5 Best Loyalty Apps for Restaurants

Running a restaurant means competing for attention every single day. New dining spots open constantly, delivery apps put dozens of options at everyone's fingertips, and customers have more choices than ever before. In this environment, getting someone through your door once is good—but getting them to come back again and again is what actually builds a sustainable business.

That's why loyalty programs have become essential for restaurants of all sizes. A well-designed loyalty app gives diners a reason to choose you over the new place down the street, keeps your restaurant top-of-mind between visits, and turns occasional guests into regulars who feel genuinely connected to your brand.

But with so many loyalty platforms available, finding the right fit for your restaurant can feel overwhelming. Some are built for enterprise chains with dedicated IT teams. Others are too basic to make a real impact. The best solutions sit in the middle—powerful enough to drive results, simple enough to actually use.

This guide breaks down the five best loyalty apps for restaurants, examining what each does well, where they fall short, and which type of business they suit best.

Why Restaurants Need a Digital Loyalty Program

Before diving into specific platforms, let's establish why digital loyalty has become so important for restaurants.

Customer acquisition is expensive. Marketing to attract new diners costs significantly more than keeping existing customers engaged. A loyalty program shifts your focus from constantly chasing new faces to maximising the value of relationships you've already built.

Diners expect rewards. Loyalty programs have become standard across the restaurant industry. Many customers actively seek out restaurants where their repeat business is recognised and rewarded. Not having a program can feel like a missed opportunity—or worse, a signal that you don't value return visits.

Digital beats paper. Traditional punch cards get lost, damaged, or forgotten at home. A digital loyalty card lives on your customer's phone, which goes everywhere they go. More importantly, digital programs give you data about visit frequency, spending patterns, and customer preferences that paper cards simply can't provide.

Direct communication matters. Push notifications let you reach customers without competing against crowded email inboxes or algorithm-controlled social feeds. When you want to fill tables on a slow Tuesday or promote a new seasonal menu, you can message customers directly.

What to Look for in a Restaurant Loyalty App

Not every loyalty platform works equally well for restaurants. Here are the factors that matter most:

Speed and Simplicity

Restaurant service moves fast. During a busy dinner rush, your staff can't spend minutes helping customers navigate a complicated app. Look for platforms with quick check-in processes—ideally a simple scan or tap that takes seconds. If the loyalty program slows down service, it won't get used consistently.

Wallet Integration

The most effective loyalty apps integrate with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This means customers don't need to download a separate app or remember to open something before paying. Their loyalty card sits alongside their payment cards, visible and accessible every time they use their phone. This small detail dramatically increases ongoing engagement.

Flexible Reward Structures

Restaurants have diverse needs. A quick-service spot might want a simple stamp card ("Buy 9 meals, get the 10th free"), while a fine-dining establishment might prefer a points-based system tied to spend. Look for platforms that offer flexibility in how rewards are earned and redeemed.

Marketing Tools

The ability to send targeted messages, promote specials, and re-engage lapsed customers adds significant value. Features like push notifications, automated campaigns, and customer segmentation turn your loyalty program from a passive rewards system into an active marketing channel.

Transparent Pricing

Restaurant margins are tight. Look for straightforward monthly pricing without hidden fees, per-transaction charges, or costs that balloon as your program grows successful.

The 5 Best Loyalty Apps for Restaurants

1. Perkstar

Best for: Independent restaurants and small chains wanting a professional digital loyalty program without complexity

Pricing: From £15/month (14-day free trial, no credit card required)

Perkstar modernises the classic restaurant loyalty model—visit regularly, earn rewards—through a polished digital experience that integrates directly with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.

What makes Perkstar particularly well-suited for restaurants is how it balances ease of use with genuine capability. Setting up your first loyalty card takes minutes, not hours. Customers can save it to their phone wallet without downloading a separate app. But beneath that simplicity sits a robust feature set: automated rewards, geo-fenced push notifications, Google Review collection, referral programs, and customer segmentation tools.

The platform offers eight different card types—stamp cards, points programs, membership passes, multipasses, discount cards, coupons, cashback rewards, and gift cards. This flexibility lets you structure your programme around how your restaurant actually operates. A café might use a simple stamp card, while a restaurant group could implement points across multiple locations.

Standout features:

• Apple Wallet and Google Wallet integration (no app download required for customers)

• Unlimited push notifications at every pricing tier

• Built-in Google Review rewards to strengthen your online reputation

• Geo-fenced notifications that trigger when customers are nearby

• Automated birthday rewards and re-engagement campaigns

• Personal account manager and optional hands-free setup

Potential drawbacks:

• Newer platform with less brand recognition than long-established competitors

• Advanced behavioural segmentation requires higher-tier plans

The bottom line: Perkstar hits the sweet spot for most independent restaurants—professional enough to impress customers, simple enough that your team will actually use it during service, and priced fairly for hospitality margins. The wallet integration alone makes it worth considering.

2. Flex Rewards

Best for: Restaurants wanting highly customisable stamp thresholds and referral programs

Pricing: Custom pricing (contact for quote)

Flex Rewards offers extensive configuration options for stamp-based loyalty. Unlike platforms with fixed reward thresholds, Flex Rewards lets you set anywhere from 1 to 50 stamps before a reward is earned, based either on visit count or minimum spend amounts.

The browser-based Merchant Companion App makes member management accessible from any device—useful for checking customer details on a tablet at the host stand or managing the programme from a laptop in the back office. Features like referral bonuses, welcome rewards, and mid-tier incentives help maintain engagement throughout the customer journey.

Standout features:

• Highly configurable stamp thresholds (1-50 stamps)

• Visit-based or spend-based stamp earning

• Welcome rewards for new sign-ups

• Referral programme with bonus incentives

• Browser-based management on any device

Potential drawbacks:

• Initial setup requires significant time investment to configure properly

• Customers need to download a dedicated app (no native wallet integration)

• Better suited for restaurants with time to customise extensively

The bottom line: If you want granular control over how your loyalty programme operates and don't mind investing time in setup, Flex Rewards provides that flexibility. It's less suited for restaurants wanting to launch quickly with minimal configuration.

3. Punchh

Best for: Multi-location restaurant chains with complex loyalty needs and technical resources

Pricing: Enterprise pricing (contact for quote)

Punchh is an enterprise-grade loyalty platform designed for larger restaurant groups. If you're running multiple locations and need sophisticated loyalty strategies—point-based rewards, spend incentives, tiered programmes, gamified experiences—Punchh can handle it.

The platform delivers a consistent branded experience across all customer touchpoints: in-restaurant, online ordering, and through the app. With over 200 native integrations, it can connect to most POS systems, reservation platforms, and marketing tools. The data capabilities are particularly strong, enabling detailed customer segmentation and personalised reward experiences.

Sign-up options include branded WiFi pages and SMS opt-ins, making customer acquisition relatively frictionless.

Standout features:

• Multiple loyalty programme structures (points, visit-based, spend-based, tiered)

• Consistent branded experience across all channels

• 200+ native integrations with restaurant technology

• Advanced data analytics and customer segmentation

• Gamified experiences and personalised rewards

Potential drawbacks:

• Designed for enterprise clients—likely overkill for independent restaurants

• Complex setup requiring significant implementation time

• Premium pricing reflects enterprise positioning

• Integration complexity can lead to technical challenges

The bottom line: Punchh is built for chains and restaurant groups that need enterprise-level features and have the resources to implement them properly. If you're a single-location restaurant or small group, you'll likely find it overpowered and overpriced for your needs.

4. Reward Stamp App

Best for: Restaurants transitioning from paper cards who want a basic digital alternative

Pricing: Contact for quote

Reward Stamp App offers a straightforward digital version of traditional stamp cards. For restaurants moving from paper or plastic loyalty cards, it provides a familiar model in digital form. Staff can assign digital cards using customer contact details, making it accessible even for guests who aren't comfortable with apps.

The platform offers flexibility between stamp-based systems (simple "free appetiser after 10 visits" style rewards) and points-based systems for more complex loyalty schemes that account for different menu items or spending levels.

Standout features:

• Familiar stamp card model in digital form

• Option to assign cards via contact details for less tech-savvy customers

• Choice between stamp and points systems

• Transition path from existing paper or plastic cards

Potential drawbacks:

• Very low app store ratings (1 star on Apple App Store) suggest significant user experience issues

• Less visual customisation than competitors

• Basic feature set compared to more developed platforms

The bottom line: Reward Stamp App could work as a basic digital loyalty solution, but the poor app store ratings are concerning. User experience problems directly impact whether customers engage with your programme. Consider whether the reported issues have been addressed before committing.

5. Stampede

Best for: Restaurants with customer WiFi who want automatic loyalty enrolment

Pricing: Contact for quote

Stampede takes a unique approach by connecting loyalty programmes to venue WiFi. Customers can earn stamps by logging into your restaurant's WiFi, scanning QR codes, or tapping NFC tags. The friction is minimal—return customers are automatically given a digital stamp card accessible through Stampede's free app.

For restaurants that already offer WiFi, this approach means customers can enrol in your loyalty programme without really thinking about it. They connect to WiFi (which they were going to do anyway), and suddenly they're earning rewards.

Standout features:

• WiFi-based stamp collection (automatic for return visitors)

• Multiple earning methods (WiFi login, QR scan, NFC tap)

• Simple, low-friction customer experience

• Free customer app

Potential drawbacks:

• Requires WiFi infrastructure

• Feature set is relatively basic compared to dedicated loyalty platforms

• Less control over customer engagement touchpoints

• May feel too passive for restaurants wanting active customer relationships

The bottom line: Stampede works well for restaurants that want a low-friction system and already offer customer WiFi. It's less suitable if you want sophisticated marketing tools, detailed customer segmentation, or active engagement capabilities.

How to Choose the Right Loyalty App for Your Restaurant

With these options compared, here's how to narrow down your choice:

Consider your business type. A quick-service restaurant has different needs than a fine-dining establishment. Fast-casual spots need speed and simplicity; sit-down restaurants might prioritise deeper customer relationships and higher-value rewards.

Think about customer experience. Would your diners prefer their loyalty card in their existing phone wallet, or are they comfortable downloading a dedicated app? Wallet-based options like Perkstar typically see higher engagement because there's no app to manage.

Evaluate your technical capacity. Enterprise platforms offer powerful features but require time and expertise to implement. If you'd rather spend your energy on food and service than software configuration, choose simpler solutions.

Check pricing transparency. Restaurants operate on tight margins. Platforms with clear monthly pricing are easier to budget for than those requiring sales conversations. Watch for hidden costs like per-member fees or message charges.

Match features to your goals. If building your Google Review count is a priority, look for built-in review rewards. If filling quiet periods matters, ensure the platform supports targeted promotional messaging. List what's important before comparing.

Getting Started with Restaurant Loyalty

Once you've chosen a platform, these steps will help you launch successfully:

Design Simple, Appealing Rewards

Start with something your customers will genuinely value. For casual restaurants, this might be a free main course after a certain number of visits. For cafés, a free coffee or pastry. For higher-end establishments, consider experiences like a complimentary dessert, priority reservations, or a chef's table invitation.

Keep the earning structure clear: "Earn a stamp with every visit, get your 10th meal free" is instantly understandable. Complexity can come later once the programme is established.

Train Your Team

Every staff member should know how the programme works, how to help customers join, and how to handle stamp allocation and reward redemptions. The front-of-house team is your most powerful promotional tool—confident, genuine recommendations from staff convert far better than signage alone.

Promote Consistently

Table cards, menu inserts, counter signs, and verbal mentions from staff all drive sign-ups. Make joining quick and easy—a QR code that takes customers straight to sign-up works well. Consider offering a welcome reward to encourage immediate participation.

Use Notifications Thoughtfully

Push notifications are powerful but can become annoying if overused. Send messages when there's genuine value: a reward earned, a birthday treat, a limited-time promotion, or a gentle nudge when someone hasn't visited in a while. Quality beats quantity.

Review and Refine

Track sign-up rates, visit frequency, and reward redemptions. If customers aren't engaging, adjust your reward structure or promotion approach. The best loyalty programmes evolve based on real customer behaviour.

Build Your Restaurant's Loyal Customer Base

The right loyalty app transforms occasional visitors into regulars who choose you first, visit more often, and recommend you to friends. It keeps your restaurant in customers' minds between visits and gives them a tangible reason to return.

If you're ready to launch a digital loyalty programme that's easy to set up, simple for customers, and built to grow with your business, give Perkstar a try. The 14-day free trial lets you test everything—no credit card required, no obligation—so you can see how it works for your restaurant before committing.

Start your free trial at Perkstar →

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of reward works best for restaurant loyalty programs?

For most restaurants, service-related rewards outperform pure discounts. A free main course, complimentary appetiser, or free dessert creates a specific, desirable goal that customers work toward. These rewards have higher perceived value than equivalent percentage discounts and encourage customers to return for a complete dining experience rather than just grabbing a quick deal.

How many visits should be required before a customer earns a reward?

For casual dining and fast-casual restaurants, 8-10 visits is typically effective. This is achievable within a few months for regular customers, long enough to build genuine loyalty but short enough to stay motivating. Quick-service restaurants with more frequent visits might go as low as 6, while fine-dining establishments with less frequent visits might extend to 12.

Should my restaurant use stamps or points for loyalty?

Stamps work better for most restaurants because they're immediately understandable. Customers know exactly where they stand ("I have 6 stamps, I need 4 more") without calculating point values. Points systems suit restaurants with highly variable check sizes or those wanting to reward larger orders proportionally. If your average ticket is fairly consistent, stamps are the simpler choice.

Can a loyalty app help during slow periods?

Yes—this is one of the most valuable applications. With push notifications, you can send targeted offers during slow periods: "Visit us this Tuesday and earn double stamps" or "Beat the early bird—20% off before 6 PM." This kind of real-time promotional capability helps fill tables when you need them most.

How do I get customers to actually sign up for my loyalty program?

Three factors drive sign-ups: make it fast (under a minute), make it easy (a simple QR scan, not a long form), and offer immediate value (a welcome reward or bonus stamp). Train your staff to mention the programme to every table, and display sign-up QR codes where customers will see them—on menus, table cards, and at the till.

Will a loyalty program work for a new restaurant without established regulars?

Absolutely—in fact, this is an ideal time to start. A loyalty program gives first-time visitors a reason to return, which is crucial when you're building your customer base. Early adopters who join your programme from the beginning often become your most loyal customers because they feel part of your restaurant's story from the start.