Best Customer Loyalty Programs in India

Dirigir una empresa no es tarea fácil, sobre todo cuando se trata de captar la atención de nuevos consumidores hacia su marca. La captación de nuevos clientes es una actividad que exige mucho tiempo y atención, lo que agota por completo su energía y le impide concentrarse en otras áreas importantes de su negocio.

For entrepreneurs attaining new business is essential and a big challenge too; but what if we tell you there are other options/techniques to expand your business in less time with few resources. It seems to be a good idea, doesn’t it? Well, the option/technique to this ‘solution’ is none other than customer loyalty programs. Existing customers generate more revenue as compared to new customers.

According to Deloitte’s retail survey, “Businesses with loyalty programs are 88% more profitable on an average as compared to their competitors who do not.” Converting a new customer into a repeat customer does not happen overnight. This is the reason why customer loyalty programs should be considered.

A customer loyalty program is a well-structured marketing strategy that a brand implements to get customers (associated with the program) to continue to use their products or services for added benefits in return.

How to build a customer loyalty program

A great loyalty program goes beyond points and discounts — it builds emotional connections, encourages engagement, and inspires repeat behavior. Here's how you can craft a loyalty program that stands out and delivers real value.

1. Start with a standout name

Your program’s name sets the tone. A strong name should feel exciting, spark curiosity, and make customers want to learn more. It’s not just about “rewards” — it’s about identity, exclusivity, and belonging.

2. Tie it to a meaningful purpose

A loyalty program should feel authentic — not just a tactic to increase sales. Customers are more likely to join and stay engaged if the program connects to a deeper brand mission.

Make it about something bigger than transactions. Link your program to values like sustainability, empowerment, or personalization — depending on your brand’s ethos.

3. Reward more than just purchases

Customer loyalty isn’t built only at the checkout. Reward actions that reflect genuine engagement, such as:

• Referring a friend
• Sharing your product on social media
• Writing reviews
• Watching videos or completing product tutorials

These touchpoints reflect brand affinity and should be celebrated.

4. Offer reward variety

Not every customer values the same thing. Some may want discounts, while others prefer exclusive experiences, free subscriptions, or the chance to support a cause.

Offering options helps you connect with different customer motivations and makes your program more inclusive.

5. Assign real value to points

If you’re using a points system, make sure it’s clear what those points are worth. Transparency builds trust and gives customers a tangible goal to work toward.

Use visual tools like a rewards calculator or simple conversion rates (e.g., 100 points = ₹100) to simplify the math and reinforce value.

6. Incorporate non-monetary benefits based on shared values

Your most loyal customers likely share your values. Reflect those in your rewards.

This could include giving customers the option to:

• Convert points into donations
• Support social or environmental initiatives
• Participate in community-led projects

7. Promote enrollment everywhere

Don’t wait for customers to stumble upon your program. Actively promote it across:

• Product pages (e.g., “Earn 100 points with this purchase!”)
• Email campaigns
• Redes sociales
• Checkout pop-ups
• In-app or on-site banners

8. Explore strategic partnerships

Collaborating with aligned brands can elevate your program’s appeal. It exposes your loyalty initiative to a wider audience while enhancing reward options.

For example, pair up with a fitness app, event platform, or eco-conscious brand to offer cross-benefits that appeal to both audiences.

9. Add a gamified twist

Gamification boosts engagement and gives users a sense of progress. Use badges, levels, leaderboards, or milestone unlocks to make loyalty feel like an achievement.

Make it fun, visual, and goal-oriented — so customers look forward to reaching the next level.

Examples of customer loyalty programs in India

Captar la atención de "nuevos clientes" e intentar convertirlos en "clientes fieles" es una tarea tediosa, larga y costosa. En su lugar, basta con que se hable de su marca para atraer a nuevos clientes.

But how can this be done? How do you use positive reviews, eye-catchy tweets Instagram mentions and other social networking websites to boost the development of your business? It’s over here where the customer loyalty program proves to be useful.

A continuación se destacan algunos de los mejores ejemplos:

1. Point-based programs

En función de su capacidad de gasto, los clientes acumulan puntos que pueden canjear por productos o servicios gratuitos. Funciona con una sencilla funda: "gasta más para ganar más". Cada vez que un cliente realiza una compra obtiene una determinada cantidad de puntos en función del volumen de su compra.

El sistema de puntos debe ser sencillo y fácil de calcular y comprender para los clientes. Por ejemplo 50 rupias = 1 punto.

2. Programa escalonado

Se trata de un sistema avanzado de puntos. Tras acumular un determinado número de puntos, el cliente pasa al siguiente nivel y recibe las ventajas de ese nivel. Cuanto más fieles sean los clientes a su marca, mayores serán las recompensas. Este programa se utiliza en el comercio electrónico y especialmente en el sector de los viajes.

3. Paid program

Este programa es fácil de entender, ya que los clientes pagan una cuota mensual o anual para unirse, formar parte y beneficiarse de las ventajas del club de socios VIP. Para que este programa sea eficaz, se necesita una base de clientes sólida.

4. The value-based program

Crear algo creativo y único en lugar de meros puntos puede hacer que el cliente recuerde su marca. El programa basado en valores es adecuado para el sector del comercio electrónico. Si un programa de fidelización se estructura en torno a los valores de sus clientes, hay muchas posibilidades de que se conviertan en fieles a su marca.

5. The coalition program

Since loyalty programs are gaining importance; customers are looking for suppleness in rewards. Customer Loyalty programs can be created by partnering up with other businesses. This will let you build new relationships as well as give more prospects to customers.‍

6. Cash back program

Estos programas son fáciles de crear, mantener y comprender. La propuesta es fácil de entender: "Recibes una cantidad determinada a cambio de la cantidad X que has gastado". Estos programas se utilizan para aumentar los importes de las transacciones y reducir sus tasas de abandono.

7. Hybrid program

Este programa es una combinación de más de un tipo de programa. Este programa permite a los clientes ganar puntos, así como obtener algunas recompensas atractivas también.

8. Healthcare card loyalty program

El seguro de enfermedad suele cubrir los gastos de hospitalización. Para el resto de las necesidades médicas, como pruebas diagnósticas, revisiones, consultas con el médico, etc., estos gastos tienen que correr a cargo de los clientes. Por otra parte, los precios siguen subiendo de vez en cuando, lo que tampoco ayuda.

Esto deja un vacío entre las prestaciones que ofrece la aseguradora y los gastos que soporta el cliente en asistencia sanitaria. Las compañías de seguros intentan colmar esta laguna ofreciendo tarjetas de descuento sanitario, que son un tipo de tarjeta de fidelización. Los clientes pagan una cuota de afiliación y la aseguradora les ofrece una tarjeta con la que pueden beneficiarse de descuentos de entre el 30 y el 35% en gastos relacionados con la hospitalización y no hospitalización, como revisiones, pruebas diagnósticas, medicamentos, etc.

9. Stamp card and mobile app loyalty program

Se trata de un antiguo y conocido programa de fidelización. La idea básica que lo sustenta es proporcionar a los clientes tarjetas de fidelidad que la marca puede sellar cuando compran determinados servicios y productos. Esta tarjeta sellada puede ser utilizada por el cliente como recompensa para obtener productos o servicios gratuitos del mismo valor. Los clientes también pueden obtener puntos haciendo un pedido a través de una aplicación móvil.

Build loyalty that grows with your brand

Customer loyalty programs have steadily gained traction across India in industries such as retail, travel, healthcare, telecom, and hospitality. However, while the presence of loyalty programs is widespread, their potential remains largely underutilized.

Many of these programs are still centered around basic mechanics like points, discounts, and vouchers. These models often lack emotional connection and personalized experiences that create long-term brand affinity.

The real challenge lies in bridging the gap between collecting customer data and transforming that data into meaningful, actionable insights. Without a structured approach and a well-organized database, most marketers are left struggling to measure impact or scale results effectively.

This is exactly where Loyalife transform the way you think about loyalty.

Loyalife is a complete loyalty innovation ecosystem designed for marketers who want to create more than just transactional relationships. You can go beyond generic offers and start designing experiences that are personal, intelligent, and built around your customers' values and behaviors.

Whether you are launching your very first program or revamping an outdated one, Loyalife empowers you to:

• Build flexible and intuitive loyalty journeys.
• Segment and reward your audience based on real behavior and preferences.
• Integrate seamlessly with your existing customer platforms.
• Track, analyze, and optimize in real time without guesswork.

Loyalty is not about handing out rewards. It is about making your customers feel like they belong. It is about showing up consistently, knowing what matters to them, and proving your value at every stage of their journey.