Supported Barcode Types
SuperCards supports most common retail barcode formats. The app automatically detects the barcode type when scanning.
Supported Barcode Formats
- EAN-13 – Most common in Europe and worldwide (13 digits)
- EAN-8 – Shorter version of EAN-13 (8 digits)
- UPC-A – Most common in North America (12 digits)
- UPC-E – Compressed UPC-A (6-8 digits)
- Code 39 – Alphanumeric, used by many retailers
- Code 128 – High-density alphanumeric (default for custom cards)
- ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) – Numeric only, used in logistics
- Codabar – Numeric, used by some libraries and blood banks
- QR Codes – 2D barcodes (some stores use these)
- Aztec Codes – 2D barcodes
- Data Matrix – 2D barcodes
- PDF417 – 2D barcodes
- GS1 variants – Supported from version 3.4+
- GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked – Jö Bonus Club, Austria (version 3.4+)
Card Won't Scan After Updating?
If you added a card on an older version and it still won't scan, delete it and re-scan the physical card. Version 3.4+ captures it correctly.
How Barcode Detection Works
When you scan a physical card, SuperCards automatically detects the barcode type and saves it exactly as it appears on your card (1:1 replica). When you manually enter a card number, SuperCards uses the barcode format associated with that store in our database. For custom cards (stores not in our database), Code 128 is used by default.
QR Codes Look a Bit Different?
A QR code in SuperCards can look slightly different from the one printed on your physical card. This is completely normal, caused by error correction, and the code holds the same data. A scanned QR code almost always works at checkout, but it's worth testing it in store the first time. If it doesn't scan, let us know at support@supercardsapp.com and we'll help.
Barcode Not Working?
If a card won't scan at checkout, see Cards Not Scanning in Stores for troubleshooting steps.
Request Support for a Format
If your card uses an unsupported barcode format, email support@supercardsapp.com with a photo of your card and the store name. We'll investigate adding support!