Birrdi offers two different ways for customers to purchase credits and save money: Memberships and Punch Passes. While both can provide credits that are used for free or discounted time, they serve different use cases.
This article explains how each works and when you should use one over the other.
Memberships
Memberships are subscription-based programs that customers join to receive ongoing benefits.
Key Characteristics
Usually recurring payments (most commonly monthly)
Can also be set up as one-time yearly payments
Customers become part of a member group
Typically unlock discounted member-only rates
Can optionally include credits
Memberships with Credits
When a membership includes credits:
Credits are automatically added on each billing cycle (e.g. monthly)
Credits can be used for free or discounted time
As long as the membership stays active, credits continue to renew
Best Use Case
Memberships are ideal for:
Regular or loyal customers
Customers who want predictable monthly value
Businesses offering member-only pricing or perks
Customers who want hands-off renewals
Punch Passes
Punch Passes are NOT subscriptions.
They are a way for customers to buy credits in bulk upfront at a discount—without committing to a membership.
Key Characteristics
One-time purchase
No recurring billing
Credits are purchased à la carte
Credits do not auto-renew
Once credits are used up, customers must manually buy more credits.
Important Rules
Punch passes should only be applied to:
Public rates
Lessons
They are intended for the general public, not members
Best Use Case
Punch passes are ideal for:
Casual or first-time customers
Customers who don’t want a subscription
Selling credits in advance at a discount
Gift-like or low-commitment offerings
Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Memberships | Punch Passes |
Subscription | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Auto-renew | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Credits included | Optional | ✅ Yes |
Credits auto-reload | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Discounted rates | ✅ Typically | ❌ No |
Commitment required | ✅ Ongoing | ❌ One-time |
Best for | Regulars & members | General public |
Summary
Memberships are recurring programs that usually auto-renew, may include credits, and often unlock discounted rates.
Punch Passes are one-time credit bundles that give customers flexibility without a subscription.
Both tools provide credits, but:
Membership credits renew automatically
Punch pass credits must be re-purchased manually
Use memberships to build long-term relationships and predictable revenue.
Use punch passes to offer flexible, no-commitment value to the public.