7 loyalty programs that have improved to become their industry's best (2024)

Newsweek has once again ranked America's Best Loyalty Programs. Compiled in partnership with data analysis firm Statista, the new list recognizes standout customer rewards programs across 41 industries.

As in past years, our 2024 ranking gives various loyalty programs a rating out of 10. Scores are based on a survey of U.S. consumers—which this year included more than 4,000 people—and consider a number of factors, including the value of a rewards program's perks, customer satisfaction and the likelihood that someone would recommend the services. The company programs featured on the ranking all achieved an above-average score.

Some, though, have really outdone the competition by offering more rewards at less expense and with greater ease—these companies achieved a higher score and better placement within their particular industries. (We recently highlighted businesses that scored an 8 or above to top their categories.) And an even smaller selection of companies have improved their standings from past years to now finish first in their sectors.

To give the programs that have climbed up our ranking an extra bit of shine, we've collected some details on what they offer and what makes them so appealing.

Banana Republic, Banana Republic Rewards

Shopping mall mainstay Banana Republic scored a 9.04 this year, topping the ranking's clothing category, apparel subcategory. In 2023, the chain scored a 6.98, preceded by a 7.38 in 2022 and a 7.5 in 2021. Its loyalty program, called Banana Republic Rewards, gives customers two options—one with a Banana Republic Rewards credit card and one without. The program also encompasses purchases at related brands like Gap, Old Navy and Athleta.

Benefits include free shipping on orders over $50, early access to select sales and "an extra perk" on a member's birthday. And if a program customer spends more than $1,000 per year, they will receive free basic alterations on Banana Republic merchandise.

QuikTrip, QT Rewards

QuikTrip, the roadside chain recognized by its red and white "QT" logo, ranked first in the convenience stores category by earning an 8.94 for its QT Rewards program. That's the highest rating the company has achieved thus far. It was not ranked in last year's list, and it scored a 7.54 in 2022 and a 7.88 in 2021.

QT Rewards members follow a straightforward formula to save money on gas: Every $2 spent on qualified merchandise or every two gallons of gas purchased are good for one rewards point, which is worth 1 cent off per gallon. The company says customers can accumulate rewards points to get more savings on gas, but it noted that points expire one year from the time when they were earned.

True Value, True Value Rewards

True Value achieved a 9.22 this year, landing at the top of the home improvement stores subcategory and earning its loyalty program's best rating to date. True Value Rewards was not ranked in 2023, scored a 7.54 in 2022 and was rated a 7.88 in 2021.

Program members earn 10 points for every $1 they spend at participating True Value locations, or via a store's website. Once they earn 2,500 points, they receive a $5 Rewards Certificate that is valid for approximately 30 days. The company notes that points for certain purchases can vary depending on each individual store, and some products may be excluded from earning points.

Dunkin', Dunkin' Rewards

U.S. doughnut icon Dunkin' topped the bagel & sandwich chains subcategory this year by landing a score of 8.57, the company's best showing for its loyalty program. It was ranked at 8.1 last year, 7.62 in 2022 and 8.09 in 2021.

The Dunkin' Rewards program awards 10 points per dollar spent, unless a customer visits 12 times in a calendar month—in which case they'll earn 12 points per dollar for the subsequent three months. Special perks for program members can include 100 points for ordering ahead on "Mobile Mondays" or saving on food items with a purchase of a coffee.

Points can, of course, be redeemed for specific items. A classic doughnut, for instance, will cost you 250 points, while a bagel with a spread can be had for 600 points. An espresso or frozen drink is available for 900 points.

Dunkin' drew negative attention last year when it stopped offering program members a free beverage on their birthday and began offering 3X points for one day for any purchases made the day before, day of or day after their birthday. For what it's worth, in a statement to the Associated Press last July, Dunkin' said that three-day window allowed its rewards program members to "celebrate their birthday even longer."

Tim Hortons, Tims Rewards

Scoring an 8.44, Tim Hortons led the ranking's coffeehouse chains and achieved the company's best score so far. The Toronto-based coffee and pastry chain finished with a 7.9 in 2023, a 7.21 in 2022 and a 7.9 also in 2021.

The Tim Hortons loyalty program, called Tims Rewards, offers the usual points-for-perks arrangement (at the rate of 10 points for every dollar spent), but it also has another benefit up its coffee-dusted sleeve: Timbits Tuesday. Members get a 10-pack of Timbits, which are bite-sized fried-dough snacks, for $1 every Tuesday.

When it comes time to redeem points, baked goods like doughnuts run 340 points, classic food like a grilled cheese sandwich costs 950 points, and specialty food like a breakfast wrap will set you back 1,450 points.

From now until March 31, Tim Hortons is also hosting a promotion called "Roll Up to Win." Tims Rewards members who purchase an eligible hot or iced beverage—which excludes espresso shots, fountain drinks or packaged beverages—will have a chance to win prizes, including a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport, JBL speaker or gift cards.

Hyatt, World of Hyatt

The Hyatt hotel chain (along with participating brands like Hyatt Yacht Club and Hyatt House) scored its highest rating this year for the World of Hyatt loyalty program. The U.S.-based international chain topped the hotel and hospitality rewards category with a 7.98 after finishing with a 7.82 last year, a 7.4 in 2022 and not making our list at all in 2021.

At the program's basic member level, which requires no minimum amount of stays per year, a Hyatt customer can earn points from nights spent in a hotel, dining at Hyatt facilities or enjoying spa services and FIND Experiences, such as food and beverage tastings curated by the hotel, city tours and fitness classes. Members can earn a free night in a hotel once they hit 5,000 points, or if they stay at five different Hyatt-branded hotels.

Beyond the entry-level membership, the World of Hyatt program scales up to the Discoverist, Explorist and Globalist tiers, which require increasing amounts of minimum stays per year, but offer further rewards such as later checkout times, complimentary breakfasts and room upgrades.

REI, REI Co-op Membership

Recreation-focused retailer REI was first in the outdoor sporting goods section this year, earning an 8.85 after scoring an 8.83 last year, dropping off the list in 2022 and finishing with a 7.39 in 2021.

REI's Co-op Membership program is a little different than the others on this list in that it costs money to join: $30 for a lifetime membership. Once joined, a customer gets an annual 10 percent credit back on all eligible purchases made throughout the year, as well as other rewards like access to members-only coupons, free U.S. standard shipping and up to 20 percent off bike and snow shop visits, which offer bicycle repairs and snowboard servicing.

Back in 2022, REI relaunched its program and began donating $5 to the REI Cooperative Action Fund for each new Co-op Membership purchased "to support organizations committed to justice, equity and belonging in the outdoors."

As part of its current Member Collection benefit, the company says it offers "early access to curated products and limited-edition gear. Only at REI Co-op—and just for our members."