Loyalty programs are gaining even more importance in turbulent times marked by inflation and economic uncertainty. Consumers view them as a tool to save money, while businesses see them as a key driver for maintaining loyalty and boosting revenue.
Antavo’s Global Customer Loyalty Report 2025 compiles over 600 key insights shaping the future of loyalty programs.
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The Current Landscape of Loyalty Programs
- Program Satisfaction:
- 70% of program owners are satisfied with their programs.
- 83% report positive ROI, with programs delivering an average 5.2x return on investment.
- 31.4% of marketing budgets are allocated to increasing customer loyalty, a 4.4% rise compared to last year.
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What Consumers Expect from Loyalty Programs
- Main Reasons for Participation:
- 69.8% of consumers join loyalty programs for rewards, discounts, and cashback incentives—financial benefits where customers receive a portion of their spending back after making a purchase.
- Missing Features:
- 40.7% of consumers want points with no expiration date.
- 40% are looking for more ways to earn points.
- Preferred Channels:
- 59% of consumers prefer mobile apps to interact with loyalty programs.
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The Role of AI in Loyalty Programs
- Consumers and AI:
- 39.6% are more likely to engage with programs that use AI.
- 49.4% remain undecided about its benefits.
- Businesses and AI:
- 37.1% of companies already use AI to manage their loyalty programs.
- AI is applied for program design (44.5%), productivity improvements (44.9%), and cost reductions (31.1%).
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Future Trends in Loyalty Programs
- Reward Choices:
- 81.2% of consumers prefer brands that allow them to choose between rewards.
- Gamified Data Collection:
- 55.1% of consumers are willing to share their data through games or quizzes.
- Family Accounts:
- 76% of consumers favor brands that allow them to share points and accounts with household members.
The question is no longer whether to develop a loyalty program but how to tailor it to meet modern consumer expectations. Companies that succeed in combining personalized experiences, attractive incentives, ease of use, and advanced technology will gain a competitive edge.