Dual-payment system is e-commerce pricing feature that allows buyers to purchase items using either traditional currency or a proprietary point credit system (e.g., loyalty points, rewards, or store credits). 


Setup Currency or Credit Amounts or both and select Dual-payment options:

  • Or - customer pays with Currency or Credits;
  • And - customer pays with Currency and Credits
  • Or/And - customer pays with some combination for currency and credits. Conversion value is required.



Here's how it typically works:


  1. Payment Options Display

    • On the product page, alongside the standard price in currency (e.g., $50), the equivalent value in credits (e.g., 5,000 credits) is also displayed.
    • During checkout, buyers can choose to pay fully with currency, credits or a combination of both.

  2. Credit Balance Integration

    • Buyers can view their current credit balance in their account dashboard and at checkout.
    • The store may show eligible items that can be fully redeemed with the available credits.

  3. Hybrid Payment Support

    • If buyers don't have enough credits to cover the total cost, they can use a hybrid payment option. For example, paying $30 + 2,000 credits for a $50 item.

  4. Credit Conversion Rates:

    • Clearly stated conversion rates (e.g., 1 credit = $0.01) ensure transparency.
    • Some stores may vary credit value based on promotions, offering higher value during sales or for specific items.

  5. Credits Accrual

    • Purchases made with currency often allow buyers to earn additional credits, while purchases made entirely with credits might not accrue further credits.

  6. Expiration & Usage Rules

    • Credits may have expiration dates or minimum/maximum usage limits per transaction.
    • Rules are visible to buyers to avoid confusion.

  7. Promotions and Discounts

    • Exclusive discounts or items might be available only for credit redemption.
    • Limited-time offers encourage buyers to spend their credits.

  8. Gamification:

    • Interactive features, such as earning bonus credits for reviews or referrals, engage users and incentivize future purchases.


Dual-payment system is popular in loyalty programs, subscription-based platforms, and online marketplaces aiming to enhance customer retention and reward frequent buyers.


Use Cases


Here are some practical use cases for an e-commerce platform with a dual-payment system:


Loyalty Program Redemption

  • Scenario: A coffee brand has a rewards program where customers earn credits for every purchase.
  • Use Case: A customer with 5,000 credits can redeem them to buy a $50 coffee maker, either fully with credits or by paying $25 + 2,500 credits.

2. Hybrid Gifting Options

  • Scenario: A buyer wants to purchase a gift for a friend but has limited funds.
  • Use Case: The customer uses 3,000 credits accumulated from previous purchases and pays the remaining amount in cash to buy a premium gift item.

3. Flash Sales with Credit Incentives

  • Scenario: An online fashion retailer launches a Black Friday sale.
  • Use Case: Exclusive deals allow customers to use credits at double value (e.g., 1 credit = $0.02) for a limited period, encouraging them to redeem credits for discounted apparel.

4. Expiring Credits Promotions

  • Scenario: A subscription box service issues credits that expire in 30 days.
  • Use Case: A reminder email prompts users to redeem credits for partial discounts on their next subscription box or add-ons before the credits expire.

5. Encouraging High-Spend Customers

  • Scenario: A luxury retailer offers a premium loyalty tier with high credit-earning rates.
  • Use Case: A buyer purchases a $1,000 handbag and earns 10,000 credits, which they can use for future purchases like a $100 scarf without spending additional money.

6. Corporate Benefits Programs

  • Scenario: Employees of a company earn reward credits for performance.
  • Use Case: Employees redeem these credits on an e-commerce platform to purchase electronics, office supplies, or gift cards, without needing personal funds.

7. Charity or Donation Options

  • Scenario: An online bookstore partners with charities.
  • Use Case: Customers can redeem their credits to donate books or school supplies to a charity, creating a sense of goodwill and engagement.

8. Exclusive Membership Items

  • Scenario: A gaming platform has in-game merchandise available only for credits.
  • Use Case: Players redeem accumulated credits to purchase exclusive skins, avatars, or collectibles unavailable for direct currency purchase.

9. Customer Retention Through Bonuses

  • Scenario: A marketplace offers bonus credits for completing specific actions, like writing reviews or referring friends.
  • Use Case: A customer earns credits through these actions and uses them for partial payment of a $70 electronic gadget.

10. Credits-Only Products

  • Scenario: A skincare brand releases a new product.
  • Use Case: The product is exclusively available to loyalty members for 20,000 credits, driving engagement with the rewards program.

Using "credits" emphasizes a flexible and branded rewards system, often resonating well with loyalty programs and digital platforms.