CredsNow

CredsNow is an onsite event operations platform for teams combining check-in, badge printing, sessions, and lead retrieval. It suits event teams that need those workflows together; organizers focused mainly on ticket sales should look elsewhere. A free account supports broad setup and testing, while live events can incur several separate charges.

Overview

The platform connects attendee data, kiosk check-in, badge printing, session tracking, and lead retrieval. Teams can create branded badge templates and set up check-in screens, while kiosks use QR codes or name lookup to find attendees. The cloud print agent supports on-demand printing across multiple stations, a practical fit for events with distributed check-in points.

CredsNow also offers a service bureau for ordering pre-printed badges, cards, and passes for shipment. Its native integrations include Cvent, Swoogo, Eventbrite, Stova, Jemex, M Tiley Group, and Zapier; webhooks and an open API extend options for connecting other systems.

Key features

Check-in, badges, and printing

The online designer allows unlimited badge designs at no charge, so teams can prepare distinct branded formats without a design cap. QR and name lookup support self-service check-in and badge printing. Distributed printing is useful for larger or multi-station operations, but each active printer has a separate Print Agent license fee on the Software Only plan.

Sessions and lead retrieval

The Session module combines QR scanning with attendance tracking, real-time dashboards, CEU or credit tracking, and access control. That breadth suits conferences that need to monitor participation and manage session entry, rather than organizers who only need basic arrival check-in. The session app is licensed per event and must be downloaded to the team’s own phones or used on rented phones.

Lead retrieval can be tested through the free account, then purchased in bulk for exhibitors. The per-license price falls with higher quantities, but there is a 20-license minimum and the exhibitor portal adds an event-level charge.

Security and support

CredsNow says it is hosted in the United States on Microsoft Azure and encrypts data in transit and at rest; its SOC 2 Type 2 work is in progress. Its Trust Center says the service processes event and attendee data and does not process sensitive personal information. The company offers paid technical and onsite support, with contact by email or phone.

Pricing

Free account

The 0.00 USD free account includes all features, unlimited badge designs and events, unlimited data loading, unlimited check-in screens, and testing for session scanning and lead retrieval. It is a useful setup environment, but it does not remove the event, attendee, license, or hardware costs associated with paid operations.

Paid event options

Software Only costs $250 per event, with additional usage-based fees. Event setup is $250 per event; Print Agent is $50 per active printer. Attendee fees are $1.00 each for 1–1,000, $0.75 for 1,001–2,500, $0.50 for 2,501–10,000, $0.40 for 10,001–25,000, and $0.25 for 25,000+. These layered charges make budgeting dependent on attendance and printer count, so this plan is better suited to teams able to forecast event volume than those seeking a single flat rate.

Session Module Activation costs $250 per event, and the Session app license is $100 per license per event. This fits conferences using session tracking, but app licensing and phone arrangements add to the activation cost.

Lead Retrieval bulk licenses cost $150 per license for fewer than 50 users, with a 20-user minimum; $125 for 50–100; $100 for 101–500; and $75 for 501+. The exhibitor portal costs $500–$2,500 per event. The volume discounts benefit larger exhibitor groups, while the minimum makes small deployments less economical. Hardware pricing varies by region, rental period, and equipment; regions outside North America may incur a 25% increase on USA hardware prices.

Platforms

CredsNow supports Android, iOS, web, and API access. Its platform details also identify web support for event check-in and printing workflows.

Who it's for

Event operations managers, corporate event teams, associations, event marketing agencies, and event technology providers are the audiences CredsNow targets. It is a stronger fit when a team needs onsite check-in and printing alongside session or lead-retrieval workflows. It is less compelling for organizers whose priority is inexpensive ticketing rather than onsite operations.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free account permits unlimited events, data, check-in screens, and badge designs, making substantial configuration and testing possible before a paid event.
• Pros: Check-in, distributed printing, session tracking, and lead retrieval cover several onsite tasks in one platform.
• Pros: Native integrations plus webhooks and an open API give teams multiple routes to connect event systems.
• Cons: The Software Only price is only a starting point: setup, attendee, and active-printer fees can materially raise the event bill.
• Cons: Session app licenses and phone needs are separate from activation, and lead retrieval has a 20-license minimum.
• Cons: Hardware pricing varies with region, rental term, and equipment, with possible regional increases outside North America.

Alternatives

Choose Event Badge Printing Software to compare products focused on badge printing. EventCreate is a freemium option for organizers who want a free forever plan limited to one event, 50 attendees, one user, and a 5% ticketing fee. Consider Eventleaf if its Starter plan’s 100 attendees per year, unlimited events, and unlimited users match your scale. BrioLabel Event Check-In is a label-focused alternative, with a free plan capped at 200 labels per month and paid plans at $9.00 or $19.00 per month.

Eventbrite may suit organizers prioritizing event publishing: its free event publishing plan allows unlimited publishing and free events of any size, with no fees on free tickets. EventTitans Abstract Management offers a free option for up to 100 attendees, three sessions, and three speakers, with a 2.5% + 1$ ticket-price fee. EventX has a free plan for unlimited events with 30 attendees per event and includes check-in and badge printing. Indico is a free, self-hosted open-source option. Micepad offers a free plan for up to 50 attendees with QR check-in, seating charts, and basic reports.

Verdict

CredsNow is a sound choice for teams coordinating onsite check-in, printing, sessions, and exhibitor lead capture in one event workflow. Its generous free account reduces setup risk, but usage charges, per-license fees, and variable hardware costs are the main reasons to compare alternatives before committing to a live event.