Where to store bonus cards in the Xiaomi phone: safe ways and life hacks

Bonus cards for stores, pharmacies and cafes have long replaced paper coupons, but their physical counterparts still take up space in the wallet. Xiaomi smartphone owners can optimize this process by transferring all the cards to the phone - it is convenient, environmentally friendly and safe with the right approach. However, not everyone knows that there are several options for storing digital cards in MIUI, and each has its pros and cons.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to save bonus cards on Xiaomi (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark models), compare them in reliability, access speed and compatibility with different types of cards. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors, such as data loss when resetting your phone or blocking your account. Spoiler: storing screenshots in the gallery is the worst option if you value privacy.

1.Google Pay (Google Wallet) – a universal solution for Android

Google Pay (now officially called Google Wallet in most regions) is the most reliable way to store bonus cards on Xiaomi, pre-installed on all smartphones with Google services and supports most Russian and international loyalty programs.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Security at the level of bank cards: data is stored in encrypted form, access only after unlocking the screen.
• 📱 Quick access: maps are displayed on the app’s home screen, you can add a shortcut to your desktop.
• 🌍 Sync: Maps are automatically restored when you change your phone (linked to your Google account).
• 🛒 Automatic bonus accrual: some stores (for example, “Crossroads”, “Pyaterochka”) support contactless write-off directly through the NFC.

How to add a bonus card to Google Pay:

1. Open the Google Wallet app (or Google Pay if the update hasn’t arrived yet).
2. Click Add map → Loyalty card.
3. Select a store from the list or enter data manually (card number, barcode).
4. Confirm the addition - the card will appear in the section Passages and tickets.

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If your bonus program isn’t on the Google Pay list, take a picture of the card barcode and upload it as “Other” – it will work 90% of the time.

⚠️ Note: Some Russian networks (for example, “Magnit”) block the addition of their cards to Google Pay through the official API. In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Mi Wallet - Xiaomi's proprietary storage

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones have a built-in Mi Wallet app (formerly Mi Pay), which was originally designed for payment cards, but also supports bonus ones, a way that will suit those who prefer the Xiaomi ecosystem and do not want to depend on Google.

Features of Mi Wallet:

• 📲 Integration with MIUI: cards are displayed in the notification curtain (swipe down) → purse-tile).
• 🔄 Synchronization via Mi Account: data is restored when the system is reinstalled.
• 🚫 Limited support: not all bonus programs (especially foreign ones).
• 🔐 Additional protection: you can set a password request when you open the card.

Instructions for adding a map:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Wallet (or find Mi Wallet in the app menu).
2. Select Add a map → Loyalty card.
3. Scan the barcode or enter the card number manually.
4. Save – the card will appear in the list and will be available in the curtain.

Important: Mi Wallet may not work on custom firmware or after root access, and some banks and stores block the addition of cards to this application due to MIUI restrictions for the Russian market.

3. Screenshots and photos: a fast but risky method

The easiest way is to take a picture of the bonus card (facing and back) or a screenshot of the barcode from an SMS/letter, which does not require application installation, but has critical security and convenience flaws.

Pros and cons of screenshot storage:

How to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Move the screenshots to the Protected folder (Gallery) → Albums. → Secure folder).
• 📂 Create a separate album Bonus cards and archive it in the cloud.
• 🚫 Remove notifications with card numbers from messengers (they can appear in history).

⚠️ Note: If you store screenshots in cloud services (Google Photos, Mi Cloud), disable the automatic download for the folder with cards - this will prevent data leakage when hacking your account.

4. Notes and documents: for those who love order

If you have few bonus cards, you can save them in notebook apps like Mi Notes (built into MIUI) or Google Keep, which is suitable for cards without barcodes (such as those with a checkout number).

How to organize storage:

• 📝 Mi Notes: Create a note with the name of the store. Add a text block with the card number and PIN-Secure the note with a password (Open note) → Three points. → Block it).
• 📌 Google Keep: Use color tags for different categories (foods, pharmacies, cafes). Add a reminder of the card's expiration date (if there is one).

Advantages of the method:

• 🔍 Quick search by store name.
• 🔄 Synchronization between devices (if you use Google Keep).
• 📎 You can attach a photo of the card to the note.

Disadvantage: If you lose access to your Mi or Google account, you will lose all your notes, and we recommend you to duplicate important cards in Google Pay or on a physical medium.

5. Cloud Services: Backup and Access from Any Device

For those who are afraid of losing cards when resetting their phone, cloud storage is suitable - Mi Cloud, Google Drive or Yandex Disk. Here you can store both screenshots and text files with card numbers.

How to properly organize cloud storage:

1. Create a folder Bonus cards in the selected service.
2. Download there: Map screenshots (in PNG format for better barcode quality) a README.txt text file with a list of maps and numbers.

two-factor authentication

Install a mobile service application for quick access.

Comparison of cloud services for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Warning: Never store screenshots of maps in open cloud folders (e.g. Google Photos without access restriction) and attackers can find them through metadata searches (store name, card number).

6. Specialized applications: for advanced users

If Xiaomi and Google’s built-in tools aren’t enough, look out for third-party loyalty card storage apps that offer advanced features like discount notifications or automatic barcode recognition.

Top.-3 bonus card applications:

• 📱 StocCard: Supports over 1,000 loyalty programs (including Russian networks) and a widget for quick access.
• 🛒 CardStar: Automatic barcode recognition with photos, integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• 🔒 Loyalty Card Keychain: Open source (no ads and trackers) Local storage (no internet required).

How to choose an application:

1. Check your store support (read reviews on Google Play).
2. Make sure the app has been updated in the last 6 months.
3. Set up a backup (for example, in Google Drive).

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The app side is convenient, but requires access to the camera and storage. Before installing, check the permissions in Google Play and read the privacy policy.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the storage of bonus cards in Xiaomi