The Best 11 Loyalty Programs in the US

Did you know that 70% of US consumers are loyal to brands that offer loyalty programs or rewards?

In the competitive landscape of consumer engagement, loyalty programs have become a cornerstone for brands to retain customers and build lasting relationships.

In this article, we'll examine some of the top loyalty programs in the US and explore the reasons behind their success.

What does it take to be one of the best customer loyalty programs in the United States?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what elements contribute to a successful loyalty program in the US:

1. Ease of Use: Simple sign-up processes and user-friendly interfaces.
2. Valuable Rewards: Rewards that are meaningful and attainable.
3. Personalization: Tailored offers and rewards based on customer behaviour.
4. Engagement: Continuous interaction with members through various channels.
5. Innovation: Regular updates and features that keep the program fresh and exciting.

The 11 Best Loyalty Programs in the US

1. Starbucks Rewards

Starbucks Rewards is often heralded as one of the best loyalty programs in the US. It excels in creating a seamless and rewarding experience for its members.

It’s also renowned for generating excitement, staying fresh, and meeting the ever-changing needs and expectations of its customers.

The program leverages gamification and a mobile-first approach to enhance its appeal, offering a diverse range of rewards to cater to various customer preferences. It also simplifies the process for customers to order beverages and earn points across multiple channels.

• Ease of Use: The Starbucks app is intuitive and allows for easy tracking of stars and rewards.
• Valuable Rewards: Members earn stars for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks, food, and merchandise.
• Engagement: Frequent personalised offers, double-star days, and challenges keep members engaged.
• Innovation: Starbucks continuously updates its app with new features, including mobile ordering and payment options.

2. Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime revolutionised loyalty by focusing on customer convenience. It began with the concept of prepaying for "free" and expedited shipping, requiring shoppers to pay an annual fee for a year of two-day delivery on Prime products.

This benefit incentivizes customers to return to Amazon to maximise their investment. The program thrived because it tackled shipping costs and enabled quick product discovery, continually adding more perks over time.

The success of Amazon Prime lies in its customer-first approach, designed around the essential needs of its users. Amazon Prime is more than just a loyalty program; it’s a comprehensive subscription service that offers numerous benefits.

Paid loyalty programs can be an amazing choice for your business, but you need to make sure your customers won’t be hesitant to pay for your loyalty program.

• Ease of Use: Signing up for Prime is straightforward, and benefits are easily accessible across the Amazon platform.
• Valuable Rewards: Free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video, Prime Music, and exclusive deals.
• Engagement: Regular updates on new Prime benefits and exclusive events like Prime Day.
• Innovation: Amazon constantly innovates by adding new services and benefits to Prime, such as Amazon Fresh and Prime Wardrobe.

3. Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is a leading US airline loyalty program that offers extensive benefits for frequent flyers.

Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program, a staple of one of the largest U.S. airlines, offers members a flexible and rewarding experience that keeps travellers coming back. 

With miles that never expire and the ability to earn through everyday spending on co-branded credit cards, SkyMiles caters to both frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike. 

Delta's responsiveness to customer feedback and continual adjustments to the program ensure it remains attractive and relevant, solidifying its success in the competitive airline industry.

If you want to know more about loyalty in the travel industry, check out our dedicated guide exploring challenges and best practices of this sector.

• Ease of Use: Simple sign-up and a user-friendly interface for tracking miles and rewards.
• Valuable Rewards: Earn miles on flights, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks.
• Engagement: Regular promotions and bonus mile opportunities keep members engaged.
• Innovation: Delta continuously enhances its program with new features like dynamic award pricing and partnerships with other travel brands.

4. Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is one of the best hotel loyalty programs in the USA and it’s known for its generous rewards and elite member benefits.

The Hilton Honors rewards program allows you to earn points through various activities, such as booking stays at Hilton properties, dining out, using Hilton Honors American Express cards, and completing surveys. 

You can then redeem these points for experiences, air travel, hotel stays, and even shopping on Amazon, among other options. Each membership tier in the program offers additional benefits like free Wi-Fi, rollover nights, room upgrades, and guarantees.

• Ease of Use: Easy enrollment and a straightforward app for managing points and bookings.
• Valuable Rewards: Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and exclusive experiences.
• Engagement: Regular promotions, member-exclusive rates, and personalised offers.
• Innovation: Hilton Honors frequently updates its program with new ways to earn and redeem points, as well as integrating with other travel partners.

5. myWalgreens

MyWalgreens is one of the best retail loyalty programs in the US and it offers members points for purchases and health-related activities.

This US loyalty program offers extensive new benefits, including the fastest same-day retail pickup available today. Customers can now shop for health and wellness items online or via a redesigned mobile app and pick them up in-store, curbside, or at the drive-thru within just 30 minutes.

Walgreens provides unparalleled convenience and a seamless shopping experience, allowing members to save time and money across over 9,000 stores, Walgreens.com, and the mobile app. 

Members love it because it offers personalised health and wellness services, exclusive deals, and easy sign-up, all while supporting community initiatives through Walgreens Cash rewards donations.

• Ease of Use: Easy sign-up in-store or online with a straightforward points tracking system.
• Valuable Rewards: Earn points on purchases and prescriptions, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
• Engagement: Regular promotions and the ability to earn points for healthy behaviours such as walking and logging health goals.
• Innovation: Integration with the Walgreens app for seamless point tracking and health monitoring.

6. Kroger Plus Card

The Kroger Plus Card loyalty program lets you save on fuel and groceries every time you shop. By using your Shopper’s Card, you earn 1 Fuel Point for every $1 spent, which can be redeemed at any Kroger Fuel Center or partner station for significant fuel savings.

The program combines fuel rewards, personalised coupons, and exclusive deals to create a seamless and convenient shopping experience. 

Members love it for the substantial savings on everyday purchases, ease of use through a digital account, and the ability to manage everything via the Kroger app.

• Ease of Use: Simple to sign up with an in-store card or through the Kroger app.
• Valuable Rewards: Members receive exclusive discounts, digital coupons, and fuel points that can be redeemed at Kroger Fuel Centers.
• Engagement: Weekly promotions and personalised coupons based on shopping habits.
• Innovation: Advanced data analytics to tailor offers and a user-friendly app for managing rewards and shopping lists.

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards

Southwest's Rapid Rewards program is a straightforward and rewarding way for frequent flyers to earn miles and gain status for future travel. 

One of the top airline loyalty programs in America, the program is beloved for its ease of earning and redeeming points, with every seat available as a reward seat and no blackout dates. 

Its success lies in its user-friendly approach, offering multiple ways to earn points, including flights, credit card purchases, and partner services such as hotels and car rentals. 

Members also appreciate the coveted Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with them for free, plus taxes and fees, for an entire year. 

This flexibility and the array of benefits make Rapid Rewards a favourite among US travellers seeking hassle-free and valuable loyalty rewards.

• Ease of Use: Easy to join and manage online or via the Southwest app.
• Valuable Rewards: Earn points on flights and with partner services, redeemable for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Engagement: Regular promotions and opportunities to earn bonus points through partners.
• Innovation: No blackout dates and the ability to use points for any seat on any flight, plus the innovative Companion Pass benefit.

8. Sephora Beauty Insider

Sephora’s VIP program stands out as a premier loyalty program globally, offering points accrual on every purchase across its three distinct tiers, each with unique perks and rewards.

Beauty Insider members enjoy exclusive benefits such as in-app offers, VIP event invitations, early access to new products, and exclusive sales throughout the year.

The program's success lies in its tiered structure, providing customers with a sense of exclusivity and community inclusion at each level.

• Ease of Use: Simple sign-up process in-store or online, with points tracked through the Sephora app.
• Valuable Rewards: Earn points on purchases, which can be redeemed for deluxe samples, products, and exclusive experiences.
• Engagement: Birthday gifts, early access to sales, and exclusive events for higher-tier members.
• Innovation: Tiered system (Insider, VIB, Rouge) that offers increasing benefits, personalised product recommendations, and a comprehensive beauty community.

9. Panera Bread's MyPanera

MyPanera, Panera Bread's loyalty program, stands out as a leading campaign in the restaurant industry in the USA, boasting more than 52 million members as of 2023.

Panera offers personalised experiences that adapt in value based on various factors including visit frequency, spending habits, individual purchases, and preferences, rather than relying on a traditional points-based system.

Its effectiveness lies in allowing users to choose their rewards from a range of options tailored to their personal preferences, rather than offering a single, predetermined reward.

• Ease of Use: Simple enrollment in-store or online, with easy tracking through the Panera app.
• Valuable Rewards: Earn tailored rewards based on purchasing habits, such as free bakery items, beverages, and meal discounts.
• Engagement: Regular updates and promotions tailored to individual preferences.
• Innovation: Digital ordering and rapid pick-up options integrated with the rewards program for a seamless experience.

10. REI Co-op Membership

REI Co-op Membership offers outdoor enthusiasts a robust loyalty program renowned for its annual dividends and exclusive perks, making it a staple among adventure seekers and regular shoppers alike.

For just $30, a one-time fee, members earn 10% back on qualifying purchases, received annually as Member Rewards in March, which can be redeemed across REI’s platforms or on adventure trips.

Beyond financial incentives, membership unlocks discounts, free shipping on most items, and exclusive access to gear rentals and services, catering especially to bikers, skiers, and snowboarders. 

Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or gearing up for your next expedition, REI’s membership rewards and benefits ensure a rewarding outdoor retail experience.

• Ease of Use: One-time fee for a lifetime membership, with easy management through the REI app.
• Valuable Rewards: Members earn 10% back on eligible purchases through annual dividends, plus access to exclusive sales and offers.
• Engagement: Special member events, classes, and travel experiences.
• Innovation: Emphasis on sustainability and community, with the option to contribute dividends to conservation efforts.

11. Ulta Beauty's Ultamate Rewards

Ulta Beauty's Ultamate Rewards loyalty program stands as a beacon in the beauty industry, with over 42.2 million active members at the end of 2023.

Ultamate Rewards not only rewards points on every purchase but also offers platinum and diamond status benefits, accelerated earnings through the Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card, and flexible redemption options across beauty products and salon services.

Ulta's commitment to enhancing customer engagement through in-store initiatives and digital channels underscores its dedication to providing personalised rewards and a seamless beauty shopping experience, making Ulta Beauty Rewards a favourite among beauty enthusiasts in the US.

• Ease of Use: Easy to join online or in-store, with points tracked through the Ulta app.
• Valuable Rewards: Earn points on every purchase, redeemable for any product or service, with no blackout dates.
• Engagement: Birthday gifts, double points during special events, and a credit card that offers extra points.
• Innovation: Tiered system (Member, Platinum, Diamond) with increasing benefits, personalised product recommendations, and exclusive access to new products.

Why are these the best customer loyalty programs in the United States?

Personalization

75% of American consumers say they’re more likely to be loyal to brands that understand them on a personal level, so it’s not surprising that one of the key factors driving the popularity of these programs is personalization.

By leveraging data analytics, these programs offer tailored rewards and experiences that resonate with individual members.

Value Proposition

Each of these programs provides a clear and compelling value proposition. Whether it’s free shipping with Amazon Prime, free flights with Delta SkyMiles, or free coffee with Starbucks Rewards, the benefits are significant and easily understood by the consumer.

Engagement Strategies

Continuous engagement through personalised offers, exclusive promotions, and interactive challenges keeps members actively participating in the program. This not only enhances the customer experience but also fosters brand loyalty.

Technological Innovation

Leading loyalty programs continuously innovate, integrating new technologies to enhance the user experience. Mobile apps, digital wallets, and AI-driven recommendations are just a few examples of how these programs stay ahead of the curve.

Choosing the right tech provider and the right loyalty engine for your loyalty program is one of the things that sets you up for success.

Seamless Integration

A seamless user experience, from sign-up to reward redemption, is crucial. These programs excel at providing a smooth and hassle-free experience, which is essential for maintaining high levels of member satisfaction.