10 best mobile loyalty program apps

Building astonishing customer engagement and experience in a world overwhelmed by tons of communication is a huge challenge. More and more companies use mobile apps to create dedicated channels of communication with their clients and establish a bond that can be something more than just messages related to customers’ purchases.

Here’s where loyalty programs with mobile applications come in!

Key takeaways

• Mobile loyalty programs serve as indispensable cornerstones in the mobile app industry by providing a nuanced array of benefits, both transactional and non-transactional, driving user engagement and overall app momentum.
• From compelling rewards, loyalty points, achievements, and scan-to-receive perks to traditional punch cards and mileage-based rewards, loyalty programs showcase a diverse array of features, reflecting their strategic adaptability.
• Mobile loyalty programs seamlessly integrate into diverse industries such as brand reselling, travel, food, retail with offline stores, and many more, affirming their strategic significance as enduring tools for sustained customer commitment.
• Whether you're running a big international company or overseeing a neighborhood retail store, incorporating a thoughtfully designed mobile loyalty program is recognized as a smart strategy to enhance customer connections and achieve outstanding results.

What is a mobile loyalty program?

A mobile loyalty program is a strategic initiative implemented through mobile applications to enhance the overall customer experience with a brand — this enhancement encompasses various aspects, such as shopping and customer care interactions.

The fundamental idea behind mobile loyalty solutions revolves around surpassing client's expectations, offering additional perks to users, and establishing a meaningful connection with customers through consistent and tailored communication.

The mobile channel is a versatile platform that enables brands to engage with their clients virtually and through various channels, especially when powered up by a top loyalty management system. Leveraging personalization techniques and carefully crafted push notification messages, brands can reach out to their customers precisely when needed and deliver messaging that resonates with them. As you might surmise, this direct and personalized relationship becomes crucial for brands that distribute products through multiple resellers, ensuring a seamless and unified brand experience.

One of the significant advantages of loyalty programs integrated into mobile applications is the wealth of behavioral data they generate. The insights gained from these programs empower organizations to make informed decisions, tailor their offerings to specific preferences, and refine the overall marketing strategy. In this way, mobile loyalty programs contribute to customer satisfaction and businesses' strategic development and expansion.

The importance of loyalty programs in the mobile app industry

Implementing mobile loyalty programs stands out as a key strategy to foster customer exposure, increase customer retention rates, and cultivate unwavering brand loyalty. The multifaceted value derived from loyalty mobile applications extends beyond mere transactions, encompassing tangible and intangible benefits for end-users.

Transactional benefits

Loyalty mobile apps offer a spectrum of transactional advantages directly tied to product or service purchases. The most prevalent among these are:

• Coupons - providing customers with discounts and exclusive offers.
• Codes - enabling members to access special promotions or savings through unique codes.
• Digital currency - facilitating seamless and secure payments through digital currency options.
• Free products/services - rewarding loyal customers with complimentary items or services.
• Access to pre-sell or limited offers - granting early access to exclusive product releases or limited-time promotions.

Non-transactional benefits

Beyond transactional perks, loyalty mobile apps add an extra layer of surprises unrelated to direct brand offerings. Some noteworthy non-transactional benefits include:

• No-receipt returns - simplifying the return process by eliminating the need for a purchase receipt.
• Dedicated customer care - offering personalized and responsive support services.
• Enhanced buying features - introducing features such as progress tracking or secure payment gateways for an improved purchasing experience.
• Invitations to exclusive events - extending invites to closed events or VIP experiences.
• Gifts unrelated to core offerings - providing unexpected gifts or rewards that go beyond the brand's primary products or services.
• Free samples - offering complimentary samples to showcase new or existing products.
• Educational materials - providing valuable content and resources to educate and empower users.

In essence, the customer loyalty program enables brands to deliver diverse values, creating an exclusive and enriching journey for buyers that transcends conventional sales and marketing channels. The mobile app channel itself becomes a conduit for accessing these benefits, eliminating the need for clients to carry physical loyalty cards and ensuring seamless engagement with the brand's offerings.

What are the most popular features in mobile loyalty program applications?

When delving into the realm of mobile loyalty program applications, it becomes evident that these apps come in various forms, each equipped with distinctive features to enhance user engagement.

Below, we'll explain in general terms some of the most popular functions that often find a place in these applications:

• Rewards and loyalty points - customers accumulate points through transactions or activities, unlocking rewards and incentives.
• Achievements and rewards - acknowledging user milestones or achievements with corresponding rewards to encourage continued participation.
• Scan and get rewards - leveraging QR code or barcode scanning functionalities to provide users with rewards seamlessly.
• Punch card - mimicking the traditional customer loyalty card system, users earn stamps or punches for each transaction, leading to eventual rewards.
• Miles - incorporating a mileage system where users earn virtual miles that can be redeemed for various benefits.
• Referrals - encouraging users to refer the app to others, often resulting in bonus points or exclusive rewards for the referrer and the new user.
• Points and payment - allowing members to use accumulated points as a form of payment, providing a tangible benefit for their loyalty.
• Levels and engagement - introducing a tiered system where users progress through levels based on their engagement, with each level offering enhanced rewards.
• Hidden offers - incorporating an element of surprise by unveiling exclusive and hidden offers, adding an element of excitement for loyal customers.
• Special offers - showcasing promotions, discounts, or exclusive deals that are specifically tailored for loyalty program members.

While the landscape of mobile loyalty apps is diverse, many patterns lean towards simplicity, often focusing on one or two core assumptions. Whether it's the straightforward accumulation of points or the gamification of user engagement through levels and achievements, these features collectively contribute to the success and popularity of mobile loyalty programs.

Examples of customer loyalty mobile apps

Tchibo

Tchibo (Tchibo – Mode, Wohnen, Lifestyle & Kaffee) mobile app is a combination of loyalty program and mCommerce app. It gives access to loyalty cards and personal vouchers, enables mobile shopping, and informs about offers.

Functionalities

• Online shop: Tchibo collections
• Online shop: coffee and accessories
• Discounts and promotions
• QR code scanner
• Tchibo card management
• Personal coupons
• Map of stores

Design advantages

• Customized shortcuts
• Access to important functions with no Internet connection

Presentation in store

Simple, characteristic icons and header pictures in Google Play make it easy to identify the Tchibo brand. Mobile app description is both satisfying to the user and correct in terms of ASO.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts – Offers (Dunkin’ Donuts perks and rewards) app provides DD Perks program members with rewards and loyalty offers, gift cards, On-the-Go Ordering with mobile pay, menus, and nutritional facts, as well as store locators.

See below how the Dunkin’ Donuts customer loyalty rewards program can increase customer retention.

Functionalities

• Coupons overview
• Menu and nutrition tables
• Map of stores with "near me” function and rich filters (hour of service, payment methods, special ingredients)
• Loyalty card management
• Order On-The-Go (order and pay from your phone)
• Emoji keyboard

Design advantages

• Registration isn't required to enter the app
• Informative tutorial by application first launch
• The look and feel of the app consistent with the brand's character
• Using custom graphics and loaders strengthens brand recognition

Presentation in store

The Dunkin’ Donuts app store presentation is rather good, with a clean photo, logo, and brand name. The characteristic icon and well-written descriptions are divided into sections. Custom graphics in Google Play strengthen brand recognition.

EQUIVA

EQUIVA's transformative journey in the equestrian world is underscored by its innovative approach to customer engagement through the introduction of the EQUIVA mobile app. From their humble beginnings in 2003, EQUIVA has grown into a prominent force with over 80 stores across Germany, Austria, and Luxembourg. 

The EQUIVA app, a cornerstone of the company's evolution, not only provides a convenient platform for equestrian enthusiasts to access a diverse range of products but also introduces a novel loyalty program — "EQUIVA Friends."

The described program, seamlessly integrated into the mobile app, allows users to stay updated on the latest offers and earn and accumulate "Hearts" with each purchase. These Hearts, serving as a unique currency within the loyalty framework, establish a bond between EQUIVA and its customers.

When users purchase at their EQUIVA store or the EQUIVA online shop, they'll earn two Hearts for every euro spent. As users accumulate more Hearts, they'll ascend through the bonus tiers, unlocking more significant savings — up to a 10% discount on all future purchases. Additionally, users can enjoy exclusive Friends discounts and a special birthday surprise for both them and their horses.

By leveraging the power of mobile technology and gamified loyalty, EQUIVA streamlined the shopping experience and created a more intimate connection with its customer base. The strategic combination of technology and personalized incentives underscores EQUIVA's commitment to evolve with the times and improve the overall equestrian experience for its loyal community.

Functionality

• QR code functionality
• Online store available in the app
• Horse profiles
• Coupons
• Built-in maintenance mode
• In-app messages with useful information directly in the app
• Intelligent push notifications that lead to offers, coupons, or to the online shop

Design advantages

• Good and clear UI
• Easy to use, short learning curve 
• No need to have a physical card

Presentation in store

The icon represents the horse to which the app is dedicated. The app preview consists of screenshots and comprehensive descriptions of the app's main functions.

Starbucks

The Starbucks app is a convenient way to pay in-store or skip the line and order ahead. Rewards are built right in, and the customer collects Stars, for which he or she can earn free drinks and food with every purchase.

Building a customer loyalty program based on the Starbucks loyalty app connected with payments can strengthen the bond with clients.

Functionality

• Multiple payment forms
• Map of stores
• Gifts (artworks) to share
• Making an order and menu with good quality photos and order subsections: Featured, Previous, and Favorites
• Music: integration with Spotify
• Inbox
• History
• Profile settings: Personal info, Payment methods, Linked Accounts, Passcode, Touch ID, Notifications
• Apple Watch app available
• iMessage available

Design advantages:

• 0 taps to see the account status
• Nice visualization of current loyalty status and points still needed to reach the next status
• Good onboarding
• Usable navigation with the "Add to basket" function
• Attractive visually – clean with good quality product photos

Presentation in store

Good app store presentation with a clean coffee photo accompanied by a brand name. Characteristic icon and well-written description.

Pampers Rewards

Parents App (Pampers Rewards: Saving & Gifts for Parents) is linked to the Pampers Rewards loyalty program. It enables customers to join the program and grants them 100 points just for signing in. The app's primary function is to scan promo codes available on Pampers products and exchange them for personalized rewards.

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Functionality

• First launch tutorial
• Offers section
• Notifications management
• Promo code scanner
• Charity donations
• Rich Profile section with reward points status, contributions, favorites, and baby names

Design advantages:

• Good forms validation
• Help and contextual tutorials available

Presentation in store

App icon consistent with brand look and feel. Informative application name and description. Preview screenshots contain a description informing loyalty members about core functionality.

Huggies

The Huggies Rewards mobile app enables scanning and uploading receipts using a smartphone. Customers can also earn extra Huggies Rewards Points without purchasing products, just by reading helpful parenting articles, watching videos, and viewing personalized bonus offers.

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Functionality

• Receipt scanning
• Huggies reward: earn by scanning the receipt
• Redeem section: redeem reward with rich filters
• Buy section: product catalog linking to the external shop
• Personalised Child profile
• Digital loyalty cards management

Design advantages

• Good forms validation
• Optional personalization: "Tell us about your baby"

Presentation in store

There's a rich description of the application and good-quality screenshots of the application preview, each of which describes the promotion of basic functions

7-Eleven

7-Eleven is a simple app created to collect and manage points. A customer is rewarded for buying the food and drinks in 7-Eleven stores. Earned points can be exchanged for rewards of various types. The app also offers access to available promotions and coupons.

Functionality

• Loyalty account status (number of points, number of cups)
• Barcode to scan instead of plastic card
• Bonus Offers
• Deals: Promotions and Coupons
• My Rewards
• Map of stores with rich filters
• Customer Profile: the profile, my stores, preferences, 7Rewards Cards Design advantages: 

Design advantages

• Graphic indicator of loyalty point status
• 0 taps are needed to see account status and barcode
• Usable bottom navigation
• Rewards are grouped according to the number of points needed, easily accessible from the tabs

Presentation in store

The icon is very informative thanks to its characteristic logo labeled with the brand name. App preview contains screenshots with descriptions, clearly presenting the app's core functions.

Super-Pharm

Super-Pharm's application consists of all kinds of offers available in Super-Pharm stores. The customer can access a complete list of current coupons and promotions, a map of stores, and personal shopping lists.

Functionality

• Offers: personalized coupons, coupons, promotions, sales
• Shopping lists
• Map of stores
• Favorites
• Code scanner
• Vision testing sign-up
• Newsletters

Design advantages

• Characteristic icons for each offer type

Presentation in store

An easy-to-identify icon presenting the Super-Pharm logo, consistent with the header picture. Available app preview screenshots include a description of the main features of the app.

Tesco

Tesco Clubcard mobile app gives users access to vouchers on their phones and allows them to manage the Clubcard account on the go. Customers can collect points with the Clubcard app by scanning the phone instead of a card.

Functionality

• Offers
• Tesco card code to scan
• Vouchers
• Coupons
• Tesco promotions: categorized with filters available: members-only promotions and standard
• Loyalty account status
• Apple Wallet and Android Pay integration

Design advantages

• Bottom navigation
• Not mandatory registration
• Access to search function from every app level

Presentation in store

The presentation includes a clear icon with the brand's logo and the name of the benefit program. App preview contains screenshots presenting main functions.

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Pampers Rewards

Parents App (Pampers Rewards: Saving & Gifts for Parents) is linked to the Pampers Rewards loyalty program. It enables customers to join the program and grants them 100 points just for signing in. The app's primary function is to scan promo codes available on Pampers products and exchange them for personalized rewards.

‍

Functionality

• First launch tutorial
• Offers section
• Notifications management
• Promo code scanner
• Charity donations
• Rich Profile section with reward points status, contributions, favorites, and baby names

Design advantages:

• Good forms validation
• Help and contextual tutorials available

Presentation in store

App icon consistent with brand look and feel. Informative application name and description. Preview screenshots contain a description informing loyalty members about core functionality.

Huggies

The Huggies Rewards mobile app enables scanning and uploading receipts using a smartphone. Customers can also earn extra Huggies Rewards Points without purchasing products, just by reading helpful parenting articles, watching videos, and viewing personalized bonus offers.

‍

Functionality

• Receipt scanning
• Huggies reward: earn by scanning the receipt
• Redeem section: redeem reward with rich filters
• Buy section: product catalog linking to the external shop
• Personalised Child profile
• Digital loyalty cards management

Design advantages

• Good forms validation
• Optional personalization: "Tell us about your baby"

Presentation in store

There's a rich description of the application and good-quality screenshots of the application preview, each of which describes the promotion of basic functions

7-Eleven

7-Eleven is a simple app created to collect and manage points. A customer is rewarded for buying the food and drinks in 7-Eleven stores. Earned points can be exchanged for rewards of various types. The app also offers access to available promotions and coupons.

‍

Functionality

• Loyalty account status (number of points, number of cups)
• Barcode to scan instead of plastic card
• Bonus Offers
• Deals: Promotions and Coupons
• My Rewards
• Map of stores with rich filters
• Customer Profile: the profile, my stores, preferences, 7Rewards Cards Design advantages: 

Design advantages

• Graphic indicator of loyalty point status
• 0 taps are needed to see account status and barcode
• Usable bottom navigation
• Rewards are grouped according to the number of points needed, easily accessible from the tabs

Presentation in store

The icon is very informative thanks to its characteristic logo labeled with the brand name. App preview contains screenshots with descriptions, clearly presenting the app's core functions.

Super-Pharm

Super-Pharm's application consists of all kinds of offers available in Super-Pharm stores. The customer can access a complete list of current coupons and promotions, a map of stores, and personal shopping lists.

Functionality

• Offers: personalized coupons, coupons, promotions, sales
• Shopping lists
• Map of stores
• Favorites
• Code scanner
• Vision testing sign-up
• Newsletters

Design advantages

• Characteristic icons for each offer type

Presentation in store

An easy-to-identify icon presenting the Super-Pharm logo, consistent with the header picture. Available app preview screenshots include a description of the main features of the app.

Tesco

Tesco Clubcard mobile app gives users access to vouchers on their phones and allows them to manage the Clubcard account on the go. Customers can collect points with the Clubcard app by scanning the phone instead of a card.

Functionality

• Offers
• Tesco card code to scan
• Vouchers
• Coupons
• Tesco promotions: categorized with filters available: members-only promotions and standard
• Loyalty account status
• Apple Wallet and Android Pay integration

Design advantages

• Bottom navigation
• Not mandatory registration
• Access to search function from every app level

Presentation in store

The presentation includes a clear icon with the brand's logo and the name of the benefit program. App preview contains screenshots presenting main functions.

H&M

The H&M membership app enables users to browse and shop for the latest fashion offers, exclusive promotions, and information about the latest trends, news, and videos. Users can get push notifications about new deals and events at local H&M stores and, follow order status, check account balance, and edit personal details.

Functionality

• Shop with customer type and product type categorization
• My style: personalized feed
• Favorites products
• Bag and mobile shopping
• Magazine
• Map of stores
• Newsletter
• Gift Cards
• My H&M: orders, cards, inbox, profile, notifications

Design advantages

Reach search: includes top searched products, trending search categories, and links to commonly searched information (shipping, payments).

Presentation in store

The icon presenting the H&M logo is easy to identify. An app preview consists of video and screenshots, including a description of the app's main features.

In what industries do loyalty apps work best?

While mobile customer loyalty apps can be a powerful tool, their suitability varies across industries and business models. They're particularly advantageous for companies heavily reliant on repeat sales, especially those where offline interactions significantly influence the purchasing process.

Here are some industries where loyalty apps tend to work exceptionally well.

Food industry

Restaurants and food establishments can capitalize on loyalty apps to foster customer loyalty through rewards, discounts, and personalized promotions.

Clients can place orders, track rewards, and receive custom promotions through their mobile devices, enhancing the overall dining experience. Additionally, the integration of mobile payments facilitates a seamless and contactless transaction process, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.

Retailers with offline stores

Traditional retailers operating brick-and-mortar stores can use loyalty apps to bridge the gap between online and offline shopping experiences, incentivizing customers to choose their physical outlets.

Buyers can receive location-based notifications, guiding them to exclusive in-store promotions or events. Mobile apps also facilitate the digitization of loyalty cards, eliminating the need for physical cards and streamlining the reward redemption process.

Health and wellness sector

In the health and wellness industry, loyalty apps can play a pivotal role in promoting healthy habits and lifestyle choices. Fitness centers, wellness clinics, and nutrition-focused businesses can utilize these apps to reward customers for consistent engagement, such as regular gym attendance or adherence to wellness programs.

Users can track their fitness progress, receive health-related tips, and access personalized wellness plans on the go — this fosters a continuous connection between the user and the health-focused brand, reinforcing healthy habits through the convenience of mobile engagement.

Automotive sector

Car dealerships and service centers can implement loyalty apps to reinforce customer loyalty. Offering discounts on routine maintenance, exclusive access to events, or personalized vehicle-related content can keep customers engaged and encourage them to choose the same brand for their future automotive needs.

Automotive businesses can implement apps to provide users with maintenance reminders, schedule service appointments, and access exclusive promotions. Mobile apps can also offer features like vehicle diagnostics, personalized driving tips, and loyalty rewards for continued brand engagement. Such mobile connectivity strengthens the bond between clients and automotive brands, influencing repeat purchases and fostering brand loyalty.

Technology and gadgets

Loyalty apps can also be effective for companies offering gadgets, electronics, or software. Providing early access to new products, exclusive tech support, or discounts on future purchases can keep tech-savvy customers engaged and loyal to a particular brand.

Resellers 

In the context of brand resellers, mobile loyalty apps provide a seamless platform for resellers and customers to track rewards, promotions, and engagement activities.

The ease of use ensures that participants can effortlessly redeem rewards and stay informed about the latest offerings, creating a user-friendly experience that enhances overall satisfaction. Companies with reseller networks can leverage loyalty apps to strengthen their relationships with vendors and end-users.

Travel industry

Loyalty apps prove beneficial in the travel sector, where repeat bookings and customer retention are crucial — they enhance the overall travel experience and encourage repeat purchases. 

Travelers can access exclusive deals, check their loyalty points, and make bookings directly from their smartphones. Push notifications and real-time updates also allow companies to engage with buyers during their journeys, offering tailored recommendations and incentives that further solidify brand loyalty.

Hospitality and entertainment

Hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues can benefit significantly from loyalty apps by offering exclusive perks, room upgrades, or special access to events. Such an approach enhances the overall guest experience and encourages patrons to choose the same establishment for their future leisure activities.

Subscription-based services

Industries relying on subscription models, such as streaming services, magazines, or subscription boxes, can use loyalty apps to retain subscribers. By providing personalized incentives and discounts based on usage patterns, these apps help increase customer satisfaction and reduce churn rates.

These apps allow subscribers to manage their accounts, customize preferences, and receive personalized recommendations directly on their mobile devices. Push notifications can highlight exclusive content, early access to new releases, and special discounts, creating a personalized and engaging experience that encourages subscribers to stay loyal to the service.

Education and e-learning

In the education sector, loyalty apps can be employed to reward students for consistent learning, participation, or achievement milestones. Educational institutions and e-learning platforms can utilize these apps to create a sense of community and incentivize ongoing educational pursuits.

Also, educational institutions and e-learning platforms can use these apps to reward students for achievements, track progress, and provide access to exclusive educational content. The mobile aspect ensures that students can engage with the learning community, receive timely notifications, and access resources conveniently, fostering a continuous and loyal relationship with the educational provider.

Before developing an app for the loyalty program, ensure your target audience is open to mobile engagement. Research their preferences and habits to guide app development. Successful apps often begin as proofs of concept and evolve based on customer feedback.

Implementing a loyalty app is a strategic move for customer acquisition and retention in competitive markets. It creates a new communication channel, helping your brand stand out and build meaningful connections.

Remember, a successful loyalty app doesn't have to mimic existing models. Innovate in design and engagement strategies for a unique user experience that sets your brand apart.

How to get started with mobile apps for loyalty programs?

Embarking on the journey to develop a compelling and interactive loyalty mobile application mirrors the process of creating any mobile app. To ensure success, follow the key steps below.

1. Evaluate audience adoption potential

Begin by assessing the likelihood of your target audience embracing the loyalty mobile app. Understand their preferences, needs, and the value they associate with customer loyalty programs. Taking this basic step prepares the ground for a customized and effective app.

2. Benchmark and research

Dive into benchmarking exercises, examining successful loyalty apps in various industries. Identify mechanics that have proven to be well-received in the market. Extend your research beyond your specific sector to gain insights that could give your loyalty app a competitive edge.

3. Craft a minimum viable product (MVP)

Develop a minimum viable product that encapsulates the core features of your loyalty mobile app. Concentrate on 1-2 pivotal mechanics that align with your app's objectives. Prioritizing essential elements in the MVP allows for efficient testing and refinement before a full-scale launch.

4. Merge loyalty features for seamless integration

If your business already operates an eCommerce platform or web portal dedicated to loyalty, ensure a seamless integration of all loyalty features. That kind of consolidation prevents customer confusion by providing a unified and cohesive experience across all touchpoints.

Summary

In concluding our analysis of successful mobile loyalty programs, we walked through the basic concepts, uncovering the nuanced nature of the transactional and non-transactional benefits that make these applications a must.

From alluring features such as rewards, loyalty points, achievements, and scan-to-receive perks to the more traditional punch cards and mileage-based rewards, the spectrum of possibilities within loyalty schemes is vast. Our guide unveiled their versatility, showcasing how they seamlessly integrate into industries like brand reselling, travel, food, retail with offline stores, and others. This confirms the claim that loyalty apps aren't just passing trends, but strategic tools to support sustainable customer engagement.

A well-crafted mobile loyalty program undoubtedly has the power to elevate customer relationships and drive business success in the digital age. Follow the best in your field and get inspired by the top 10 mobile loyalty apps when developing your solution. 

Get more inspiration from the Top 100 Loyalty Programs report, or see the future of loyalty programs at Loyalty Trends research.