Andrii N.
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Apr 10, 2025
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10 min read
Did you know that loyalty programs can lower your overall cost of customer acquisitions and boost profits? Loyalty programs are a cornerstone of modern customer engagement strategies for all types of businesses. By offering rewards and incentives, businesses can encourage repeat purchases, foster customer loyalty, and boost their overall brand presence.
Today, we will reveal 10 successful loyalty programs and how they inspire businesses to build customer loyalty. From retail to subscription-based models, we highlight programs that excel in offering value and driving customer engagement.
What Is a Loyalty Program and How Does It Work?
Loyalty programs are designed to provide rewards to repeat customers and enhance loyalty to the brand. There are several ways to implement a rewards program.
Points-Based Loyalty Programs: Customers earn points for purchases. These points can be redeemed for products or services.
Tiered Loyalty Programs: This program provides higher level rewards the more customers participate in the program.
Subscription-Based Loyalty Programs: Customers pay a fee to access exclusive benefits, such as free shipping or special discounts.
The Best Loyalty Program Examples
1. Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks Rewards members earn Stars for every dollar spent
Starbucks Rewards is a highly successful loyalty program designed to build customer engagement and retention. Members earn stars with each purchase, which can be redeemed for free beverages, food items, or merchandise. The program integrates seamlessly with Starbucks' mobile app, making it easy for customers to track points, redeem rewards, and even place orders ahead. Exclusive benefits include free birthday rewards, bonus star challenges, and personalized offers.
By providing a seamless user experience and tangible perks, Starbucks Rewards fosters customer loyalty while encouraging repeat visits, setting a benchmark for points-based loyalty programs.
Key Features:
Star Earning: Starbucks Rewards members earn Stars for every dollar spent, with 2 Stars per dollar when paying with a Starbucks Card. These Stars can be redeemed for free drinks, food, and merchandise.
Mobile Ordering and Payment: The program integrates with the Starbucks app, allowing members to order and pay ahead, customize drinks, find nearby stores, and manage their rewards, enhancing convenience.
Personalized Benefits: Members receive personalized offers based on their purchase history, enjoy free refills on brewed coffee or tea in-store, and get a free birthday reward, fostering a tailored experience.
Why It Works:
Starbucks’ app-based approach streamlines the user experience, making it simple for customers to track rewards and earn loyalty points.
2. Amazon Prime
Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping as well as exclusive deals
Amazon Prime is a subscription-based loyalty program that provides multiple rewards and incentives. The largest benefits to the Amazon Prime program is its fast, free shipping on most orders. Other benefits of Amazon Prime includes access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, and exclusive discounts during events such as Prime Day. Additional perks include free eBooks, early access to deals, and grocery delivery through Amazon Fresh.
The program’s diverse benefits create a holistic experience that caters to various customer needs, boosting retention and encouraging repeat purchases. By consistently enhancing its offerings, Amazon Prime has become a gold standard in subscription-based loyalty programs worldwide.
Key Features:
Free, Fast Shipping: Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on a wide range of products, with options for one-day or even same-day delivery in select areas, enhancing convenience and speed of delivery.
Streaming Services: Access to Prime Video for movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals, along with Prime Music for ad-free music streaming, providing significant entertainment value.
Exclusive Deals and Prime Day: Members benefit from exclusive access to deals, including the annual Prime Day event, offering substantial discounts on various products. Additionally, there are member-only lightning deals and early access to sales.
Why It Works:
Amazon’s value-packed membership keeps customers engaged across multiple services, boosting retention and lifetime value.
3. Sephora Beauty Insider
Sephora’s Beauty Insider members earn one point for every dollar spent.
Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is available in three tiers and provides savings of up to 20% on seasonal savings events. Members earn points for purchases, which can be redeemed for beauty products, experiences, or exclusive rewards. The program includes three tiers—Insider, VIB, and Rouge—offering escalating benefits such as early access to sales, exclusive product launches, and free shipping. This program also offers personalized benefits such as birthday gifts.
Overall, Sephora’s Beauty Insider provides a high level of flexibility to make it accessible to new customers and valuable to loyal, repeat buyers.
Key Features:
Points Earning & Redemption: Members earn one point for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for beauty products or discounts through the Beauty Insider Rewards Bazaar. Higher tiers accumulate points faster.
Tiered Membership: With three tiers (Insider, VIB, Rouge) based on annual spending, members unlock escalating benefits. Rouge, the highest tier, offers perks like free shipping, exclusive events, and early access to sales.
Birthday Gifts and Exclusive Events: Every member receives a free birthday gift during their birthday month, and higher-tier members gain access to exclusive events, workshops, and product launches.
Why It Works:
Sephora creates a sense of exclusivity and caters to beauty enthusiasts by offering desirable rewards and exclusive perks.
4. REI’s Co-op Membership Program
For a one-time fee of $30, members enjoy lifetime benefits without the need for annual renewals.
REI’s Co-op Membership Program is one of the most popular rewards programs geared towards outdoor enthusiasts. For a one-time fee, members enjoy lifelong benefits, including an annual dividend on eligible purchases, access to exclusive member-only sales, and discounts on rentals and adventure trips. The program is available for a one time fee which delivers a lifetime of benefits. While the initial cost of the rewards program is low, the brand benefits by a higher retention versus programs with an annual fee.
Key Features:
Annual Rewards: REI Co-op members typically receive 10% back on eligible purchases each year, distributed as a Co-op Member Reward, which can be used like store credit.
Lifetime Membership: For a one-time fee of $30, members enjoy lifetime benefits without the need for annual renewals, providing long-term value for frequent shoppers.
Exclusive Perks: Members have access to exclusive sales, free standard shipping, discounts on in-store services like bike and ski maintenance, and opportunities to trade in or purchase used gear through the Re/Supply program.
Why It Works:
The program aligns with REI’s value-based loyalty strategy, fostering a community of outdoor enthusiasts.
5. The North Face XPLR Rewards
The North Face XPLR Rewards members earn "PeakPoints" for every dollar spent.
The North Face XPLR Rewards is a points-based loyalty program designed to reward outdoor enthusiasts for their purchases and active lifestyles. Members earn points not only for buying gear but also for engaging in activities like hiking and attending The North Face-sponsored events. These points can be redeemed for exclusive products, outdoor experiences, and special events. Additionally, members gain early access to limited-edition gear and seasonal sales.
By aligning rewards with its adventure-focused brand values, The North Face fosters deep customer loyalty. VIPeak Rewards connects with its audience through shared passions, making it a standout example of a value-driven loyalty program.
Key Features:
PeakPoints System: Members earned "PeakPoints" for every dollar spent, with additional points for participating in local activities and engaging on social media. These points were redeemable for rewards, including cash back or exclusive experiences.
Experiential Rewards: Annually, members with sufficient points could choose from a catalog of unique experiences like VIP adventures or event entries, offering more than just monetary benefits.
Tiered Membership: VIPeak had three tiers (Basecamp, Halfdome, and Summit) based on points accumulated, with each level providing escalating rewards. Higher tiers offered benefits like increased point multipliers for purchases made.
Why It Works:
The North Face’s program encourages brand interaction beyond purchases, building a loyal customer base.
6. Tarte’s Rewards Program
Members of Tarte's Rewards Program earn 10 points for every dollar spent.
Tarte’s Rewards Program is unique in that it rewards not only purchases but social interaction that promotes the brand. Benefits include points for buying products, referring friends, leaving reviews, and engaging with Tarte’s social media channels. These points can be redeemed for exclusive discounts, free products, and early access to new product launches. The program also includes rewards during the member’s birthday. Additionally, the program offers tiered benefits based on the number of points accrued each year.
Overall, Tarte’s Rewards Program not only builds customer retention, it also helps build brand presence.
Key Features:
Earning Points: Members of Tarte's Rewards Program earn 10 points for every dollar spent, with additional points available for activities like signing up, reviewing products, and engaging on social media. Points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
Tiered Benefits: The program features three membership levels (Natural Beauty, Superstar, and Icon) based on points accumulated annually. Higher tiers offer enhanced perks including free shipping, birthday gifts, and exclusive product access.
Exclusive Discounts and Offers: Members receive special promotions, such as secret admirer sales, early access to new products, and surprise gifts with purchases, which are not available to non-members.
Why It Works:
Tarte’s multi-channel rewards strategy enhances customer engagement while boosting sales.
7. Nike Membership Program
Nike's Membership Program provides exclusive access to new product releases and access to exclusive styles not available to the public.
Nike's Membership Program is one of the few personalized loyalty initiatives tailored to fitness enthusiasts. Some of the popular benefits of the program includes free shipping, exclusive product access, and early drops on limited-edition items. Going beyond pure benefits, the program also offers curated recommendations, workout plans, and invitations to member-only events. The Nike Membership Program offers many lessons on how to run an effective loyalty campaign.
Key Features:
Free Shipping: Nike Members receive free standard shipping on all orders over $50, making it easier and more cost-effective to shop online.
Exclusive Access and Events: Members get first dibs on new product releases and access to exclusive styles not available to the public. They're also invited to special events and workouts.
Birthday Rewards: Each member is treated to a special discount or gift during their birthday month, adding a personalized touch to the membership experience.
Why It Works:
Nike’s program builds strong brand loyalty by offering benefits tailored to fitness enthusiasts.
8. Uber One
Uber One members enjoy $0 delivery fees on eligible Uber Eats orders.
Uber One is unique in that it offers benefits for both the Uber rideshare and the Uber Eats app. For a monthly or annual fee, members enjoy perks like $0 delivery fees on eligible Uber Eats orders above a certain threshold, typically $15 for restaurants and $35 for groceries. Some of the other features available on Uber One include priority customer support, access to top-rated drivers, and special promotions. Finally, Uber One offers $5 in Uber Cash if a delivery's latest arrival estimate is exceeded.
Key Features:
Zero Delivery Fees: Uber One members enjoy $0 delivery fees on eligible Uber Eats orders, with a minimum order value, usually set at $15 for restaurants and $35 for grocery deliveries.
Discounts on Rides and Eats: Subscribers receive up to 10% off on Uber Eats food deliveries and 5% off on eligible Uber rides, helping to reduce the overall cost of using Uber services.
Priority Support and Uber Cash Promise: Members have access to priority customer service for quicker resolution of issues. Additionally, if an Uber Eats order arrives later than the latest estimated time, members receive $5 in Uber Cash as part of the Uber One promise.
Why It Works:
Uber’s program integrates seamlessly with its services, making it highly appealing to regular users.
9. IKEA Family
IKEA Family members enjoy special pricing on select products, both in-store and online.
The IKEA Family program is geared towards driving repeat buinsess to both the physical Ikea locations as well as the brand’s website. This program is unique in that membership is free and offers various perks including discounted prices on select items, exclusive deals, and monthly chances to win gift cards. A major benefit includes 90-day price protection on all purchases. Members also enjoy free coffee or tea in-store, and special events like workshops and tutorials. Finally, the provides members with a birthday surprise in the form of a meal coupon and a $15 gift card.
Key Features:
Exclusive Discounts and Offers: IKEA Family members enjoy special pricing on select products, both in-store and online, with discounts marked by blue labels.
Free Coffee or Tea: Members are entitled to a complimentary hot drink during store visits, available from Monday to Friday, enhancing the shopping experience.
Extended Return Policy and Price Protection: The program offers a 90-day price protection on purchases, allowing refunds if prices drop post-purchase. Additionally, members benefit from extended return privileges, providing more flexibility with purchases.
Why It Works:
IKEA’s loyalty scheme is a free program that offers price protection as well as a number of free perks.
10. CVS ExtraCare
CVS EXtraCare members earn 2% back on every purchase (excluding prescriptions) in the form of ExtraBucks Rewards.
CVS ExtraCare is one of the largest member programs in the United States. Top benefits include 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on every purchase, excluding prescriptions, which can be used like cash on future transactions. Also, members receive exclusive sales, personalized coupons, a monthly $3 ExtraBucks reward, and free same-day delivery on qualifying orders. This program is free while the premium level ExtraCare Plus is available for a monthly or annual free.
Key Features:
2% Back in ExtraBucks Rewards: Members earn 2% back on every purchase (excluding prescriptions) in the form of ExtraBucks Rewards, which can be used as cash on future CVS purchases.
Exclusive Sales and Personalized Coupons: ExtraCare members have access to special sales, deals, and personalized coupons that are not available to non-members, enhancing savings opportunities.
Monthly $3 ExtraBucks Reward: Each month, members receive a $3 ExtraBucks reward, providing a consistent saving benefit. Additionally, the program includes free same-day delivery on qualifying orders, adding convenience to the shopping experience.
Why It Works:
This program is free and offers costs savings in the store and pharmacy.
Quickly and Easily Launch Your Loyalty Program With Enable3
Enable3 provides a simple solution to help drive your business’s customer loyalty program
If you are looking to start or boost your loyalty program, then you’ll need a partner to make it easy for your business. At Enable3, we can help create and manage customer loyalty programs that deliver better customer retention. Enable3 offers a versatile platform for loyalty and gamification solutions, tailored to various industries.
The platform's no-code, low-code, or API integration options make it accessible for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to launch missions, referral programs, and rewards with ease. This flexibility helps in simplifying the onboarding process, reducing user confusion, and thus boosting user engagement from the get-go.
Moreover, Enable3's focus on creating a super fan community with digital ownership fosters a sense of belonging among users, potentially turning them into brand advocates. By integrating core loyalty features into both mobile and web platforms, businesses can ensure a seamless loyalty experience that keeps users engaged across different touchpoints. In summary, Enable3 not only aids in customer retention but also enhances customer acquisition through referrals, thereby driving sustainable business growth.
Key Features or Enable3:
Customizability: Programs tailored to specific business goals and customer needs.
Enhanced Engagement: Features like gamification and personalized rewards drive participation.
Scalability: Solutions grow with your business, accommodating evolving demands.
Data-Driven Insights: Advanced analytics help optimize strategies and improve customer behavior understanding.
Demo Enable3 Today
Loyalty programs are the secret weapon for improving customer retention, increasing engagement, and building brand loyalty.
Contact Enable3 today to start building a program that rewards your customers and grows your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do loyalty programs increase customer retention?
Loyalty programs provide a major incentive for customers to continue buying products and services from the brand.
Are loyalty programs suitable for small businesses?
Yes, loyalty programs can be scaled from mom-and-pop businesses to international brands.
What types of rewards are most effective in loyalty programs?
Some of the most effective loyalty programs provide benefits tailored to their customer’s needs and desires. For example, discounts work well for lower-priced items, while premium brands benefit more from offering exclusive access to new products
How can Enable3 help implement a loyalty program?
Enable3 provides customizable solutions, expert guidance, and advanced analytics to help businesses get more customers to join and remain on loyalty programs.
