5 Best Loyalty Program Apps for Small Businesses

Setting up a customer loyalty program for your small business can feel overwhelming, especially with the countless software options on the market.

You might be wondering what fundamental features to look for in a loyalty program app. Maybe you’re torn between choosing a simple solution or the one that boosts your efficiency.

If you’re not tech-savvy, managing integrations might seem complicated, or perhaps you’re working with a tight budget.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the five best loyalty program apps for small businesses to help you overcome these challenges. We’ll highlight their key features, user-friendliness, integration capabilities, and costs.

By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of which app best aligns with your business needs, helping you optimize your customer incentive programs and deliver rewards and personalized experiences while keeping your customers engaged and loyal.

The five best loyalty program apps for your small business

After conducting a thorough analysis, we have selected the following best loyalty program apps:

1. PassKit (start a 45-day free trial)
2. WaveToGet
3. Glue Loyalty
4. Smile.io
5. LoyaltyLion

We evaluated these customer loyalty apps based on features, integrations, customer support, pricing, user ratings, pros, and cons to help you create a successful loyalty program.

Let’s start with our list.

1. PassKit

PassKit is the leading mobile wallet service provider, enabling businesses to transition from conventional loyalty programs to modern digital loyalty systems.

With PassKit, you can create, manage and distribute digital loyalty cards, coupons, e-gift cards, and digital tickets compatible with Apple and Google Wallets.

This allows customers to conveniently store and retrieve their rewards using their smartphones.

PassKit’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone, even without coding or design experience, to create a point reward system and automated loyalty programs.

The customer loyalty software offers a centralized system for setting program rules, tracking customer activity, and managing unlimited customers, making it an excellent option for small businesses striving to increase customer retention and involvement.

Start a 45-day free trial now.

Features list

• Versatile industry coverage: Create a loyalty program in any industry, including retail, hospitality, travel, and entertainment.
• Pass Designer: Use loyalty card design templates and easily create loyalty cards with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and incorporate your brand elements.
• Loyalty program management: Manage reward structures, monitor customer activity, and oversee accounts from a unified platform.
• Mobile wallet APIs and SDKs: Seamlessly integrate loyalty programs with popular mobile wallets.
• PassReader Scanning App: Efficiently verify customer rewards and monitor redemption activity using iOS and Android scanning apps.
• Automated rewards: Implement rules and triggers to automatically reward customers based on their activity.
• Multichannel distribution: Send loyalty program cards via email, SMS, social media, your website, or QR codes. Choose any online or offline channel for card distribution.
• Push notifications: Send targeted messages and personalized offers directly to customers’ mobile devices.
• Location-based alerts: Provide timely offers using geolocation technology to reach customers near your business.
• Real-time analytics and reporting: Monitor and optimize program performance with detailed analytics and comprehensive loyalty program data.
• Multi-language support: Generate loyalty passes in different languages to accommodate diverse customer bases.

Sign up for a 45-day free trial today. 

Integrations

You can use APIs to connect with CRM platforms, point-of-sale systems, and email management tools.

It’s also one of the best Shopify loyalty apps for ecommerce loyalty programs.

You can also set up webhooks to receive real-time notifications or streamline your workflow by automating tasks using marketing automation tools like Zapier and Make.

Additional integrations include:

• Salesforce CRM integration
• Zoho CRM integration
• Marketo integration
• WooCommerce integrations
• ActiveCampaign integrations
• Emarsys integrations

You can also access PassKit Developer Kit to learn more about mobile wallet APIs and SDKs.

Customer support

Users value PassKit’s quick and responsive customer service.

Whether through real-time messaging or by accessing the support resources, users can get assistance when needed.

Pricing

PassKit provides a 45-day trial period for users to fully experience its features. Following the trial, the pricing begins at $39.50 per month for 250 passes.

As your business expands, you can get discounts through the pay-as-you-grow pricing model.

Pros

• Real-time dynamic passes
• Mobile loyalty program
• Mobile wallet compatibility
• Multi-language support
• Comprehensive loyalty program management
• Automated rewards and triggers
• Multichannel distribution
• Real-time analytics and reporting
• Versatile integrations
• Scalability and flexibility
• Excellent customer support

Cons

• No free plan

Quickly create and deploy personalized loyalty rewards program without technical skills or developing a mobile loyalty app. 

Start a 45-day free trial now.

2. WaveToGet

WaveToGet is one of mobile loyalty apps for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers tools for creating and managing loyalty initiatives, helping to retain existing customers and attract new ones. 

Features like easy point tracking and personalized rewards improve customer engagement while being cost-effective and user-friendly.

Features list

• Personalized promotions: Tailor promotions to suit your business needs.
• Customizable features: Modify color schemes, create reward programs, and generate promo codes.
• Monitor client balance: Adjust customer balances, add coins, or convert them to virtual dollars.
• QR-code system: Facilitate payments and offer rewards using QR codes.
• Convert coins to gifts: Transform customer coins into gifts, dollars, or treatments relevant to your business.

Integrations

WaveToGet integrates with various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. It ensures you can manage your loyalty programs from anywhere.

Customer support

The WaveToGet team will continuously support you in navigating and using the software effectively. Their support staff is available 24/7.

Pricing

WaveToGet provides a free plan. You need to download the Android and iOS app to use it.

Pros 

• Simple to use
• Highly customizable
• Integrates with multiple devices

Cons

• Lacks advanced features compared to other solutions on the list
• Requires active management to maximize benefits

3. Glue Loyalty

Glue Loyalty offers an automated, hassle-free program designed for small and micro businesses such as restaurants, retail shops, and hairdressers. It focuses on boosting customer retention through an intelligent loyalty system.

Features list

• Digital loyalty cards: Replace traditional plastic or paper cards with digital ones that are easy to manage and use.
• AI-driven incentives: Provides personalized offers to customers at the right time to maximize engagement.
• Customizable promotions: Tailor promotions based on customer behaviors and needs to drive more sales.
• Analytics and insights: Gain useful data to understand your customers better and improve your loyalty strategies.
• Hands-off approach: Automate many of the loyalty program tasks, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.

Integrations

Glue Loyalty integrates with Clover, Square, Quickbooks, Treez, WooCommerce, and Shopify.

Customer support

Glue Loyalty provides customer support via email, live chat, and the help center to ensure you get the needed help. Whether setting up your loyalty program or troubleshooting issues, Glue’s team is available to assist you.

Pricing

Glue Loyalty offers a free basic account which includes essential loyalty features. For more advanced capabilities, pricing plans are available based on the number of members actively using the loyalty app. 

The lowest plan starts at $109/month, while the highest costs $199/month. You need to pay an additional $199 one-time fee.

Pros 

• Easy setup and management
• Personalized customer incentives
• Detailed analytics
• Automates many tasks

Cons

• Requires customers to download an app
• Limited features in the free plan
• Limited members per pricing plan
• Additional one-time fee 

4. Smile.io

Smile.io offers a loyalty and rewards program for eCommerce businesses. It helps merchants establish personalized loyalty programs with points, VIP tiers, and referral rewards. 

Its intuitive interface drives increased customer interaction and loyalty, giving brands the tools to transform occasional shoppers into returning customers.

Features list

• Points expiration: Encourage timely point usage while keeping your balance sheets accurate.
• Accelerated earning: Reward your top-tier customers with 2x, 3x, or 5x the points based on their VIP status.
• Partial refund support: Automatically adjust points based on returns or refunds to maintain accuracy.
• Custom point naming: Personalize your point system by naming points to match your brand identity.
• Earning limits: Control how frequently customers can earn points through actions like social media engagement.
• Analytics: Gain insights into sales generated through Smile and detailed earning and redeeming stats.
• Smile Wallet: Simplify customer point management with a centralized wallet for their balances.

Integrations

Smile.io integrates with Mailchimp, Okendo, Privy and Judge.me.

You can send customer point balances to Klaviyo, Gorgias, and similar applications. This ensures that your loyalty program works well with your existing business technology.

Customer support

Smile.io provides customer support to help you set up and manage your loyalty program. If you have any issues, you can check their learning center, help docs or the status page.

Pricing

Smile.io provides pricing plans structured based on the number of monthly orders. If customers surpass the limit, they must pay an extra fee.

The most basic plan is priced at $49 monthly and accommodates up to 500 monthly orders.

Pros 

• Easy to implement
• Highly customizable
• Broad range of integrations
• Detailed analytics

Cons

• Pricing may be high for very small businesses
• Requires some initial setup effort

5. LoyaltyLion

LoyaltyLion offers a cloud-based solution for eCommerce businesses of any scale to build personalized loyalty programs. 

Through this platform, merchants can incentivize customers to engage in activities such as making purchases, referring others, and participating in social interactions. 

It provides features like point systems, tiered rewards, referral tracking, and in-depth analytics to observe customer behavior and program effectiveness. 

Features list

• Customizable rewards: Tailor rewards to fit your brand and boost customer engagement.
• Points system: Allow customers to earn points for purchases and referrals, redeemable for rewards.
• Referral program: Encourage customers to refer friends and grow your customer base.
• Loyalty tiers: Create tiered programs that reward customers based on spending and engagement.
• Email integration: Send personalized offers and updates through targeted email campaigns.
• Real-time analytics: Get insights into customer behavior to make data-driven decisions.
• On-site notifications: Engage customers with alerts about points, rewards, and promotions.
• Social media sharing: Enable customers to share their achievements to promote your program.
• Customer insights: Identify your most valuable customers with comprehensive engagement analytics.
• Multi-language support: Reach diverse markets with support for multiple languages.
• Automated campaigns: Set up automated marketing campaigns based on customer loyalty activity.
• Custom branding: Personalize the look of your loyalty program to match your brand.
• Discount codes: Create and distribute discount codes as part of your rewards.
• API access: Integrate your loyalty program with other systems using API access.
• Activity tracking: Monitor customer activities to optimize your loyalty strategies.

Integrations

LoyaltyLion integrates with various ecommerce platforms and apps, including Shopify and Shopify POS. This allows reward earning both online and in-store.

Customer support

LoyaltyLion offers responsive customer support to help you set up and manage your loyalty programs. Their team is available to answer questions and provide guidance.

Pricing

LoyaltyLion offers different pricing plans, including a free tier and paid plans starting at $199/month. Pricing can vary based on the features, customization and your annual store revenue.

Pros 

• Customizable rewards
• Extensive integration options
• High customer satisfaction ratings

Cons

• Can be costly for small businesses
• Some features may require developer assistance

Overview of the best loyalty program apps

Let’s make an overview of the best loyalty program apps for small businesses. Each app offers unique features that can help you engage and retain customers.

App name	Key features	Pricing	Pros	Cons
PassKit	Digital passes, mobile wallet integration, mobile wallet marketing, multichannel distribution, redemption tracking	Starts at $39.50 per month for 250 passes	Widely trusted, seamless digital transformation	It doesn’t provide a free plan
WaveToGet	Personalized promotions, client balance monitoring, convert coins to gifts	Free to use	It integrates with multiple devices	It lacks advanced features
Glue Loyalty	AI-driven incentives, loyalty program automation	Starts at $109/month with an additional  $199 one-time fee	Automates many tasks	Requires customers to download an app
Smile.io	Partial refund support, custom point naming, Smile Wallet	Starts at $49 monthly for up to 500 monthly orders	Broad range of integrations	Pricing be high for very small businesses
LoyaltyLion	On-site notifications, automated campaigns, discount codes	Starts at $199/month based on your annual store revenue	Extensive integration options	Some features may require developer assistance

Parameters for choosing the best loyalty program apps

Implementing a successful loyalty program requires careful selection of the right app. Consider the following criteria to ensure you choose the best loyalty program app for your business.

1. User-friendly interface: Choose an app with an intuitive interface so customers can easily navigate and use the loyalty program. For example, apps like PassKit offer digital passes that integrate with Apple and Google Wallet, making it simple for customers to access rewards.
2. Customization options: Look for apps that allow you to tailor rewards to fit your brand’s values and customer preferences. It enhances customer loyalty and satisfaction.
3. Customer engagement tools: Features like push notifications, fun challenges, and exclusive rewards can entertain your customers. Mobile apps often provide real-time updates on bonuses and promotions, encouraging repeat purchases.
4. Data analytics: Choose an app with strong analytics to understand customer behaviors and preferences. This data helps in creating more effective marketing strategies.
5. Integration capabilities: Ensure the app integrates well with your existing systems, such as payment gateways and point-of-sale systems, for a smooth customer experience and accurate tracking of loyalty points. It is crucial for both online and offline stores.
6. Customer support: Opt for apps that offer reliable customer support. Good customer support can assist during the initial setup and resolve any issues quickly. Prompt assistance can improve the experience for both you and your loyalty members.
7. Cost-effectiveness: Evaluate the cost against the features provided. Sometimes, paying a bit more for a comprehensive app covering all customer loyalty aspects is worth it. You can benefit from cost-effective apps with significant advantages like brand recognition and personalized offers.

Choosing the right loyalty program app involves considering these parameters carefully to ensure it meets your business needs and effectively engages and rewards your customers.

Best loyalty program apps: Our verdict

After our analysis, we recommend PassKit as an all-in-one loyalty program app. It stands out due to its flexibility, capacity to create personalized digital loyalty passes and ability to track customer engagement. It can boost customer loyalty significantly.

It allows businesses to create tailored loyalty programs that match specific needs across various industries while also enabling the transition from traditional loyalty cards to digital passes. 

PassKit offers a user-friendly online Pass Designer to create customized passes that align with the brand. It allows for diverse rewards and integrates seamlessly with mobile wallets, making it convenient for customers to access and use their rewards. 

PassKit integrates with Zapier and Make, allowing for automation and efficient distribution of loyalty passes through multiple channels. It facilitates targeted messaging and offers based on customer behavior and location, contributing to customer engagement and retention. 

Additionally, PassKit provides analytics to monitor the loyalty program’s performance, offering necessary insights for improvements. 

Overall, PassKit’s extensive features, user-friendliness, and exceptional customer support make it the best option for businesses aiming to implement a remarkable loyalty program.

Start a 45-day free trial now.

Conclusion about the best loyalty program apps

Choosing the best loyalty program apps for your business can significantly impact customer retention and sales.

Each app offers unique features tailored to different business needs. Whether you need digital passes, rewards, or membership management, there’s an option for you.

PassKit stands out as the top choice. It replaces traditional reward programs with digital passes compatible with Apple and Google Wallet, ensuring a seamless and trusted experience for your customers.

Start a 45-day free trial to enrich customer relationships with innovative loyalty solutions.

FAQs about the best loyalty program apps

Which loyalty program is the best?

Choosing the best loyalty program depends on your business needs. Platforms like PassKit offer comprehensive solutions to replace traditional rewards with digital passes.

Who has the best loyalty scheme?

The best loyalty schemes are often found in top-rated apps like Loopy Loyalty, known for its user-friendly interface and effective stamp card system.

What is the largest loyalty program?

The largest loyalty programs often belong to major retailers and brands. Apps like Tchibo combine loyalty features with mobile commerce, reaching a wide audience.

What are the best loyalty programs in retail?

Top retail loyalty programs include digital solutions that offer seamless experiences. For example, PassKit provides tailored promotions to boost customer engagement.

Why is customer loyalty important for small businesses?

Customer loyalty helps you build a steady customer base. Loyal customers are likely to make repeat purchases, recommend your business, and contribute to stable revenue.

What are the benefits of customer loyalty programs?

Benefits include increased sales, better customer engagement, and valuable customer data. These programs often lead to more personalized shopping experiences and higher customer satisfaction.

Why do businesses need a loyalty program?

Loyalty programs can set you apart in a competitive market. They encourage repeat business, foster customer relationships, and provide insights into buying behaviors that can inform marketing strategies.