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Participating in a research study often means spending time, energy, and personal money long before...
3
min. read
Nobody signs up for a clinical trial because they’re excited about paperwork.
But for many participants, that’s what getting paid feels like: forms, delays, and wondering when (or if) the money shows up.
The ScoutPass® flips that script. It’s a debit card made for trial participants, with payments that land fast and spend easy. No chasing checks or crossed fingers.
What is the ScoutPass®?
At its core, the ScoutPass® is a reloadable debit card designed specifically for clinical trial participants. Once you have it, you can keep the same card for the entire study. No need to juggle new accounts or fresh paperwork every visit.
Depending on where you live, your ScoutPass® runs on either Visa or Mastercard, which means it works almost anywhere in the world, online or in-store.
And while Scout offers plenty of ways to receive study payments (from bank transfers to PayPal to Venmo) the ScoutPass® stands out as the option many sites and participants prefer: simple, secure, and built to make life easier during a study.
Why options like ScoutPass® matter
For participants, it’s simple: not everyone has a bank account, and not everyone wants to use a digital wallet. A debit card they can keep for the whole study makes reimbursements easier and more reliable.
For sites, quicker payments mean less admin work. When funds land on time, coordinators spend less effort chasing paperwork and more time focusing on patients.
For sponsors, dependable payments reduce dropout risk. When reimbursements are consistent, participants stick with the study and data stays intact.
What’s it like to get a ScoutPass®?
Getting a ScoutPass® is simple.
Step 1: Your site requests the card for you through the Scout Portal.
Step 2: The card shows up in a plain white envelope within about 2–3 weeks — or right away if you’re at a U.S. site that issues cards on-site.
Step 3: Your first payment is already loaded. After that, new funds typically load the same day or within about 24 hours of approval.
Step 4: Use your ScoutPass® anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, online or in-store. Hold onto it for the full study.
Reloads are quick, and setting a PIN is easy. If your card is ever lost or stolen, getting a replacement is just as straightforward. Scout’s committed to making the process convenient.
What participants should know
The ScoutPass® is designed to be simple to use.
- There are no fees when you make purchases. The only potential charges come from ATM withdrawals or balance checks.
- Each card is valid for three years, so you can keep it for the duration of your study.
- For added security, you can set up a PIN. In the EU, identity verification is required before the card can be activated.
- If you ever need help, the Scout Patient Liaison team is available to answer questions or replace a lost card.
What sponsors and sites should know
For sites, assigning a ScoutPass® is a simple process. Once it’s added to a participant’s profile in the Scout Portal, payments flow directly to the card.
At U.S. sites, there’s also an On-Site Reloadable option, meaning funds can be available within a single business day instead of waiting for mail delivery.
Sponsors and sites can count on a transparent, trackable process that makes reconciliation easier. The system is built with regional requirements in mind, including identity verification in the EU, so compliance is never an afterthought.
And because the ScoutPass® is part of Scout’s larger payment ecosystem, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Participants have a real choice in how they’re reimbursed, while sponsors and sites get a system that fits the study.
How ScoutPass® compares to ClinCard and Mural Link
Reloadable payment cards are well established in clinical research. Suvoda's ClinCard and Mural Health’s Mural Link are widely recognized options. Each has strengths, but ScoutPass® brings together features that strike the right balance for participants, sites, and sponsors.
- Participant experience comes first
ClinCard has long been trusted for its reach, and Mural Link is known for offering multiple digital options. ScoutPass® combines both strengths with a debit card participants can rely on, plus the flexibility of bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, and more — so no one is boxed into a single method. - Speed where it counts
ClinCard and Mural Link both offer fast reimbursement options. ScoutPass® supports that same pace with loads that typically process the same day or within about 24 hours once approved. The on-site reload process at U.S. sites can make funds available even sooner. It keeps the payment step simple for sites and predictable for participants. - Global reach with compliance built in
All three solutions support international studies. ScoutPass® leverages Visa or Mastercard networks and includes requirements like EU identity verification, so participants can use their card almost anywhere with confidence. - Support beyond the card
Mural Link emphasizes a broader platform, and Greenphire pairs ClinCard with other services like ConneX. ScoutPass® takes a different approach: it connects directly to Scout’s travel and lodging solutions and is backed by 24/7 multilingual live support, making it part of a complete package for participants and sites.
Flexible payment options like the ScoutPass® matter
Payments carry weight in a clinical trial. When they’re late or complicated, participants feel overlooked and studies falter. When they’re fast and reliable, everyone benefits.
For participants, the ScoutPass® removes the hassle of reimbursements so they can focus on their health.
For sites, it takes busywork off the table and keeps visits running smoothly.
For sponsors, it helps hold studies together: reducing dropout, protecting timelines, and strengthening data.
The ScoutPass® is proof that clinical trial payments can be simple, fair, and dependable. And it’s one piece of Scout’s broader commitment to supporting participants, sites, and sponsors worldwide.
