to enter data: manually entering a number, scanning a barcode, or selecting from saved contacts (if the number is associated with a card).
The fastest way is using a smartphone camera. Click on the scanner icon, usually located in the corner of the screen or directly on the map image. Point the camera lens at the barcode of your plastic card. The application will automatically read the encrypted number and fill in the appropriate field. All you have to do is click the confirm button. If the camera does not read the code, you can enter the 10-digit card number manually.
After entering the number, the system will check it in the database. If the card number has not previously been linked to another account (for example, to a phone number different from the current one), the linking will be successful. Your accumulated points will be instantly displayed on the screen. Now you can leave the plastic at home - to get a discount in the store, you just need to show QR code from the application.
| Input method | Speed | Accuracy | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcode scanner | High (2-3 sec) | 100% | Presence of card, light |
| Manual number entry | Medium (10-15 sec) | Depends on the user | Knowledge of the card number |
| By phone number | High (automatic) | 100% | Coincidence of numbers |
| Voice input | Medium | Low | Silence, diction |
Registering a new virtual card
In a situation where you do not have a physical card, you can instantly issue a virtual version directly in the application. This is an ideal option for those who want to start receiving discounts right now, without visiting a service office or store checkout to receive plastic. Click on the “Apply for a card” or “Become a app participant” button located on the main screen.
The system will automatically create a unique card number for you and link it to your current phone number under which you logged into the application. The virtual card has exactly the same functionality as the plastic one: points are awarded to it, all promotions and personal offers are valid. The only difference is the absence of physical media, which, however, is rather an advantage in the era of digitalization.
After creating a virtual card, you will immediately see its number and barcode in the “Cards” section. You can add this widget to your smartphone's home screen for quick access without launching the full app. This is especially convenient at the checkout when you need to quickly present a discount. Points begin to accrue from the very first purchase made using the generated QR code.
⚠️ Attention: The virtual card is linked to the phone number forever. If you want to replace your SIM card or change your number in the future, the balance transfer process may require contacting support, so keep access to your current number.
Setting up notifications and personal offers
After successful registration and card linking, it is recommended to configure notification settings. The My Magnit application uses push notifications to inform you about new promotions, changes in the balance of points and personal discounts that are valid for a limited period. Proper setup will allow you not to miss out on profitable offers, but at the same time avoid information noise.
Go to the profile settings section, usually indicated by a gear icon or a silhouette of a person. Find the "Notifications" subsection. Here you can flexibly manage the types of messages: enable mailing about personal offers, disable advertising news from partners, or leave only financial notifications about debiting and accruing points. You can also set up geolocation reminders in this section.
The geolocation notifications function is useful because the application will inform you about nearby Magnit stores and their current promotions when you pass by. This helps you plan your purchases and take advantage of discounts you might have forgotten about. However, it is worth remembering that the constant operation of geolocation increases the battery consumption of your smartphone, so activate this option only if necessary.
What are personal offers?
Personal offers are discounts that are generated by algorithms based on your purchase history. They are unique for each user and are valid only when the card is presented on the specified dates.
Solving common problems during registration
Despite the simplicity of the process, users may encounter technical difficulties. One of the most common problems is an error when linking a card with the message “The card is already registered to another number.” This happens if, when you received the plastic card in the store, the cashier linked it to your business number or you previously registered the card for another phone. In this case, a rebinding procedure will be required.
To resolve the problem, use the feedback form in the application or contact support. You will need to verify ownership of the card by providing the phone number to which it was originally registered or by providing a receipt from your most recent purchase. After checking the data, specialists will release the card to link to your current account. The process may take from several hours to one business day.
Another common situation is when you receive an SMS with a confirmation code. Make sure you have funds in your account to receive messages (although these are usually free) and that the number you entered is correct. Check your spam folder in your messages. If the problem persists for more than 10 minutes, try requesting the code again after an hour or use the “Log in with password” function if you previously set it in the security settings.
⚠️ Attention: Never give the code from SMS to strangers, even if the caller introduces himself as a bank or support service employee. Service employees never ask for this code to solve technical problems.
Most registration errors are due to data desynchronization between the old map database and the new application. Patience and contacting support through the official channel solve 99% of such problems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use the application without the Internet?
Full operation of the application requires a network connection to synchronize the balance and activate personal offers. However, the previously generated QR code for the discount can also be displayed offline if you opened it before the connection was lost. But the accrual of points in this case may be delayed until the cashier or the system has access to the Internet.
What should I do if I lost my phone with the linked card?
You need to change your account password as soon as possible if you had two-factor authentication installed, or contact support to block access to your personal account from the lost device. After purchasing a new smartphone, simply install the application and log in with your phone number - all data about the card and points will be saved on the server.
How to combine points from several cards?
In the current version of the loyalty app, direct merging of points from different cards into one pool is often not available for the user to do independently. Typically, the system allows you to have only one main card active. To resolve the issue of combining savings, it is recommended to write to the support service through the “Help” section in the application, indicating the numbers of all cards.
Is the virtual card valid in all stores of the network?
Yes, a virtual card issued in an Android app is accepted in all formats of Magnit stores, including Magnit Family, Magnit Cosmetic and Magnit at Home. The QR code is read by the same scanners as a barcode on a plastic carrier, so there are no restrictions on the type of point of sale.
Do points expire if you do not use the card for a long time?
The terms of the loyalty app may change, so the latest information on the validity period of points should always be checked in the “app Rules” section inside the application. Points typically have a lifespan and may be canceled if your account is inactive for an extended period. Regular use of the card prevents loss of savings.