Table of Contents:
Everyone used to believe customer loyalty programs were simple—add points, offer discounts, and customers would keep coming back. That might have worked when shoppers stayed on one channel. Today, they don’t. Customers move between online stores, mobile apps, physical locations, and marketplaces without thinking twice.
Yet, many brands still run loyalty programs in silos. When rewards don’t follow customers across channels, loyalty breaks down. And so does customer retention and revenue.
That’s where omnichannel loyalty programs come into the picture and fill the gap. By unifying rewards, customer data, and engagement across every touchpoint, these programs ensure that customers can earn and redeem rewards seamlessly—whether they shop online, use a mobile app, or visit a physical store.
We analyzed how omnichannel loyalty programs work at some of the largest e-commerce brands and retail chains, how they reward behavior beyond purchases, and how they drive repeat purchases instead of one-time discounts. And in this guide, we’re going to share what we learned with you. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of what separates high-performing loyalty programs from the rest.
Omnichannel loyalty programs generally fall into five models: points-based, tiered, paid membership, hybrid, and cashback. The best programs combine multiple models and stay synced across channels.
Top Omnichannel Customer Loyalty Programs (2026):
| Loyalty Program | Key Highlight |
|---|---|
| Sukoshi Mart Rewards | Engagement-driven, tiered loyalty program managed through a centralized omnichannel system |
| Sephora Beauty Insider | Combines points, tiers, exclusive experiences, and community to drive both emotional and transactional loyalty |
| Starbucks Rewards | App-first, gamified points system that turns everyday purchases into habitual repeat visits |
| H&M Membership | Simple two-tier structure rewarding purchases and sustainable actions across channels |
| The North Face XPLR Pass | Engagement-led loyalty that rewards app usage, check-ins, referrals, and non-purchase actions |
| Nike Membership | Non-points loyalty model focused on access, personalization, content, and community |
| IKEA Family | Perks-driven program centered on inspiration, experiences, and everyday value rather than points |
| Ulta Beauty Rewards | Hybrid loyalty with points-to-cash redemption and spend-accelerated tiers |
| Target Circle | Hybrid model blending free rewards, paid convenience, and payment-based instant savings |
| Amazon Prime | Paid membership loyalty built around speed, convenience, and ecosystem-wide benefits |
With 99minds, create unified loyalty programs that work seamlessly across online and physical stores
Not every loyalty program works the same way. Modern retail brands use different types of omnichannel customer loyalty programs to encourage repeat purchases, build customer loyalty, and drive long-term retention. The right structure depends on the behavior of your customers and your sales channels. Here are some of the most common types of customer loyalty programs:
Points-based loyalty programs are the most widely used rewards programs. They reward customers with points for each purchase or action, like referrals, reviews, or birthdays. These points can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or store credit. When points stay synced across channels, this loyalty program works especially well for driving repeat purchases across your site, app, and physical store
Tiered loyalty programs group customers into levels based on spend or engagement. As customers move up through tiers, they unlock more valuable and exclusive rewards or higher points on each purchase/activity. This structure gives customers a clear goal and motivates them to shop more often to reach higher tiers and better benefits.
Paid membership programs require customers to pay a one-time or recurring fee in exchange for ongoing benefits. These benefits often include free shipping, early access, or exclusive deals. While paid programs require a strong value proposition, they typically lead to higher retention and increased customer lifetime value (CLV/LTV).
Hybrid loyalty programs combine multiple models such as points, tiers, and instant perks. Customers may earn points on purchases, unlock tier-based benefits, and receive automatic rewards like free shipping or early access. This flexible approach works well for brands with diverse customer behaviors across channels.
Cashback loyalty programs reward customers with real money or store credit instead of points. Rewards are usually earned as a percentage of spend and can be redeemed on future purchases. This model makes reward value easy to understand and encourages repeat buying, especially for high-frequency shoppers.
Now that we know the types of omnichannel loyalty programs you can implement, let’s take a look at some top ones among them. Given below are the top 10 loyalty program examples that show how leading brands build omnichannel experiences and protect customer loyalty in 2026.
Sukoshi Mart Rewards is a points-based loyalty program designed to keep customers engaged beyond purchases. It rewards both spending and participation, making loyalty feel like an ongoing relationship rather than a transactional system.
Customers earn points when they shop and when they take meaningful actions like creating an account or leaving product reviews. Those points directly contribute to rewards and tier progression, giving customers clear visibility into how their engagement pays off over time.
To manage the program, Sukoshi Mart uses the 99minds loyalty program app, which enables the team to manage points, tiers, rewards, and campaigns from a centralized system. This setup ensures consistent rules, rewards, and benefits across channels while giving Sukoshi Mart the flexibility to evolve its loyalty strategy as customer behavior changes.
Engagement-driven earning model: Customers earn points not just for spending but for actions like account creation and reviews, encouraging ongoing interaction with the brand
Instant reward progression: Loyalty balances and tier status update in real time, reinforcing value immediately after each qualifying action
Tier perks tied to brand affinity: Early access, exclusive experiences, and enhanced birthday rewards are designed to deepen emotional loyalty, not just discount dependence
Centralized loyalty management: Running all loyalty rules and campaigns from one system ensures predictable rewards and a consistent customer experience.
Sephora Beauty Insider is one of the most recognizable loyalty programs in retail, with over thirty-four million members worldwide. The program blends points, tiered rewards, exclusive access, and community-driven engagement to keep beauty shoppers coming back consistently.
Members earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for trial-size products, full-size rewards, curated sets, and limited-edition experiences. As customers move through Insider, VIB, and Rouge tiers, loyalty value increases through better perks, early access, and more personalized rewards.
What truly strengthens the program is how Sephora extends loyalty beyond transactions. Through its community platform and experience-led rewards, Beauty Insider turns shopping into participation and belonging, not just discount chasing.
Experience-led rewards model: Points unlock products, early launches, and beauty experiences, shifting loyalty from discounts to aspiration
Clear tier-based progression: Insider, VIB, and Rouge tiers motivate higher spend by visibly increasing reward quality and exclusivity
Strong community layer: Member forums, reviews, and shared content build emotional loyalty and peer-driven product discovery
Access as a loyalty currency: Early product drops and invite-only events make members feel valued without relying heavily on price cuts.
Starbucks Rewards is a points-based loyalty program that plays a central role in Starbucks’ global growth strategy. This program allows members to earn “Stars” on every purchase and redeem them for drinks, food, and add-ons.
With over 32,000 outlets worldwide, Starbucks uses its loyalty program to drive repeat visits, higher spending, and long-term retention. By early 2025, Starbucks had 34+ million active members in the US, and Rewards members accounted for over 40% of total sales in key markets.
This program offers an omnichannel experience to its customers that is fully integrated across the mobile app, website, and in-store, turning everyday coffee habits into consistent loyalty.
Simple points-based system: Members earn Stars for every purchase, which makes rewards easy to understand and quick to redeem
Two-tier structure (Green & Gold): All members start at Green status. Once they earn enough Stars, they unlock Gold status, granting them access to higher-value rewards and exclusive perks
Gamified rewards and progression: Members see clear milestones and visual progress tracking, while expiring Stars create urgency, encouraging frequent visits and consistent spending
Dedicated mobile app: The Starbucks app allows members to track their Stars, place order-ahead purchases, pay in-store, manage gift cards, and discover nearby stores, enhancing the buying experience
Personalized and experiential perks: Members enjoy benefits like free birthday drinks, free refills, drink customization, and saved preferences, creating a personalized experience that strengthens brand loyalty
Built-in spending incentives: Features such as preloaded digital Starbucks Cards, push notifications, and seasonal promotions keep members engaged, even when they aren’t close to a store.
H&M Membership is a free, dual-tiered omnichannel loyalty program built to keep customers coming back while encouraging more responsible shopping habits. With 100+ million members globally, H&M goes beyond traditional discounts and rewards customers not just for spending but also for doing the right thing, such as recycling old clothes in-store.
Customers who have an H&M membership can earn points every time they shop online or in-store, unlock member-only pricing, and get early access to sales, drops, and events. The program has two tiers—Core and Plus, making it easy to join and rewarding to level up. Once a customer earns 500 points, they move into Plus membership, where better perks, exclusive experiences, and premium rewards are unlocked.
Everything runs through a digital Member ID, so points, rewards, and benefits stay connected across the website, mobile app, and physical stores. The result is a loyalty program that feels simple, seamlessly accessible across the H&M ecosystem, and built for modern customer loyalty.
Simple two-tier progression: Core offers instant value, while Plus unlocks premium perks after reaching a clear and achievable points threshold
Transparent reward mechanics: Members earn one point per dollar spent and receive a five-dollar reward for every two hundred fifty points earned
Sustainability-led incentives: Recycling old clothes in-store earns a fifteen percent discount, turning eco-friendly actions into tangible rewards
Strong member-only value: Early access, exclusive pricing, partner offers, and premium giveaways make membership feel worthwhile even without heavy discounting.
The North Face XPLR Pass is a points-based loyalty program designed to reward customers for both purchases and active brand engagement. Instead of limiting loyalty to transactions, the program reflects how customers interact with the brand’s outdoor-first lifestyle.
Members earn one point for every dollar spent, and every one hundred points unlock a ten-dollar reward. On top of this, members receive free shipping, access to exclusive products, and ongoing perks that deliver immediate value without waiting for seasonal promotions.
Where XPLR Pass really stands apart is its focus on participation. By rewarding actions like referrals, app downloads, check-ins, and sustainability-led behaviors, the program turns loyalty into an extension of how customers explore, engage, and live the brand.
Engagement-led earning model: Points are earned for referrals, app usage, check-ins, and sustainability actions, not just purchases
Simple and predictable rewards: One point per dollar spent and one hundred points for a ten-dollar reward keeps value easy to understand
Brand-aligned exclusivity: Early access to limited-edition gear and collaborations reinforces lifestyle-driven loyalty
Always-on member value: Free shipping and ongoing perks create instant benefits without forcing frequent redemptions.
Nike Membership is a free subscription-based program focused on personalization, community, and access rather than traditional discounts. It rewards customers for shopping and interacting with Nike across digital and physical channels.
Members get access to exclusive products, early drops, member-only pricing, free shipping, and seamless returns. Nike connects its loyalty experience across the Nike app, SNKRS app, website, and physical stores, creating a unified customer journey. Instead of point redemption, the program focuses on creating value for members through access, content, and personalized experiences.
Nike Membership turns brand engagement into loyalty by integrating commerce, fitness, and community in a tightly-integrated ecosystem.
Non-points-based loyalty model: Loyalty is driven by access, personalization, and experiences rather than points
Member-only access: Early product drops, exclusive collections, and members-only pricing
Strong app ecosystem: Nike and SNKRS apps connect shopping, launches, training, and content
Personalized experiences: Product recommendations, training content, and offers tailored to member behavior
True omnichannel execution: Membership benefits apply across online, mobile apps, and physical Nike stores.
IKEA Family is a free, perks-driven loyalty program from IKEA that prioritizes long-term engagement over transactional rewards. With more than 150 million members globally, it’s one of the largest loyalty programs in retail.
Rather than motivating customers through points or spend thresholds, IKEA Family is designed to stay relevant in everyday life. The program blends savings, inspiration, and community experiences to keep members connected to the brand even when they’re not actively shopping. This approach aligns closely with IKEA’s mission of creating a better everyday life at home, making loyalty feel practical and human rather than promotional.
Perks-over-points model: Members receive value through access and benefits, removing the friction of earning, tracking, or redeeming points
Experience-led rewards: Workshops, events, and family activities build emotional loyalty beyond discounts or purchase-driven incentives
Always-on engagement: Games, competitions, and lifestyle content keep members connected even when they’re not actively shopping
Lifestyle-based personalization: Home and living preferences guide offers and inspiration, making communication feel relevant rather than promotional.
Ulta Beauty Rewards is a large-scale hybrid loyalty program built around flexibility and spend value. Members earn points on every dollar they spend, both online and in-store, and can redeem those points as cash discounts on future purchases. This makes the program easy to understand and appealing to a broad customer base.
The program uses a three-tier structure—Member, Platinum, and Diamond—higher tiers help earn points faster and unlock premium benefits. Instead of forcing customers into predefined rewards, Ulta Beauty lets members decide how and when to apply their rewards, reinforcing a sense of control and transparency.
All points, offers, and perks stay synchronized across Ulta Beauty’s website, mobile app, and physical stores, ensuring customers experience the same loyalty benefits regardless of where they shop.
Cash-based redemption model: Converting points directly into dollars removes friction and simplifies reward decisions for customers
Spend-driven tier acceleration: Faster point earning at higher tiers encourages customers to consolidate more of their beauty spend with Ulta
Expiration-free points for top tiers: Removing point expiration for Platinum and Diamond members supports long-term loyalty and higher annual spend
Always-on incentive strategy: Frequent bonus point events and personalized offers keep engagement high throughout the year.
Target Circle is a multi-tier, hybrid omnichannel loyalty program that blends free rewards, paid perks, and payment-based savings into one simple ecosystem. It’s built around choice—you get value whether you want savings, convenience, or both.
At the base level, Target Circle is free to join. Members earn one percent back on eligible purchases, get automatic discounts at checkout, and unlock personalized perks like birthday rewards and in-app games. There’s no extra effort needed—savings just work in the background.
If convenience matters more, Target Circle 360 adds a paid subscription layer. You get free same-day delivery, free shipping, extended return periods, and monthly freebies that make frequent shopping easier and faster.
Target also connects loyalty directly to payments through the Target Circle Card. Instead of earning rewards later at the time of purchase, cardholders get five percent off every day, turning loyalty into instant savings.
Loyalty tied directly to payment behavior: Customers can choose between earning rewards or getting instant five percent savings by paying with the Target Circle Card
Zero-effort savings model: Rewards, discounts, and offers apply automatically, making loyalty feel invisible rather than something customers need to manage
Convenience as a loyalty driver: Same-day delivery, free shipping, and extended returns are positioned as rewards, not just fulfillment features
Purpose-driven engagement: Community support votes turn everyday purchases into a way for members to influence local charitable giving.
Amazon Prime is a paid membership loyalty program built around speed, convenience, and ecosystem value. Instead of points, Prime focuses on bundled benefits that encourage frequent shopping and long-term retention.
Prime members get fast and free shipping, exclusive deals, and access to digital services like Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading. These benefits apply seamlessly across Amazon’s website, mobile app, and physical retail formats (i.e., Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Books, etc.), making Prime a core driver of repeat purchases and CLV.
Subscription-based loyalty model: Members pay a monthly or annual fee to unlock continuous benefits, shifting loyalty from point accumulation to long-term commitment and habitual usage
Fast and free shipping: Free one-day and same-day delivery at zero shipping cost removes delivery friction, makes purchase decisions easier, and encourages customers to order more frequently
Exclusive member savings: Prime-only deals, early access to sales and promotions, and special discounts create urgency and reward members with a feeling of exclusivity
Ecosystem-wide value: Shopping benefits are bundled with Prime Video, Prime Music, and Prime Reading, increasing perceived value beyond ecommerce.
In 2026, the strongest customer loyalty programs will be the ones built for omnichannel retail. In addition to that, points or one-off discounts are not enough—top brands are creating loyalty programs that offer community experiences and perks beyond discounts, points, and cashbacks.
Whether it’s Starbucks Rewards, Sephora, or Target Circle, the pattern is clear—loyalty performs best when it’s unified, flexible, and driven by real customer behavior rather than channels or short-term promotions.
And that’s exactly where the 99minds Loyalty platform comes into the picture. It helps you launch a powerful loyalty program on Shopify, BigCommerce, and leading POS systems like Lightspeed, Heartland, and Clover—with real-time sync across online and in-store. You can build fully customizable programs that reward customers for sign-ups, purchases, social follows, email subscriptions, reviews, birthdays, and VIP tier milestones. Every earning rule, reward value, and benefit can be tailored to match your business goals, while automated workflows and real-time redemption keep the experience frictionless.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for 99minds today and start building your omnichannel customer loyalty program instantly.
