15 Customer Loyalty Statistics Every Business Should Know

Loyalty is a fascinating emotional marketing strategy. Plain and simple.

Think about it – why do you keep going back to your favorite coffee shop, even when there’s a cheaper option next door?

Or why do you feel a tiny thrill when you unlock a new tier in your go-to rewards program?

That’s the magic of loyalty at work. It has never been just about transactions.

When done:

Right – it can work miracles for your business, turning casual shoppers into devoted brand advocates.

Wrong – it can break your business, leaving customers feeling undervalued or overwhelmed by poorly structured rewards.

Not At All – you’re missing out on repeat sales, deeper customer relationships, and a competitive edge.

Why Customer Loyalty = Business Success

Loyalty isn’t just about points and perks – it’s about nurturing emotional connections that drive revenue. Why?

Because loyal customers:

• Cost less to retain
• Forgive mistakes (they’re more likely to stick with you after a hiccup)
• Become your marketing team, referring friends through word-of-mouth

What Is Customer Loyalty (and Why Does It Matter)?

Customer loyalty is the willingness of shoppers to repeatedly choose your brand – not just because of rewards, but because of trust, consistency, and shared values. In a world of endless choices, it’s the difference between a one-time sale and a lifetime relationship.

The bottom line?

Loyalty is the backbone of sustainable growth.

Ready to dive deeper into the stats that prove how loyalty programs shape businesses?

Let’s go.

Customer Loyalty Statistics & Trends

Stat 1

According to Retailist Mag, 50% of consumers say their main reason for joining a loyalty program is to rack up rewards on everyday purchases.

This is an easy one for you to know what half of the audience wants. All you need to do is figure out what the rest want. Maybe they are looking for trust, value, what makes their life easier and better, good customer experience or something else?

Stat 2

Nearly 46% of customers say they’d love to see loyalty programs include gifts and swag as part of their rewards, according to a Yotpo consumer survey.

Nearly half of your customers aren’t just looking for points – they want the tangible thrill of unboxing something special. That’s where Loyal-n-Save’s Swag Shop shines. Imagine turning redeemed tokens into exclusive merch – a branded hoodie, a tote bag, a limited-edition mug, or even a VIP kit. It’s not just a reward; it’s a conversation starter. And when customers flaunt that swag? Free advertising for your brand. Remember – physical rewards create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

Stat 3

According to a Harris Poll survey, 71% of Americans say they’re less likely to sign up for a rewards program that asks for personal details like their address or account information.

Customers are protective of their data – ask for too much upfront, and they’ll walk away. The key? Keep sign-ups simple. With Loyal-n-Save’s mobile app, you can offer a seamless opt-in process that respects privacy while still delivering personalized rewards. Build trust first, and loyalty will follow.

Stat 4

According to Bond, 53% of consumers say they’re interested in seeing game mechanics included in loyalty programs.

Gamification isn’t just a trend – it’s a proven way to boost engagement. Think progress bars, surprise rewards, or tiered challenges that make earning points more exciting.

Stat 5

Extu reports that introducing a loyalty program to an ecommerce platform can boost average order quantity by an impressive 319%.

That’s not just growth – it’s a complete transformation. Allow your ecommerce business to automatically reward repeat purchases, encourage bigger orders, and turn casual shoppers into loyal fans. The best part? It works while you focus on running your business.

Loyalty Program Statistics

Stat 6

According to a 2023 report by Campaign Monitor, 52% of Gen Z consumers were more likely to join a loyalty program that year compared to 2022.

Gen Z consumers aren’t just the future; they’re actively reshaping today’s loyalty landscape. More than half are eager to engage, but they expect mobile-friendly experiences and rewards that align with their digital-first lifestyle. Leverage push notifications to deliver mobile-first rewards that match their “always-on” lifestyle.

Stat 7

Capital One reports that 89% of customers are likely to stay loyal to a brand when they share similar values.

Loyalty isn’t just about points – it’s about purpose. Today’s consumers don’t just buy products – they buy into what your brand stands for. Whether it’s sustainability, community support, or ethical practices, shared values create bonds that go beyond transactions. When values connect, loyalty follows.

Stat 8

Temkin Group found that after just one positive experience, 77% of customers are likely to recommend a brand to others.

A single great experience can turn customers into your most powerful marketers. In our connected world, word-of-mouth recommendations are golden – they’re trusted, authentic, and incredibly valuable.

Stat 9

According to Business Dasher, businesses with loyalty programs enjoy a 20% boost in customer visits.

Loyalty programs don’t just boost spending – they dramatically increase how often customers walk through your doors or visit your site. More visits mean more opportunities to strengthen relationships and drive sales. The result? A steady stream of returning customers who see value in every visit.

Loyalty Program Engagement Statistics

Stat 10

Ebbo reported that 90% of consumers are more likely to engage with a brand when incentivized interactions are offered.

The verdict is clear – customers want to be rewarded for their interactions. Whether it’s leaving a review, sharing on social media, or simply making a purchase, incentives turn passive shoppers into active participants. Explore the auto trigger campaigns that deliver rewards before they even ask.

Stat 11

According to Marketing Charts, 42% of consumers have followed a brand on social media in exchange for an incentive.

Social media follows are valuable currency – and nearly half of consumers will happily exchange a follow for the right reward. This is your chance to turn casual scrollers into engaged community members.

Stat 12

Ebbo revealed that the top reason consumers avoid signing up for a brand’s loyalty program is that it feels too time-consuming or requires too much effort.

Complex sign-up processes are loyalty program killers. The most successful programs understand that if you make customers work to join, they simply won’t bother.

Stat 13

According to ebbo, the top 3 rewards that consumers most likely want to redeem points for are discounts on purchases (80%), branded merchandise/swag (32%), and sweepstakes entries for the chance to win a prize (30%).

While discounts remain king, nearly a third of customers appreciate tangible rewards and the thrill of potential big wins.

Stat 14

74% of customers say they’re more likely to pay for a retailer’s premium loyalty program if they’re already part of the free version that retailer offers, according to ebbo.

Free programs are the perfect gateway to premium offerings. Once customers experience the value of your basic program, they’re much more willing to upgrade for enhanced benefits.

Stat 15

According to an ebbo loyalty programs data study, free shipping (57%) is the top perk motivating customers to join or renew a premium loyalty program, followed by instant discounts (52%), free giveaways (49%), and faster shipping (39%). Surprise rewards (33%), exclusive deals (32%), holiday discounts (28%), and personalized offers (27%) also hold strong appeal.

Customers will pay for perks that deliver real convenience and value – with free shipping and instant discounts leading the pack.

Wrapping Up

The numbers don’t lie – today’s consumers are hungry for rewards, but only if you make loyalty effortless, engaging, and valuable. Whether its Gen Z consumers craving mobile-friendly perks, shoppers sticking with brands that align with their values, or customers becoming your biggest advocates after just one great experience, the opportunity is clear:

Loyalty shouldn’t be a guessing game – it should be a revenue driver.