Quick Overview
- 1#1: Toast - Comprehensive restaurant POS system with integrated loyalty programs offering points, rewards, and personalized marketing automation.
- 2#2: Square Loyalty - Simple, affordable loyalty program integrated with Square POS that lets customers earn and redeem rewards via phone number or email.
- 3#3: Clover - Flexible POS platform with customizable loyalty features including points, tiers, and automated rewards for restaurants.
- 4#4: TouchBistro - iPad-based restaurant POS with built-in loyalty tools for customer tracking, rewards, and targeted promotions.
- 5#5: Lightspeed Restaurant - Cloud-based restaurant management software featuring loyalty programs with points redemption and guest profiles.
- 6#6: Revel Systems - Robust iPad POS system with loyalty module supporting punch cards, points, and VIP tiers for repeat diners.
- 7#7: SevenRooms - Guest experience and CRM platform with advanced loyalty marketing, personalized offers, and data-driven retention for restaurants.
- 8#8: SpotOn - Restaurant technology suite including loyalty programs with SMS marketing, rewards, and customer segmentation.
- 9#9: Thanx - AI-powered loyalty platform that uses data analytics to deliver personalized rewards and increase restaurant customer lifetime value.
- 10#10: Olo - Online ordering and guest engagement platform with loyalty features for rewards, referrals, and omnichannel marketing.
The tools were evaluated based on key factors including feature versatility (such as points systems, automation, and personalization), user experience, integration capabilities, and value for restaurants of all sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top restaurant loyalty program software tools, including Toast, Square Loyalty, Clover, TouchBistro, Lightspeed Restaurant, and more, by outlining key features, pricing models, and operational benefits. Readers will discover how to align their business needs with the right platform to enhance customer retention and streamline back-office processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toast Comprehensive restaurant POS system with integrated loyalty programs offering points, rewards, and personalized marketing automation. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Square Loyalty Simple, affordable loyalty program integrated with Square POS that lets customers earn and redeem rewards via phone number or email. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Clover Flexible POS platform with customizable loyalty features including points, tiers, and automated rewards for restaurants. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | TouchBistro iPad-based restaurant POS with built-in loyalty tools for customer tracking, rewards, and targeted promotions. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Lightspeed Restaurant Cloud-based restaurant management software featuring loyalty programs with points redemption and guest profiles. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Revel Systems Robust iPad POS system with loyalty module supporting punch cards, points, and VIP tiers for repeat diners. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | SevenRooms Guest experience and CRM platform with advanced loyalty marketing, personalized offers, and data-driven retention for restaurants. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn Restaurant technology suite including loyalty programs with SMS marketing, rewards, and customer segmentation. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Thanx AI-powered loyalty platform that uses data analytics to deliver personalized rewards and increase restaurant customer lifetime value. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Olo Online ordering and guest engagement platform with loyalty features for rewards, referrals, and omnichannel marketing. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
Comprehensive restaurant POS system with integrated loyalty programs offering points, rewards, and personalized marketing automation.
Simple, affordable loyalty program integrated with Square POS that lets customers earn and redeem rewards via phone number or email.
Flexible POS platform with customizable loyalty features including points, tiers, and automated rewards for restaurants.
iPad-based restaurant POS with built-in loyalty tools for customer tracking, rewards, and targeted promotions.
Cloud-based restaurant management software featuring loyalty programs with points redemption and guest profiles.
Robust iPad POS system with loyalty module supporting punch cards, points, and VIP tiers for repeat diners.
Guest experience and CRM platform with advanced loyalty marketing, personalized offers, and data-driven retention for restaurants.
Restaurant technology suite including loyalty programs with SMS marketing, rewards, and customer segmentation.
AI-powered loyalty platform that uses data analytics to deliver personalized rewards and increase restaurant customer lifetime value.
Online ordering and guest engagement platform with loyalty features for rewards, referrals, and omnichannel marketing.
Toast
enterpriseComprehensive restaurant POS system with integrated loyalty programs offering points, rewards, and personalized marketing automation.
Real-time POS integration that automatically applies loyalty rewards, tracks visits, and updates balances during transactions without manual intervention
Toast's Restaurant Loyalty Program is a fully integrated solution within its all-in-one POS platform, enabling restaurants to build, manage, and redeem customer loyalty programs effortlessly. It captures guest data at the point of sale, supports personalized rewards, digital punch cards, and tiered memberships, while leveraging analytics for targeted marketing. The program syncs seamlessly with online ordering, delivery integrations, and the Toast Guest app for omnichannel engagement.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Toast POS for instant reward redemption and data capture
- Advanced personalization and segmentation using AI-driven insights for higher engagement
- Omnichannel support including in-app ordering, email/SMS marketing, and gift cards
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small or independent restaurants due to bundled POS costs
- Best suited for Toast ecosystem users; integrations with non-Toast systems are limited
- Initial setup and customization may require support for non-tech-savvy teams
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise restaurants already using or planning to adopt Toast POS who seek a robust, integrated loyalty solution to boost repeat business.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $165/month per location for core POS bundle, with Loyalty add-on typically $50-100/month extra depending on features and volume.
Square Loyalty
specializedSimple, affordable loyalty program integrated with Square POS that lets customers earn and redeem rewards via phone number or email.
One-click integration with Square POS for real-time point accrual and redemption at the register
Square Loyalty is a robust customer rewards program designed to integrate seamlessly with Square's POS system, enabling restaurants to offer points-based rewards, digital punch cards, and VIP perks for repeat customers. It allows diners to earn points on purchases, redeem them for free items or discounts directly at checkout, and receive targeted promotions via email or text. The platform provides customer insights and marketing tools to boost retention, making it a straightforward add-on for Square users.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Square POS for instant earning and redemption
- Simple setup with customizable rewards like points, punches, and birthdays
- Cost-effective analytics and automated marketing tools
Cons
- Limited customization for complex tiered programs
- Best suited for Square ecosystem users; less flexible with other POS
- Pricing scales up quickly for high-volume customer bases
Best For
Small to medium restaurants already using Square POS seeking an easy, integrated loyalty solution without complex setup.
Pricing
$45/month for up to 1,000 enrolled customers ($95 for 1,001-5,000, higher tiers available); redemptions at standard Square processing rates (2.6% + 10¢ in-person).
Clover
enterpriseFlexible POS platform with customizable loyalty features including points, tiers, and automated rewards for restaurants.
Native POS integration that enables instant point accrual and reward redemption without third-party apps or manual entry
Clover is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system with an integrated loyalty program tailored for restaurants, allowing customers to earn points on purchases and redeem rewards seamlessly at checkout. The platform supports customizable reward structures, customer profiles, and marketing campaigns to boost repeat business. It leverages Clover's ecosystem for real-time data syncing across devices, making it ideal for quick-service and full-service eateries.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Clover POS for effortless loyalty tracking and redemptions
- Customizable rewards and customer segmentation for targeted promotions
- User-friendly mobile app for customers to check points and offers
Cons
- Tied to Clover ecosystem, limiting flexibility for non-Clover POS users
- Additional subscription fees on top of POS hardware and software costs
- Lacks advanced analytics compared to dedicated loyalty platforms
Best For
Small to medium-sized restaurants already using Clover POS that want an integrated, straightforward loyalty solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Loyalty app starts at $14.95/month per location (Register plan) or $49.95/month (Counter plan), plus hardware costs and 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction processing fees.
TouchBistro
specializediPad-based restaurant POS with built-in loyalty tools for customer tracking, rewards, and targeted promotions.
Real-time POS-linked loyalty points accrual and redemption
TouchBistro is a restaurant-focused POS system with an integrated Loyalty program that allows operators to create customizable rewards like points, visits, or spend-based incentives directly tied to transactions. It syncs customer data in real-time for personalized marketing, automated rewards redemption, and customer retention analytics. Ideal for full-service restaurants seeking a unified platform rather than a standalone loyalty tool.
Pros
- Seamless integration with TouchBistro POS for instant loyalty accrual
- Customizable programs with robust reporting and customer insights
- User-friendly interface that fits into daily restaurant workflows
Cons
- Not available as a standalone loyalty solution—requires POS subscription
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated loyalty apps
- Limited advanced segmentation without additional marketing add-ons
Best For
Restaurants using TouchBistro POS that want built-in loyalty without third-party integrations.
Pricing
POS starts at $69/location/month + Loyalty add-on at $39/month; custom enterprise pricing available.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterpriseCloud-based restaurant management software featuring loyalty programs with points redemption and guest profiles.
Real-time POS loyalty redemption that automatically applies rewards during checkout without manual intervention
Lightspeed Restaurant is a comprehensive POS system with an integrated loyalty program that enables restaurants to reward customers with points-based systems, redeemable rewards, and personalized marketing. It tracks customer visits and spending in real-time through seamless POS integration, allowing for automated reward fulfillment at checkout. The solution also includes a customer-facing mobile app for easy sign-ups, point balances, and order-ahead features tied to loyalty perks.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Lightspeed POS for instant loyalty point accrual and redemption
- Customer mobile app enhances engagement with order-ahead and personalized offers
- Robust reporting and segmentation tools for targeted loyalty campaigns
Cons
- Loyalty features are bundled with full POS subscription, less ideal for standalone use
- Customization options for rewards are somewhat limited compared to dedicated platforms
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced loyalty analytics and multi-location support
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants using Lightspeed POS that want an all-in-one system with built-in loyalty without needing third-party integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location (Basic plan); loyalty included in Essential ($109/month) and higher tiers, plus transaction fees and potential add-ons.
Revel Systems
enterpriseRobust iPad POS system with loyalty module supporting punch cards, points, and VIP tiers for repeat diners.
Real-time loyalty point accrual and redemption directly on POS terminals without additional hardware
Revel Systems offers a robust loyalty program module integrated within its cloud-based iPad POS platform tailored for restaurants. Customers can earn points on purchases, redeem rewards seamlessly at checkout, and engage through targeted email/SMS campaigns. The system provides detailed customer insights and analytics to help refine loyalty strategies, all syncing in real-time with POS transactions.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Revel POS for instant point tracking and redemptions
- Customizable rewards and tiered programs with strong customer database management
- Built-in marketing tools like automated emails and SMS for retention
Cons
- Requires commitment to Revel's full POS ecosystem, limiting standalone use
- Pricing adds up with base POS fees and potential hardware costs
- Lacks advanced gamification or social features compared to dedicated loyalty platforms
Best For
Restaurants seeking an all-in-one POS and loyalty solution with tight integration for quick implementation.
Pricing
Loyalty module ~$50/month per location; requires POS Starter plan ($99/month/terminal) plus processing fees.
SevenRooms
specializedGuest experience and CRM platform with advanced loyalty marketing, personalized offers, and data-driven retention for restaurants.
Unified Guest Profile that aggregates data from all touchpoints for hyper-personalized loyalty experiences and recommendations
SevenRooms is a robust guest experience and CRM platform tailored for restaurants, offering advanced loyalty program capabilities through personalized guest profiles, targeted marketing campaigns, and rewards management. It integrates seamlessly with reservations, table management, and POS systems to deliver data-driven loyalty experiences that boost retention and revenue. While primarily an all-in-one hospitality solution, its loyalty features stand out for high-volume operations seeking VIP tiering and automated engagement.
Pros
- Powerful guest CRM with deep data insights for personalized loyalty rewards
- Seamless integration with reservations and POS for unified loyalty tracking
- Advanced marketing automation and VIP management tools
Cons
- High pricing makes it less accessible for small independent restaurants
- Steep learning curve and complex setup process
- Custom reporting can require additional configuration
Best For
Multi-location restaurant groups and high-end hospitality venues needing integrated CRM and loyalty management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $1,000–$5,000+/month depending on locations, covers, and features.
SpotOn
enterpriseRestaurant technology suite including loyalty programs with SMS marketing, rewards, and customer segmentation.
AI-driven guest profiles that automatically track preferences and purchase history for hyper-personalized reward recommendations
SpotOn is an all-in-one restaurant POS and management platform that includes a dedicated loyalty program to drive customer retention and repeat business. It enables restaurants to set up customizable points-based rewards, tiered memberships, and personalized offers via SMS, email, and app notifications, all integrated directly with the POS for instant redemptions. The system also provides guest analytics and marketing automation to segment customers and optimize campaigns.
Pros
- Seamless integration with SpotOn POS for frictionless point redemption and order history tracking
- Robust guest profiling and segmentation for targeted marketing and personalized rewards
- Built-in SMS and email automation to boost engagement without third-party tools
Cons
- Loyalty features are best suited for users already on SpotOn's ecosystem, limiting flexibility for other POS systems
- Pricing lacks transparency and is often bundled with full POS/hardware costs
- Advanced customization may require support team assistance, slowing setup for smaller teams
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants using SpotOn POS that want an integrated loyalty solution with marketing tools to increase guest lifetime value.
Pricing
Custom quotes typically $99–$250/month per location as an add-on to POS plans (starting ~$100/month), plus one-time hardware fees.
Thanx
specializedAI-powered loyalty platform that uses data analytics to deliver personalized rewards and increase restaurant customer lifetime value.
AI-powered personalization engine that uses real-time guest data to deliver individualized offers at scale
Thanx is an AI-powered loyalty and guest engagement platform designed specifically for restaurants, enabling personalized rewards, marketing automation, and data-driven retention strategies. It integrates seamlessly with POS systems to capture first-party data and deliver targeted offers via app, email, SMS, and in-store experiences. The platform emphasizes high-engagement gamification and analytics to increase visit frequency and customer lifetime value for multi-location operators.
Pros
- Advanced AI-driven personalization for hyper-targeted rewards and campaigns
- Robust analytics and ROI tracking with proven uplift in guest spend
- Seamless integrations with major POS like Toast, Square, and Revel
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for single-location restaurants
- Steeper learning curve for setup and optimization
- Limited customization for non-chain operators
Best For
Multi-location restaurant chains and QSRs focused on scaling data-driven loyalty programs with high personalization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $5,000+/month based on locations and volume; no public tiers.
Olo
enterpriseOnline ordering and guest engagement platform with loyalty features for rewards, referrals, and omnichannel marketing.
Unified guest data platform that powers hyper-personalized loyalty rewards redeemable instantly during online orders
Olo is a comprehensive digital platform for restaurants that includes robust loyalty program capabilities integrated with online ordering, payments, and guest engagement. It enables chains to build personalized loyalty experiences through data-driven rewards, tiered programs, and targeted marketing campaigns. The software excels in unifying customer data across touchpoints to boost retention and repeat visits for enterprise-level operations.
Pros
- Seamless integration with online ordering and payments for frictionless reward redemption
- Scalable for large chains with advanced personalization and analytics
- Strong data unification across guest interactions for targeted campaigns
Cons
- High cost structure suited mainly for enterprises, less ideal for small restaurants
- Complex setup and customization requiring technical expertise
- Limited standalone loyalty focus compared to dedicated tools
Best For
Large restaurant chains needing an integrated online ordering and loyalty platform to drive guest retention at scale.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically transaction-based or monthly subscriptions starting at $5,000+ depending on volume and features.
Conclusion
The reviewed restaurant loyalty programs effectively support retention, with Toast leading as the top choice, blending POS integration and robust marketing tools. Square Loyalty and Clover, meanwhile, offer strong alternatives—Square for its simplicity and affordability, Clover for flexible customization—catering to diverse business needs. Together, these tools empower restaurants to build lasting guest relationships.
Don’t miss out on boosting loyalty: explore Toast, the top-ranked solution, to enjoy integrated POS, personalized rewards, and streamlined customer engagement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison