CheckPoints is an iPhone and Android app that allows users to get points by going to stores – electronic stores, pharmacies, supermarkets, and so on. Then they check in through the free app and scan barcodes of products. After a scan, a digital coupon or interactive marketing message can pop up. The idea is to reward people for coming into a store, and boost the chance that they’ll buy something featured on the “virtual endcap” – advertised products on the to-be-scanned list.
The points can be used to redeem gift certificates to stores and restaurants, airline miles, or a donation to a charitable cause. Gift certificates are available at CVS, GameStop, and Fandango, among others. To win even more points – without going to another location – users can scan a designated “featured product” and earn a coin. Coins can be used to play games in the bonus area, which can result in thousands of points for a single win.