17 Successful Loyalty Program Examples Driving Retention & Revenue

In a market where customer engagement and retention are tough to crack, loyalty programs keep users invested. Brands and app marketers are looking at rewards and loyalty strategies to drive active, long-term user engagement. 

The challenge? Designing a program that boosts retention without disrupting the user experience. Top loyalty programs seamlessly integrate into the app, turning user behavior into real growth and revenue. 

Take McDonald’s, for example. By focusing on their loyalty rewards program, McDonald’s drove millions of app downloads, boosting mobile adoption and loyalty. Whether it’s boosting session time, in-app purchases, or daily visits, mobile app loyalty programs are proving their value.

Let’s explore the best loyalty program examples, break down what works, and how to apply these mechanics to your app for more revenue.  

Successful Loyalty Program Examples in 2025 

Best Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) Loyalty Programs

Starbucks Rewards

Starbucks Rewards is a points-based program. It rewards customers with Stars for every purchase made through the Starbucks app. You can redeem the Stars for free drinks, food, and exclusive merchandise. Starbucks’ reward program is designed to turn the customer’s everyday coffee runs into a rewarded experience.

With nearly 34.6 million 90-day active members, Starbucks Rewards is one of the most successful loyalty programs.

What makes Starbucks Rewards so successful?

• Starbucks uses tiered rewards: Earn stars, moving from Green to Gold level. 
• They focus on the digital experience, as the mobile app integrates ordering, ‘Stars’ tracking, and payment for the Starbucks experience.
• Starbucks uses gamification to reward members, including campaigns like Double Star Days.

Performance:

• Loyalty members spend 3X more and visit more frequently than non-members.
• 41% of Starbucks U.S. sales come from loyalty members.
• Starbucks Rewards has a record 34.3 million active members in 2025.

My McDonald’s Rewards

McDonald’s launched MyMcDonald’s Rewards in 2021 with a simple points system. Members earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free food and exclusive offers. The program offers personalized benefits, including weekly deals and birthday gifts.

McDonald’s loyalty program features:

• Redeem rewards at tier level as you gain more points.
• Earn 100 points for every dollar spent, encouraging customers to make repeat purchases.
• McDonald’s uses gamified interactive promotions like the Monopoly game and mobile app challenges.
• Track points on McDonald’s app and receive updates on deals. 

MyMcDonald’s performance:

• McDonald’s active 90-day loyalty users surpassed 175 million, growing 15% year-over-year.
• Systemwide sales to loyalty members reached $30 billion for the year, with a 30% growth over the previous year. 
• Quarterly sales from loyal customers totaled $8 billion across 60 loyalty markets.

Expert Opinion:

“Our loyalty customers spend more than their non-digital counterparts.” – CEO Chris Kempczinski stated during an earnings call. 

Dominos Rewards

Domino’s revamped its Rewards program in September 2023 to boost customer engagement and revenue, adding millions of new members. Domino’s Rewards lets customers earn 10 points per order, with 60 points earning a free pizza. The program is accessible via the Domino’s app, allowing members to track and redeem points.

Domino’s Rewards features:

• The program works across online orders, the mobile app, and in-store purchases.
• Exclusive promotions, like ‘Emergency Pizza,’ add extra value for members. 

Program performance:

The Domino’s Rewards loyalty program grew by 2.5 million members, reaching 35.7 million users in 2024, noted CEO Russell Weiner. 

Subway MVP Rewards Program

Subway launched the MVP Rewards program in 2023, replacing the previous Subway MyWay system. The program offers a personalized, tiered reward system, with three tier levels: Pro tier, Captain status, and All-Star status. Members earn 10 points per $1 spent, with 400 points redeemable for a $2 reward, gaining a 5% return on spending.

Key features: 

• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on qualifying purchases, redeemable as Subway Cash.
• Redeem points via the Subway app and website. Automatic enrollment for former Subway MyWay members.
• Pro tier: Birthday rewards, bonus point days, and earning challenges.

Subway’s loyalty program performance

• With 32 million active members, Subway is one of the largest restaurant loyalty programs.
• Higher spending incentives, All-Star members who spend at least $400 annually.
• Subway has issued over $80 million in rewards through its MVP program.

Best Fashion and Retail Loyalty Programs

AdiClub Membership Program 

AdiClub is Adidas’ app-integrated membership program. With over 240 million adiclub members, it encourages users to earn adiclub points through adidas products, workouts, and interaction. The program boosts Adidas’ direct-to-consumer strategy, increasing customer lifetime value and purchase frequency.

How does the Adiclub program keep users engaged?

• Point system: Earn adiclub points for reviews, events, and workouts via adidas Running & Training apps. 
• Members earn points for signing up, purchases, and using Runtastic Premium apps.
• Increasing rewards like free shipping, early access to products, and special events.

AdiClub loyalty performance:

• 240 million+ members; purchase frequency 50% higher for members.
• Members have over twice the customer lifetime value.
• One adidas challenge raised $1M for pandemic relief in a week.

Sephora Beauty Insider

Sephora’s Beauty Insider program is a tiered, points-based rewards system. Launched in 2007, it has evolved over the years with a focus on personalization, exclusive rewards, and community-building. 

Members progress to higher loyalty tiers using the ‘earn and redeem’ points system and in-app currency Beauty Insider cash. 

Why Sephora’s rewards program works?

• Three tiers: Insider (free), VIB (spend $350), Rouge status ($1,000 annual spend).
• Sephora’s Rewards Bazaar to exchange points for products or charitable donations.
• Omnichannel experience with the Sephora app, website, and in-store buying.

Performance:

• Sephora’s Beauty Insider has 34 million members, driving 80% of sales transactions.
• Members’ higher purchase frequency boosts cross-selling by 22% and upselling by 13-51%.
• Beauty Insider members spend 3 times more on average than non-members.
  

IKEA Family

IKEA Family, originally launched in 1984 in Sweden, is one of the world’s largest retail brand loyalty programs. Recently, IKEA revamped the program by introducing a points-based system. Members earn rewards through purchases and app interactions like creating wish lists or booking planning sessions. 

How IKEA boosts loyalty with rewards and personalization

• Collect digital reward keys through purchases, events, and planning sessions.
• IKEA mobile app offers personalized deals and a 3D shopping experience.
• Customer engagement across in-store, app, and online touchpoints.

Performance: 

• 150 million members across 30 countries in the IKEA Family program.
• IKEA Family members contributed 58% of sales since the 2022 updated loyalty program.

H&M Membership Program

H&M’s membership loyalty program, launched in 2019, evolved from a simple points-based system to a multi-tiered, digital experience. The program integrates with H&M’s mobile app and e-commerce platform, targeting shoppers while promoting environmental values.

How H&M Membership blends rewards, personalization, and community

• Tiered membership: Member, Plus, and VIP with increasing rewards.
• Sustainable shopping incentives, like earning points for recycling clothes.
• Digital membership card and personalized offers based on shopping history.

Performance:

• H&M has over 120 million members worldwide across 26 markets. The fashion retail giant leaned on customer loyalty to recover from pandemic losses.
• In 2021, the program experienced a 71% year-over-year growth in membership.
• H&M Member ranks top in the US apparel loyalty programs, scoring 8.62.

Walmart+

Walmart+ membership is a subscription-based loyalty program. It offers exclusive benefits like discounts on gas, free grocery delivery, and early access to major sales events. For $12.95 per month or $98 per year, members gain exclusive perks that enhance their shopping experience. Walmart+ launched in 2020 as the grocery chain’s answer to Amazon Prime’s subscription and paid loyalty program. 

Walmart+ blends rewards redemption with in-app checkout

• Scan & Go feature allows contactless, in-app checkout while shopping. 
• Scan a QR code generated through the Walmart Pay app at checkout. Tap ‘Use Walmart Rewards’ to redeem in-store. 

Performance:

• ​As of October 2022, Walmart+ has approximately 59 million subscribers.
• Walmart+ members spend an average of $79 per online visit, compared to $62 for non-members.
• Walmart members shop 11 more times per year (29 visits) compared to non-members.

Best Fintech Loyalty Programs 

AMEX Membership Rewards 

American Express offers a Membership Rewards program where cardholders earn points for eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and gift cards. 

Additionally, points can be transferred to different airlines and hotels. American Express also integrates game-like elements like challenges and competitions to enhance loyalty.​

Why AMEX Membership Rewards works:

• Hyper-personalized and card-linked rewards based on spending habits.
• Using big data analytics, Amex identifies and targets specific customer segments.
• Refer friends to American Express products through the app and earn referral bonus points.

Performance:

• Record card member spending and card fee revenues. Fourth quarter 2024 saw net income of $2.2 billion (up 16% year-over-year)
• 13 million new card acquisitions in 2024, setting a record for the company.

Capital One Rewards 

Capital One’s Rewards program centers around its credit card products. It allows members to earn rewards based on their account activity. These rewards can be redeemed for various options, including cash, gift cards, travel, or live events with Capital One Entertainment.

It integrates financial loyalty programs using digital redemptions, AI-driven travel booking, and partnerships with APIs. 

How Capital One Rewards offers flexible redemption

• Capital One’s travel rewards program uses miles as its in-app rewards currency. 
• Manage rewards through the Capital One app or online account.
• Cash back or miles on every purchase with no expiration or earning limits.
• Redeem rewards on multiple channels (e.g., Amazon, PayPal, Capital One Travel)

Performance:

In 2024, Capital One’s card purchase volumes grew by 7% to $172.9 billion.

Technology Loyalty Programs

Fitbit Rewards

Fitbit’s loyalty program encourages users to stay active with rewards for using their devices. It uses gamification through challenges and milestones to track fitness goals. Integrated with the Fitbit app, users earn rewards for completing workouts and hitting step targets.

Fitbit Rewards boosts engagement with in-app achievements

• The Fitbit app tracks streaks, levels, and rewards goal completions with badges.
• Fitbit partners with third-party rewards (Adidas, Blue Apron, and Deezer), allowing points to be redeemed for discounts.

Performance:

• 128 million registered Fitbit members as of 2023. Eight million new users have been added in the past year.
• 38.5 million active users engage with the Fitbit app weekly.

Xbox Rewards Hub

The Xbox Rewards Hub program integrates into the gaming experience, allowing users to earn points with daily play, achievements, and Game Pass activities. 

It offers a dual benefit of enhancing user engagement and providing real-world value through points that can be redeemed for store credit. The loyalty system features a tiered structure, rewarding sustained participation.

Why Xbox Rewards Hub stands out:

• Rewards Hub is accessible on Xbox, mobile, and PC with easy multichannel tracking.
• The two-tiered rewards system offers Level 1 with basic earning rates. 
• Level 2 unlocks after consistent engagement, with Game Pass Ultimate boosting points.
• Redeem points for Xbox Gift Cards, consoles, sweepstakes, or donate to causes.

Gamification elements in the Xbox Rewards:

• Daily Gaming Sessions
• Achievements and milestones
• Game Pass Quests
• Digital Punch Cards
• Quest Systems
• Progress Tracking

Performance:

• The Game Pass subscriber growth contributed to a 13% year-over-year increase in Xbox content.
• The Xbox content and services drove a $309 million increase in revenue.

Loyalty Programs in the Telecom Industry

Vodafone VeryMe Rewards

Vodafone’s VeryMe Rewards is a customer loyalty program designed exclusively for Vodafone mobile customers. Available through the My Vodafone app, users earn rewards such as discounted cinema tickets and tickets to major events like Wimbledon. 

Vodafone has also used gamification techniques in its AR holiday campaign to collect virtual tokens and exchange them for rewards. 

How Vodafone VeryMe Rewards boosts engagement

• Members can gift rewards to anyone, even non-Vodafone users. 
• AI-powered analytics to analyze customer behavior across digital channels.
• Gamified engagement helps Vodafone gather valuable first-party data to push future loyalty campaigns.

Performance:

• Within two years of launch, 30 million rewards were redeemed. 

Verizon Up

Verizon is a leading telecommunications company providing global wireless, broadband services. ​Its loyalty program, Verizon Up (renamed as myAccess), rewards customers with monthly credits for discounts. It’s free to join via the My Verizon app and aims to enhance app user retention.

How Verizon Up unlocks rewards through engagement:

• Verizon Up is an upgraded loyalty program offering rewards like device dollars, Starbucks cards, and Uber credits.
• Device Dollars accumulate over time, valid for upgrades or new service. 
• The app features sections to choose and track rewards, requiring regular check-ins (retention method) to claim benefits.

Performance:

• According to a 2024 report, the program has over 18 million active members.
• Verizon’s retail connection churn rate has stayed below 1.5% until 2022.

Best Mobility and Travel Loyalty Programs 

Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is a loyalty program that rewards members with points for stays at Hilton hotels. Members earn points with each stay, which can be redeemed for free nights and exclusive customer experiences. 

The program offers a tiered structure with four levels: Member, Silver, Gold, and Diamond, with increasing benefits. Hilton Honors was launched in 1987 as Hilton HHonors and rebranded in 2017. It is one of the most successful loyalty programs in the hospitality industry.

How Hilton Honors boosts retention:

• Gamified elements like milestone bonuses and fifth-night-free stays.
• The Hilton Honors app enables mobile check-ins, room selection, and digital keys.
• Personalized communications via email and app notifications keep members engaged.

Performance:

• Hilton Honors has 210 million members, with membership up 147%.
  
• Hilton Honors gains 64% of bookings from memberships with 80,000 new sign-ups daily.

Air France and KLM’s Flying Blue

Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, successfully enhances user retention using a multi-partner approach. 

With strategic partnerships, flexible redemptions, and clear tier-based benefits, Flying Blue maintains high member engagement. Its mobile app allows members to easily track miles, book flights, and access personalized campaign offers on the go.

Flying Blue drives loyalty with partnerships and tiered perks.

• Higher-tier members enjoy priority check-in, baggage drop, and boarding.
• Gold members have access to over 750 lounges worldwide.
• Redeem rewards from partners like American Express, Chase, Citi, and Marriott.
  
• Use of gamified elements like milestone rewards to encourage frequent interaction.

Performance: 

• Flying Blue boasts 18 million active members and 30+ airline partners.
• Point.me ranked Flying Blue as the world’s best airline rewards program.
• Flying Blue scored 93 out of 100 for ease of earning miles, competitive redemption rates, and flexible routing.

Common Themes in Successful Loyalty Program Apps

Top mobile app loyalty programs boost metrics through personalized in-app currencies (Starbucks Stars, McDonald’s Points), seamless app integrations, and great customer reward structures that drive higher CLV. 

Revenue growth comes from strategically designed spending incentives, while gamification elements create habit-forming engagement cycles that increase interaction frequency and customer retention.

Common components of top-performing loyalty programs:

• Personalized rewards based on user behavior and preferences.
• Gamification enhances engagement and retention through interactive elements.
• Tiered systems reward users based on milestones achieved or tasks completed. 
• Exclusive in-app promotions and special offers/campaigns for a limited time.
• In-app currency based on the brand allows users to earn and redeem points directly within the app.
• Real-time rewards deliver timely benefits based on user behavior.
• Notifications and tracking features encourage regular app usage, boosting repeat engagements.   

How adjoe Arcade Boost Loyalty & Revenue for Your App?

Now that we’ve seen what makes loyalty programs work, the real question is, how do you build one that truly keeps users engaged and drives business impact?  Developing an in-house solution takes time, resources, and a deep understanding of user behavior. This is where adjoe Arcade comes in.

adjoe Arcade is a powerful loyalty solution designed to increase engagement and app revenue. It combines personalized rewards, special promotions, and gamification, allowing users to earn points by playing popular mobile games.

The points are redeemed within your app, increasing in-app transactions and retention. Arcade’s seamless SDK and API integration ensures a smooth setup, while its customizable interface maintains your brand’s identity.

Atlas Reality saw a 25% ARPDAU boost and higher player lifetime value with Arcade. 60% of users are actively engaged with Arcade to earn more in-app rewards. Fetch Play users earned over $25 million in rewards within three months of Fetch integrating Arcade. 

If your business is looking to boost in-app engagement and retention, contact adjoe and explore how Arcade can help.