CL
Clavaa Loyalty
Emma Rodriguez
By Emma Rodriguez
Loyalty Program Analyst
March 2025
2025 Retail Savings Guide

7 Best Retail Customer Loyalty Programs

Maximize Your Shopping Value: Top Retail Rewards Programs Compared in 2025

Programs Per User
15+
Average per consumer
Annual Savings
$300+
Average potential
Programs
Top 7
Reviewed options
Growth
10%
Increase since 2022

Running errands in 2025 has become a most engaging activity for consumers everywhere. To make shopping even more commendable, many retail outlets have started implementing the most effective strategies, which is the Retail rewards program or customer reward program. These programs often reward repetitive customers with elusive discounts, benefits, and certain perks that are nowhere else to be seen.

With the best store loyalty programs available, we will be exploring the seven best ones that offer the most sought-after benefits and valuable feedback for the customers.

According to a recent report, in the United States, the average consumer now has more than 15 loyalty programs, which marks an increase of 10% from 2022.

Modern retail loyalty programs now offer seamless digital experiences, personalized recommendations, and flexible redemption options that go beyond simple discounts.

How to Use This Guide

This comprehensive guide will help you understand retail customer loyalty programs and choose the best one for your shopping preferences. Use the table of contents below to navigate to specific sections.

Retail loyalty cards and shopping experience
Save More While Shopping
Smart Shopping For Your Budget
With The Right Loyalty Program For Your Needs

Top 7 Customer Retail Loyalty Programs

Research Methodology
This guide is based on current program offerings as of March 2025, real shopper feedback, and analysis of potential savings across different retail brands.

What Are Retail Customer Loyalty Programs?

Retail membership benefits are purposely made to strategize your business model, which encourages business by simply rewarding customers for their exclusive benefits. Such programs are often seen in points, cashback, discounts, or even in tiers that keep shopper's spirits alive and engaged, solely attached to brand loyalty.

Benefits of Setting Up a Retail Rewards Program

Top retail rewards programs provide a long-term advantage for both businesses and customers, helping to create an ever-lasting relationship with their consumers while encouraging repetitive purchases. Below are some key benefits of setting up a retail rewards program:

Customer Retention

Rewarding customers helps encourage them to shop more frequently.

Increases sales

A well-thought-out loyalty program boosts overall sales by capitalizing on repeat purchases.

Enhanced customer experience

Personalised rewards make customers feel truly humble and valued, improving an overall brand perception.

Data-driven insights

Retailers can easily track down preferences and promotions strictly based on the consumer's shopping pattern.

Types of Retail Loyalty Programs

There are countless retail loyalty programs, ranging from the Cheapest retail loyalty programs to the most VIP ones, but here are the most common ones you need to know about.

Point based programs

Customers score points for every purchase that they make.

Cashback rewards

A small percentage of the amount is returned as store credit.

Tiered memberships

The higher the spending, the higher the rewards.

Subscription-based programs

Customers pay a certain fee to access premium offers and deals.

Gamified rewards

Includes interactive challenges and certain milestones, making customer engagement more effective.

Top 7 Customer Retail Loyalty Programs

Explore the most rewarding retail loyalty programs that offer exceptional benefits, exclusive access, and personalized shopping experiences. Each program delivers unique advantages designed to match different shopping styles and preferences.

Are You a Business Owner?

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1. Clavaa Loyalty Program

Integrated payment and rewards platform
Zero-Fee Loyalty
Cashback rewards
3-5%
Depending on loyalty tier
Processing fees
0%
Via Clavaa wallet
Setup time
Quick
Ready integration
Contract
Free setup
Flexible terms

How It Works

Customers pay via the Clavaa Wallet app, allowing them to earn automatic cashback instantly and seamlessly incorporate it with their POS.

Advantages

Zero transaction fees
Instant cashback
Data-driven insights

Certain disadvantages

Customers need to adapt to their app
Limited branding customization

Implementation & Support

Clavaa's backed-up support includes:

Guided POS incorporation and setup
Comprehensive staff training
Ongoing technical support via chat support

Ideal For

Retailers looking to eliminate transaction fees while offering customers instant rewards and building customer loyalty with minimal technical overhead.

2. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa

Credit card with Prime benefits
Prime Exclusive
Cashback rewards
5%
On Amazon & Whole Foods
Processing fees
None
No additional fees
Setup time
Instant
Upon approval
Contract
No fee
No annual fee

How It Works

Customers earn cashback on the rightly given purchases, which can be later used as a credit, allowing for an optimal shopping experience.

Advantages

High potential rate
No surcharges with Prime

Disadvantages

Needs Amazon Prime for full benefits
It might not be optimal for single purchases

Implementation & Support

With robust support from Amazon, their customer support is ready to serve their loyal customers at any given time, making their shopping experience even more engaging than ever!

Ideal For

Frequent Amazon shoppers with Prime memberships who want to maximize rewards on their regular purchases and Whole Foods grocery shopping.

3. Target Circle Program

Best stores for loyalty savings
Free Membership
Cashback rewards
1%
On every purchase
Processing fees
0%
Through Target Circle
Setup time
Instant
Sign-up
Contract
No fees
No yearly fees

How Does It Work

The retail membership benefit at Target is a great way to score and save more. Redeemable for future savings, customers earn rewards on every purchase that they make in-store or via a mobile app.

Advantages

Free Membership
Exclusive discounts
Curated offers

Disadvantages

Lower cashback rate
It might not be suitable for many consumers

Support on the go

With the most versatile support of the service at Target, customers are most likely to get more returns as they truly feel valued and appreciated.

Ideal For

Regular Target shoppers who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases with no membership fees, and prefer simple programs with straightforward benefits.

4. Starbucks Rewards

Earn Stars for food and beverages
Star Rewards
Cashback rewards
Stars
Redeemable for drinks & food
Processing fees
None
Free program
Setup time
Quick
App registration
Contract
Free
Free to join!

See How It Works

Customers earn stars (a term referring to their program) for every dollar spent on the outlet's edible items, which they can use to earn further rewards.

Advantages

Early access to new menu items
Exclusive offers
New flavors are preferred by close customers

Downside

Points (Stars) may expire within a given period

Implementation and Support

Starbuck's support is most likely to be the most rugged one on the market; with easy chat support being widely available to the audience, it lets customers browse, chat, and see what suits them the best.

Ideal For

Regular Starbucks customers who want to earn rewards on their coffee and food purchases, while gaining early access to new menu items and seasonal offerings.

5. Sephora Beauty Insider

The Finest Retail discount program
Premium Beauty Rewards
Cashback rewards
Points
Point-based system
Processing fees
None
Free program
Setup time
Instant
Online or in-store
Contract
No fees
No additional fees

How It Works

Customers earn points for each dollar they spend, which can later be redeemed for multiple products, such as beauty products, cosmetics, and fragrances.

Advantages

Exclusively curated birthday offers
Early access to sales
Countless promotions
Newsletter offers
Seasonal offers

Disadvantage

The top-tier point needs premium rewards

Implementation and Support

Being in the business for quite a while indeed has certain perks and downsides that must not be neglected; nevertheless, it provides an opulent solution for many Gen-Z shoppers who are shopping on the go.

Ideal For

Beauty enthusiasts who shop frequently at Sephora and want to maximize rewards, access exclusive products, and enjoy personalized perks based on their beauty preferences.

6. Walmart+

Membership with free delivery & more
Premium Membership
Cashback rewards
Discounts
Fuel & free shipping
Processing fees
None
No extra charges
Setup time
Quick
Online sign up
Contract
$98
Charged annually

How It Works

Members can enjoy free delivery, fuel waive-off, and exclusive savings via Walmart+ membership. All they need to do is show their relevant card, and they will be good to go!

Advantage

Frequent shoppers are most likely to get a good advantage out of it

Disadvantage

Needs annual fees

Implementation

Having a strong system onboard, buying products, and chatting with customer support makes it much easier and hassle-free for many buyers to shop from Walmart.

Ideal For

Frequent Walmart shoppers who value convenience through free delivery, fuel discounts, and exclusive savings, making the annual membership fee worthwhile through regular use.

7. CVS ExtraCare Rewards

Health & wellness rewards program
ExtraBucks Rewards
Cashback rewards
2%
In ExtraBucks rewards
Processing fees
None
No extra charges
Setup time
Instant
Sign up
Contract
Free
A free membership!

How Does It Work

Customers can earn ExtraBucks rewards on purchases that are readily redeemable for discounts.

Advantage

Highly applicable to health and beauty products
Additional discounts are applicable on health and beauty products

Disadvantage

With time, rewards may expire

Ideal For

Regular CVS shoppers who purchase health and beauty products frequently and want to maximize savings through a simple, free rewards program with no commitments.

What We Think About It

Choosing the perfect retail customer loyalty program depends on shopping habits and preferences. Each buyer prioritizes different needs, such as cashback or fuel savings; for each, you need to evaluate your shopping habits and see what works best for you.

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