Top 15 Successful Loyalty Programs You Should Know About in 2025

If you want to see examples of successful loyalty programs that are popular in 2025, you are not alone. Target Circle leads with almost 80 million members, followed by Sephora Beauty Insider with 17 million members in North America.

When you join a customer loyalty program, you gain more than just rewards—you build a closer connection to your favorite brands. For businesses, implementing effective loyalty plans brings customers back more often and drives growth. If you want to explore real examples of successful loyalty programs and understand why customer loyalty matters, you’re in the right place. The best loyalty programs make every visit rewarding for both you and the business.

Key Takeaways

• Loyalty programs in 2025 give personal rewards and instant perks. They also offer fun experiences to make customers return.

• The best programs use technology like AI and mobile apps. They also use wallet integration. This makes rewards easy to get and use anywhere.

• Good loyalty plans have tiered memberships and community features. They also have special events to help customers feel important.

• Big brands like Starbucks, Amazon Prime, and Sephora use personalization and digital tools. These things help them grow loyalty and sales.

• Loyally.ai gives flexible and simple tools for businesses. These tools help make smart loyalty programs with real-time tracking and customer engagement.

Successful Loyalty Programs in 2025

Key Trends

Loyalty programs in 2025 look very different now. Brands want you to feel special, not just collect points. Many companies stop using old point systems. They give rewards that feel fun and personal. You can get discounts or free items right after you buy something. This makes you want to shop again.

Here are some big trends you see today:

• Brands use AI to learn what you like and send you offers that match.

• You get invited to VIP events and special experiences, not just coupons.

• Many loyalty programs team up with other brands, so you have more reward choices.

• Mobile apps help you check your points and rewards anywhere you go.

• Green loyalty programs give you rewards for making eco-friendly choices.

• Hybrid programs let you earn and use rewards online and in stores.

• Subscription-based loyalty gives you instant perks if you pay each month.

• Brands use safe technology to keep your information private.

You want loyalty programs that are easy and fun. Brands use technology to make everything smooth and personal for you.

Features That Drive Success

What makes a loyalty program work well? The best ones use smart features that make you want to come back. Here is what helps:

Personalization is the most important part of customer loyalty. When you get offers that fit your interests, you feel noticed and valued. This makes you want to stay with brands that treat you well. In 2025, the best loyalty programs use technology, instant rewards, and community to keep customers loyal for a long time.

Examples of Successful Loyalty Programs

If you want to find the best loyalty programs in 2025, you will see both big brands and new digital programs. Here are 15 loyalty program examples that are special for their new ideas and how they keep people interested. These successful loyalty programs show what works and why people return.

Starbucks Rewards

Starbucks Rewards is one of the top loyalty card programs. You can join for free and earn stars when you buy something. You use stars to get drinks, food, or other items. Starbucks gives more than just discounts. They give you special offers, birthday treats, and early access to new things.

Starbucks Rewards makes you feel important. The app helps you track stars, order ahead, and get rewards fast. This program shows that when you feel special, you visit more and stay loyal.

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is a membership rewards program with many perks. You pay each month or year and get lots of benefits. These include fast shipping, streaming, and special deals. Prime members spend more than others and most keep their membership.

You get easy shopping, fun shows, and good deals in one place. Amazon Prime keeps you coming back because it makes life simple and fun.

Sephora Beauty Insider

Sephora Beauty Insider is a tiered loyalty program that makes you feel special. You earn points for every dollar you spend and pick your own rewards. The program uses smart tools to suggest products for your skin and shopping style.

• You choose your rewards, so they match your taste.

• There are three levels: Beauty Insider, VIB, and Rouge. Each level gives better perks.

• You get birthday gifts, early sales, and special events.

• The Beauty Insider community lets you share tips with others.

• Sephora uses machine learning for personal suggestions.

• You can join classes and get samples at higher levels.

"Research has found that almost 75% of what drives customer engagement and loyalty are emotional perks. Now more than ever customers, especially the younger generations, decide to engage with brands based on emotional loyalty drivers." – Allegra Stanley, VP of Loyalty at Sephora

Sephora’s focus on feelings and personal rewards makes it a top beauty loyalty program.

Nike Membership

Nike Membership is more than a loyalty card program. You get special content, early sneaker releases, and personal shopping. Nike uses its apps to help you stay active and connected.

• You get free workouts, tips, and group challenges.

• Early access to new items and events keeps you excited.

• Nike uses AI and AR to help you find the right fit.

• Games and levels make the program fun.

• The program builds a strong group, so you feel like part of Nike.

Nike’s focus on digital tools and community turns shoppers into loyal fans.

Ulta Beauty Rewards

Ulta Beauty Rewards is a tiered program where you earn points for every buy. You can use points for discounts on anything in the store. The more you shop, the more perks you get.

• Three levels: Member, Platinum, and Diamond.

• Earn points on every dollar and get bonus points at events.

• Top levels get early access to big sales.

• Birthday gifts and special offers for Platinum and Diamond.

• You can use points with other discounts for more savings.

• The app helps you track points and shop.

Ulta’s easy rewards and simple rules make it a favorite for beauty fans.

Athleta Rewards

Athleta Rewards is different because it focuses on wellness and community. The AthletaWell platform gives you exercise videos, expert advice, and a safe place to talk about health.

• You join a group that supports women’s health.

• You can talk to nutritionists and yoga teachers online.

• There are spaces for body positivity and fitness talks.

• Content and group activities build strong loyalty.

• Athleta becomes more than a store—it’s a lifestyle.

You feel cared for and inspired, so you stay loyal to Athleta.

The Nordy Club (Nordstrom Rack)

The Nordy Club is a tiered program that rewards you for shopping more. You earn points for every dollar and move up to better levels with more perks.

You get more than just discounts. You get special experiences and personal help. This program shows how feelings and attention keep customers loyal.

Forever Rewarded (Forever 21)

Forever Rewarded gives you points for every buy, especially with the Forever 21 Credit Card.

• Earn 3 points per dollar at Forever 21, 2 at restaurants, and 1 everywhere else.

• Use points for Reward Certificates, getting about 5% back.

• Points round up, so you earn faster.

• The program makes you want to shop more and rewards you for it.

You get clear rewards and an easy way to save on styles you love.

H&M Customer Rewards

H&M Customer Rewards is a digital loyalty card program with simple rewards and a focus on being green.

You get rewards for shopping and for helping the planet. H&M’s program shows that fashion and caring for the earth can work together.

The North Face XPLR Pass

The North Face XPLR Pass connects you with other outdoor fans and rewards you for adventure.

• Earn points for shopping, using reusable bags, and trading old gear.

• Get discounts, early access to gear, and invites to events.

• Track your rewards in the app.

• Use points for special experiences, like mountain trips.

• The program inspires you to explore and try new things.

You feel like part of a group, not just a shopper. This loyalty card program builds trust and keeps you coming back.

Dunkin’ Rewards

Dunkin’ Rewards is a digital program that makes every coffee run count.

You get quick rewards, easy ordering, and a fun app. Dunkin’ makes you want to come back again and again.

Burger King Royal Perks

Burger King Royal Perks uses games to make loyalty fun.

You get to play, win, and save while eating your favorite food. This program shows that fun can help keep customers loyal.

CVS ExtraCare

CVS ExtraCare is a classic loyalty card program that gives you cash back on things you buy.

You earn rewards on almost everything and can use them easily. CVS keeps it simple and valuable, making it a top loyalty program.

McDonald’s Rewards

McDonald’s Rewards uses mobile tech to make every meal better.

• The app tracks your points and rewards.

• Offers match what you like to order.

• You can order ahead, change meals, and pay in the app.

• Use rewards in-store, drive-thru, or mobile orders.

• Earn 100 points per dollar, so rewards add up fast.

• The “Ready On Arrival” feature makes sure your food is hot.

• AI and cloud tech make things quick and easy.

You get fast service, easy rewards, and a personal touch every visit.

Loyally.ai Digital Loyalty Platform

Loyally.ai is a digital platform that helps businesses make their own loyalty card programs. You can set up stamp cards, points, memberships, discounts, cashback, coupons, multipass, and gift cards—all online.

• Eight ready-made card types save time and money.

• The built-in CRM helps track and group customers.

• You can send unlimited push, SMS, and email messages.

• Geolocation marketing sends offers to people near your store.

• Real-time analytics show what works and what needs fixing.

• Wallet integration makes joining easy.

• Referral sharing helps you get more customers.

• Games and levels boost engagement and loyalty.

Loyally.ai helps all kinds of businesses with flexible prices and easy setup. You get a full solution to bring customers back, get referrals, and increase spending. This is one of the most creative loyalty programs for 2025.

Loyalty Program Examples by Industry

Retail

Retail stores have some of the coolest loyalty programs. Brands like Sephora, H&M, and Ulta Beauty use levels and points to reward you. These programs use AI to give you rewards that fit your shopping style. You can earn points, move up to new levels, and go to special events. Some stores, like H&M, give you rewards for recycling clothes. You get updates and can use rewards easily with apps or wallet passes.

Beauty and cosmetics loyalty programs want you to feel special. They update their features often, so you always have something new.

Food & Beverage

Food and drink loyalty programs make every visit better. You can join Starbucks Rewards, Dunkin’ Rewards, or McDonald’s Rewards. These programs use points and levels to keep you coming back. You earn points for each buy and trade them for free food or drinks. Many brands use AI to send you deals you will like. You get alerts right away and can play games for extra rewards.

• Mobile apps help you track points and order before you arrive. Personalized deals make you feel noticed. Games make earning rewards fun. Location-based deals get you to visit more.

Food and drink loyalty programs use tech to make things easy and fun. This makes you want to come back again.

Travel & Hospitality

Travel and hotel loyalty programs are different now. You do not just collect points. You get cool perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, and special treatment. Programs like Expedia One Key let you earn and use rewards on hotels, flights, and cars. You can use rewards like cash, which is simple. Many programs work with small hotels, so you get special stays and still get perks.

• You can earn points at many brands. You can use rewards for lots of travel needs. Higher levels give you better perks. Apps and personal touches make trips easier.

You feel important and not just like any other guest.

Digital & Subscription

Digital and subscription loyalty programs make you feel like part of a team. Amazon Prime and Nike Membership are good examples. These programs use AI to give you rewards that fit you. You get alerts, can use rewards in your wallet, and sometimes get green rewards. Subscriptions give you instant perks, so you want to stay a member.

• Blockchain keeps your rewards safe and lets you use them with other brands. Social media makes sharing and using rewards easy. Games and groups keep you interested. You get more than discounts, like special content or early access.

Digital loyalty programs turn rewards into a fun experience. You feel like you belong to a special group.

Best Practices for Customer Loyalty Programs

To make a great loyalty rewards program in 2025, focus on what your customers care about. The best programs use smart tech, easy rewards, and help people feel like they belong. Here are the top ways to make your loyalty program special.

Personalization

You want brands to know what you like. Personalization is very important for loyalty. Brands like Starbucks and Sephora use AI and big data to send you offers just for you. This makes people visit more and buy more. Here’s how top brands use personalization:

Loyally.ai lets you make rewards and messages that fit each person. You can split your customers into groups and send the right offer at the right time.

Digital Experience

A good digital experience makes your loyalty program easy and fun. Most people care more about how things work than about price. You want to check rewards, get updates, and use perks with one tap. Programs with good digital tools keep you happy.

• Mobile wallet lets you use rewards anywhere.

• Push notifications tell you about new deals.

• Easy apps and websites make things simple.

Loyally.ai gives you all these tools, so your loyalty program feels new and easy.

Rewards & Recognition

Rewards should feel special to you. Tiered loyalty programs give better perks as you move up. You might get early access, birthday gifts, or special events. Personal rewards make you feel important.

• Give instant rewards for quick wins.

• Use tiered programs to get people to spend more.

• Celebrate birthdays and milestones.

Loyally.ai supports all kinds of loyalty programs, so you can reward customers in ways they like.

Analytics & Feedback

You need to know what works best. Analytics help you see what customers like and how to improve. Predictive analytics can show who might leave, so you can act fast.

• Real-time dashboards show important stats.

• Predictive tools help you keep your best customers.

• Surveys let you hear from your community.

Loyally.ai’s tools make it easy to track success and change your program for better results.

Community & Referrals

People like to feel part of a group. Community loyalty programs help people connect. When you invite friends, everyone gets something good. Referrals help you get more customers and keep them loyal.

• Make groups or clubs for your biggest fans.

• Give special perks for referrals.

• Use community programs to get people talking about your brand.

Loyally.ai makes it easy to start referral sharing and build a loyal group around your brand.

Tip: The best loyalty programs mix personalization, digital tools, rewards, analytics, and community. Loyally.ai brings all these ideas together, so your loyalty program keeps customers coming back.

Why Choose Loyally.ai for Your Customer Loyalty Program

Platform Features

If you want to keep customers coming back, you need good tools. Loyally.ai gives you everything to start loyalty card programs for any business. You can choose from eight digital loyalty card programs. These include stamp cards, points, memberships, discounts, cashback, coupons, multipass, and gift cards. You can set up your program in just a few minutes.

You also get a built-in CRM to help track what your customers like. You can send unlimited PUSH notifications at the right time. Geolocation marketing lets you send offers when customers are close to your store. Real-time analytics show what is working best. Wallet integration lets customers use loyalty cards in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Referral sharing helps you get more customers quickly.

Tip: You can change every loyalty card program to fit your brand. This helps your business stand out and keeps people coming back.

Benefits for Businesses

Loyally.ai helps you turn new shoppers into loyal fans. You can increase sales and keep customers happy with easy loyalty card programs. The platform works for all businesses, big or small. You can even use it for b2b loyalty programs to reward other businesses.

Here’s what you get:

• More visits from your best customers.

• People spend more because they want rewards.

• Better loyalty with offers made just for them.

• Less work for your team, since Loyally.ai does rewards and messages for you.

• An easy way to get feedback and make your program better.

A strong loyalty program helps your business grow. Loyally.ai gives you the tools to do this.

Seamless Integration

You do not have to worry about tech problems. Loyally.ai works with POS systems like Square, Shopify, and Lightspeed. You can also use webhooks and APIs for custom setups. This makes it simple to add loyalty card programs to your business.

Your customers can join your loyalty program with one tap. They can use their digital loyalty cards in-store, online, or on their phones. Everything works together, so you can focus on keeping customers loyal and growing your business.

Note: Loyally.ai is the only loyalty solution you need. You get all the features in one place, so you can start or improve your loyalty card programs without stress.

Loyalty programs change how you shop in 2025. When you join, you get more than just points. You start to feel closer to your favorite brands. Digital tools like Loyally.ai make loyalty simple for everyone. You can make loyalty cards and send lots of push alerts. Geolocation marketing helps you reach people near your store. Wallet integration lets you use rewards on your phone. Referral sharing helps you invite friends and grow loyalty fast. Analytics help you keep more customers. Want to make your loyalty better? Get started with Loyally.ai today!

FAQ

What is a loyalty program?

A loyalty program lets you earn rewards when you shop or use services. You collect points, stamps, or perks. You can use these for discounts, free items, or special experiences. Brands use loyalty programs to keep you coming back.

How do digital loyalty cards work?

You get a digital loyalty card on your phone. Every time you buy something, you earn points or stamps. You can check your rewards in an app or wallet. When you reach a goal, you unlock perks or discounts.

Why should I join a loyalty program?

You get more value for your money. Loyalty programs give you rewards, special offers, and early access to new products. You also feel closer to your favorite brands. Many programs offer birthday gifts and exclusive experiences.

Can businesses customize their loyalty programs?

Yes! Businesses can design loyalty programs that fit their brand and customers. You can choose points, stamps, memberships, or discounts. Custom programs help you stand out and build stronger loyalty with your shoppers.

Is my information safe in a loyalty program?

Most loyalty programs use secure technology to protect your data. You can trust that your personal info stays private. Always check the privacy policy before you join.