Custom Currency, is your space’s own branded form of money – like a coin or credit – that users can use to make purchases, book rooms, and more.
Using a Custom Currency helps you:
Reinforce your brand: Instead of using regular dollars, your users might spend something like “CoLab Coins” or “Workspace Dollars.” Each transaction keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Encourage spending: Custom Currencies can gamify transactions and promote higher engagement. People may be more likely to make purchases when they feel like they’re spending credits rather than real money.
Build a unique experience: Offering a custom currency sets your space apart. It creates a more memorable, personalized experience for your users.
How does Custom Currency work
How does Custom Currency work
Custom Currency work by connecting three things together:
A unit you define
Where that unit comes from (Plans, Passes, or manual allowance)
Where that unit can be spent (Resources or products)
Only when all three are configured does the allowance begin to function.
How to enable Custom Currency
How to enable Custom Currency
To enable this feature:
1. Click Setting from the left-hand menu
2. Click Plans & passes
3. Under Custom allowance unit click Enable feature
4. Enter a name for your custom currency
FAQs
FAQs
Is the Custom Currency linked to real money?
Yes, you can tie it to a dollar value by linking it to your resources (i.e. this meeting room costs 1 coin per hour) and Plans and Passes (i.e. this Plan costs $100 and gives you access to 10 coins).
Can I name my Custom Currency Unit?
Yes! Choosing a fun or on-brand name helps make the experience feel more engaging and memorable.
Where will users see their Custom Currency balance?
Users will see their balance under the Allowance tab in the mobile app.
Users are confused about what the Custom Currency is worth
Tip: Include a short description in your Plan/Pass:
“1 Studio Credit = 1 hour of meeting room access”
or
“10 Maker Coins included each month — borrow tools, book workshop rooms, or buy materials.”
This helps prevent misunderstanding and reduces support requests.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
My Custom Currency isn’t being deducted from a booking — why?
Check the following:
The resource or product enabled the price for the Custom Allowance Unit
The user’s Plan/Pass does not include the Custom Allowance Unit
The Custom Allowance Unit has expired (if included in Plans/Pass)
Resource pricing is $0, and Optix treats it as free rather than deductible
Users do not see their Custom Currency in the app
Confirm:
The Custom Allowance Unit feature is enabled
The user has an active Plan/Pass that includes the Custom Allowance Unit
The allowance was added to the correct person (User vs. Team)
Users can view their allowance in:
App → More → Allowance
Note: A Custom Currency is still a type of Allowance. For details on how allowance is created, deducted, expired, and applied, please refer to the Allowance FAQ here