Building recurring revenue through membership and loyalty programs has become essential for Shopify merchants facing rising customer acquisition costs. With customer retention delivering 25-95% profit increases compared to new customer acquisition, Shopify loyalty programs now power revenue growth for fast-growing DTC brands. Over 60% of stores surveyed by LoyaltyLion now run loyalty or membership programs, with the most successful merchants leveraging modern platforms built specifically for Shopify's checkout extensions and POS capabilities.
The right membership or loyalty platform transforms one-time buyers into repeat customers while building predictable recurring revenue. Apps designed specifically for Shopify integrate seamlessly with checkout, POS systems, and marketing tools like Klaviyo, enabling brands to create unified customer experiences across all touchpoints.
1) Rivo Memberships – Premium Shopify Plus Membership Solution
Rivo stands out as the most developer-friendly and technically advanced loyalty platform built exclusively for Shopify. The platform serves over 7,000 brands and has generated $1.5 billion in revenue for clients through its comprehensive retention suite.
Rivo Memberships represents the only Shopify Plus-native membership platform using modern checkout extensions instead of deprecated Shopify Scripts. Limited to 4 new installations monthly for quality control, this enterprise solution targets brands over $5M GMV.
The platform integrates paid monthly or annual memberships with stackable discounts, early product access, and store credit usage. Fresh Chile Co achieved a 156% AOV lift for members using Rivo Memberships.
Key Features
- Rivo Developer Toolkit with REST API, JavaScript API, native Liquid metafields, and webhooks for complete customization
- Checkout Extensions for Shopify Plus enabling points redemption as payment method at checkout
- VIP tier automation based on spend, points earned, or orders placed with automatic email segmentation
- White-labeled referral marketing with fraud prevention tools addressing common program abuse
- 150+ out-of-box features including passwordless account activation and Klaviyo auto-login
- 50+ membership-specific features including exclusive pricing tiers and early access controls
- Shopify Plus checkout extensions for stackable member discounts without technical debt
- Dedicated Slack channel with stringent SLAs for enterprise support
- Full access to Rivo Developer Toolkit for custom membership experiences
- Integration with Rivo Loyalty for combined points and paid membership programs
This solution requires Shopify Plus and includes white-glove onboarding with a 3-week implementation process. The platform enables recurring revenue models similar to Amazon Prime, creating predictable cash flow for enterprise brands.
Pros
- No legacy workarounds or deprecated features
- Fully customizable UX using modern Shopify capabilities
- Part of complete Rivo retention platform (not standalone)
- Selective installation process ensures dedicated support quality
Rivo's 4.8-star rating across 1,409 reviews validates its performance for mid-market and enterprise merchants. The platform powers programs for major DTC brands including HexClad, Kitsch, Dr. Squatch, and Ridge, with case studies showing 52x ROI and 3.1x repeat purchase rate improvements.
The platform processes 2.9 billion API calls annually with 99.98% uptime, demonstrating enterprise-grade reliability. Kitsch generated $5.8M in loyalty-attributed revenue with 1.2M activated customers, while HexClad drove $450K in referral revenue in just 90 days with a 92x ROI.
Pricing starts at free for up to 200 orders monthly, $49/month Scale plan (400 orders), and $499/month Plus plan (2,500 orders) with white-glove onboarding and dedicated support.
2) BON Loyalty Program & Rewards – Best Overall Value for Small to Mid-Size Stores
BON Loyalty earned a 5.0-star rating across 1,600+ reviews, making it the highest-rated loyalty app on Shopify. The "Built for Shopify" certified app launched in August 2021 and quickly became a top choice for merchants prioritizing ease of use.
The platform supports multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, French, and Japanese for global stores, with 97% five-star reviews. BON offers comprehensive features at accessible price points, with a free plan supporting up to 250 orders monthly.
Key Features
- AI-powered loyalty automation for personalized customer experiences
- VIP tier programs with exclusive perks based on spending thresholds
- Multi-language support with automatic translation capabilities
- Points expiry rules with automated reminder emails
- Embedded widgets for navigation bar, product pages, and post-purchase claim extensions
According to Ecommerce Gold testing, "BON Loyalty came out on top due to it offering a good selection of features, having an easy-to-use dashboard, and being reasonably priced."
Pros
- Exceptional user interface with intuitive setup
- Most affordable pricing structure for small businesses
- Strongest multilingual capabilities for international merchants
- "Built for Shopify" certification ensures technical excellence
Cons
- Less developer flexibility compared to Rivo
- Limited customization options for complex use cases
Pricing includes a free plan (250 orders/month), $25/month Basic (500 orders), $99/month Growth (unlimited orders), and $349/month Professional.
3) Smile.io – Enterprise Loyalty Platform with Longest Market Track Record
Smile.io operates as the longest-established loyalty provider with 13 years in the market, powering 100,000+ businesses globally. The platform maintains a 4.9-star rating across 4,111 reviews.
Originally launched as Sweet Tooth Rewards in 2012, Smile serves major brands including Polaroid, Liquid Death, Hush Puppies, and Birchbox. The platform's "Nudges" feature reminds customers to use points at key moments, driving redemption and repeat purchases.
Key Features
- Guest shoppers can earn points before creating accounts (unique feature)
- Auto-translates loyalty programs into 6 preset languages
- VIP rewards with 2x, 3x, or 5x points multipliers
- Advanced segmentation synced to email service providers
- Dedicated account management on enterprise plans
Mobiloud notes that "Smile knows how to boost sales by keeping customers loyal" based on its extensive market presence and proven track record.
Pros
- Longest market presence demonstrates platform stability
- Extensive integration ecosystem built over 13 years
- Strong brand recognition among merchants
- Proven scalability for enterprise accounts
Cons
- Higher pricing than newer alternatives
- Some features feel dated compared to modern platforms
Pricing starts at free (200 orders/month), $49/month Starter (500 orders), $199/month Growth (2,500 orders), and $999/month Plus (7,500 orders).
4) Yotpo: Loyalty & Rewards – Best for Existing Yotpo Marketing Suite Users
Yotpo Loyalty integrates seamlessly with Yotpo's comprehensive marketing suite including Reviews, SMS, and email marketing. The platform holds a 4.7-star rating across 894 reviews, serving mid-to-large e-commerce brands focused on ROI tracking.
The platform offers 20+ earning campaigns and native checkout integration for point redemption. Premium plans include dedicated customer success managers and strategy teams.
Key Features
- Native integration with Yotpo Reviews, SMS, and email platforms
- Advanced tiered loyalty based on spend, purchases, or referrals
- Redeem points directly at checkout without discount codes
- Comprehensive analytics dashboard with attribution tracking
- Access to dedicated CSM and strategy team on Premium plans
Toki's analysis states that "Yotpo extends beyond just reviews, offering a robust loyalty and rewards platform that excels at data-driven retention marketing."
Pros
- Unified platform for reviews, loyalty, SMS, and email reduces tech stack complexity
- Strong data analytics and attribution capabilities
- Dedicated support for premium customers
- Proven with mid-to-large DTC brands
Cons
- Quote-based pricing can be expensive for smaller merchants
- Requires existing Yotpo infrastructure for maximum value
Pricing starts at free (under 100 orders/month), $199/month Pro (500 orders), and $799/month Premium.
5) LoyaltyLion – Data-Driven Platform for Analytics-Focused Merchants
LoyaltyLion focuses on sustainable growth and customer lifetime value optimization through powerful segmentation and analytics. The platform maintains a 4.9-star rating with particular strength among data-conscious merchants.
The platform rewards customers for unique brand interactions beyond purchases, using a custom rules engine for complex tiered VIP programs. LoyaltyLion's analytics help improve retention by 5%, which increases profits 25-95%.
Key Features
- Advanced segmentation and analytics dashboard with custom reporting
- Custom rules engine for complex earning and redemption logic
- Brand interaction tracking beyond standard purchase behavior
- Deep integration with broader marketing stack for unified data
- Focus on maximizing customer lifetime value through data insights
According to Toki's research, "LoyaltyLion is a data-driven Shopify loyalty app designed for merchants focused on sustainable growth."
Pros
- Superior analytics and reporting capabilities
- Highly customizable rules for unique business models
- Strong focus on LTV optimization
- Integrates loyalty data with existing marketing tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- Higher pricing reflects advanced capabilities
Pricing includes a free plan (400 orders/month), $159/month Small Business, and custom pricing for Plus plans up to $1,500+/month.
6) Joy: Loyalty Program & Rewards – Best Omnichannel Solution for Physical Retailers
Joy Loyalty specializes in unifying online and brick-and-mortar loyalty experiences through seamless POS integration. The app maintains a 4.9-star rating with particular strength for retailers with physical locations.
The platform synchronizes loyalty programs across online stores, mobile apps, and in-store POS systems, creating truly unified customer experiences.
Key Features
- Omnichannel synchronization across online, mobile, and in-store POS
- Unlimited referrals with dual rewards for advocates and friends
- Advanced campaign rule engine for granular program control
- Customizable rewards pages and emails matching brand identity
- Dedicated support for physical retail integration
Toki's analysis notes that "Joy: Rewards & Loyalty Program positions itself as a comprehensive Shopify loyalty app designed for merchants who need deep customization."
Pros
- Best-in-class POS integration for omnichannel retailers
- Strong customization options for branded experiences
- Excellent support for physical store implementations
- Competitive pricing with robust feature set
Cons
- Complexity may be unnecessary for pure e-commerce merchants
- Omnichannel setup requires more initial configuration
Pricing starts at free (250 orders/month) and $29/month Pro with scaling tiers.
7) AiTrillion Recurring Membership – All-in-One Marketing Platform with Memberships
AiTrillion combines membership management with loyalty, email marketing, SMS, and push notifications in a single platform. The app holds a 4.8-star rating across 259 reviews, replacing 11+ separate apps for merchants seeking consolidated tech stacks.
The platform enables unlimited membership tiers with exclusive pricing and native Shopify checkout integration for recurring payments.
Key Features
- Unlimited membership tiers with tier-specific pricing and content access
- Native Shopify checkout integration for recurring billing
- Combined loyalty, email, SMS, and push notification automation
- Membership onboarding automation across all channels
- Restrict content visibility by membership level
AiTrillion's analysis states "If you are looking for an all-in-one solution that goes beyond just memberships, AiTrillion is a strong choice."
Pros
- Consolidates multiple tools into single subscription
- Reduces app sprawl and integration complexity
- Comprehensive automation across marketing channels
- Cost-effective for merchants needing multiple tools
Cons
- Interface can feel overwhelming with so many features
- Some merchants prefer best-of-breed specialized tools
Pricing includes $29/month Basic, $99/month Growth, and custom Enterprise pricing.
8) Growave: Loyalty & Wishlist – Best Multi-Tool Marketing Suite
Growave bundles loyalty programs, reviews, wishlists, and social login into one platform, reducing subscription costs for merchants needing multiple marketing tools. The app maintains a 4.8+ star rating with strong adoption among growing stores.
The platform includes shoppable Instagram integration and creates seamless customer journeys combining loyalty, reviews, and wishlists.
Key Features
- Combined loyalty, reviews, wishlists, and social login in single app
- Shoppable Instagram integration for social commerce
- User-friendly interface with quick setup process
- Unified customer journey across multiple touchpoints
- Cost-effective consolidation of common marketing needs
Toki notes that "Growave positions itself as an all-in-one marketing platform, bundling several apps into one."
Pros
- Significant cost savings compared to separate tools
- Reduces app sprawl and management complexity
- Quick implementation for growing stores
- Good feature coverage across multiple marketing needs
Cons
- Less specialized than dedicated loyalty platforms
- Some features less robust than standalone alternatives
Pricing includes free plan (100 orders/month), $29.99/month Starter, $199/month Growth, and $299.99/month Enterprise.
9) Toki – Innovative All-in-One Platform with Wallet Pass Technology
Toki differentiates itself by combining paid memberships, loyalty programs, referrals, affiliates, and gamification in one platform. The app serves 500+ Shopify stores with focus on deep customer relationship building.
The platform's unique wallet pass technology integrates with Apple and Google Wallet, creating omnichannel experiences that unify online and in-store interactions.
Key Features
- Tiered paid memberships for recurring revenue generation
- Apple and Google Wallet digital passes for omnichannel loyalty
- Advanced gamification with challenges, badges, and progression systems
- Combined referral and affiliate program management
- Multi-layered loyalty strategies in unified platform
Toki's positioning states it's "engineered for brands aiming to cultivate deep-rooted customer relationships" through comprehensive retention features.
Pros
- Most innovative approach to loyalty and memberships
- Wallet pass technology unique among Shopify apps
- Accessible paid membership features (not Shopify Plus only)
- Strong gamification capabilities for engagement
Cons
- Newer platform with less market track record
- Complexity may exceed needs for basic loyalty programs
Pricing offers scalable plans with generous free tier for startups.
Choosing the Right Membership Platform for Your Shopify Store
Selecting the optimal membership or loyalty platform requires evaluating current needs, technical capabilities, and growth trajectory. The wrong choice creates technical debt, limited scalability, or unnecessary complexity for your team's capabilities.
Assess Your Technical Requirements and Resources
Technical sophistication varies dramatically across Shopify merchants. Some teams include dedicated developers capable of leveraging APIs and custom code, while others require plug-and-play solutions with visual builders.
Developer-friendly platforms like Rivo offer REST APIs, JavaScript SDKs, and native Liquid metafields for complete customization. These capabilities enable unique loyalty mechanics, headless commerce integration, and custom redemption logic matching specific business models.
Technical evaluation criteria:
- Checkout extensibility support for Shopify Plus merchants (avoiding deprecated Scripts)
- API access and documentation quality for custom integrations
- Theme app extensions loading under 100ms for page speed optimization
- Webhook support for real-time data synchronization with other systems
- Visual page builders for non-technical team members
Merchants without developer resources should prioritize platforms with comprehensive out-of-box features and intuitive interfaces. BON Loyalty's 5.0-star rating reflects its accessibility for non-technical users, while still offering robust functionality.
Shopify Plus merchants gain access to advanced checkout extensibility enabling features impossible on standard Shopify plans. Paid membership programs specifically benefit from Shopify Plus capabilities like stackable discounts and custom checkout fields.
Evaluate Integration Capabilities with Existing Tools
Modern Shopify merchants operate tech stacks with 10+ apps covering email marketing, SMS, subscriptions, reviews, and customer support. The membership platform must integrate seamlessly with these existing tools to avoid data silos and workflow friction.
Klaviyo integration ranks as the most critical for DTC brands, enabling automated flows triggered by points balance, tier changes, and redemption events. Advanced integrations pass all loyalty events and customer data for sophisticated segmentation and personalization.
Essential integration categories:
- Email/SMS platforms: Klaviyo, Postscript, Attentive, Omnisend for automated campaigns
- Subscription apps: Skio, Recharge, Loop Subscriptions for combined programs
- Review platforms: Okendo, Junip, Stamped for points through reviews
- Help desk tools: Gorgias, Zendesk for customer support access to loyalty data
- Analytics platforms: Shopify Flow for workflow automation based on loyalty events
Over 50 integrations enable platforms like Rivo to work within existing tech stacks without requiring wholesale replacements. Native integrations eliminate manual data exports and reduce operational overhead.
Merchants running subscription programs should verify loyalty platforms support their subscription app. Combined strategies reward subscribers with bonus points while encouraging one-time buyers to subscribe for additional benefits.
Consider Scalability and Pricing Structure
Loyalty program economics must scale profitably as order volume grows. Platforms charging per order create unpredictable costs that can eliminate program ROI at higher volumes, while fixed-fee structures enable accurate profitability forecasting.
Month-to-month billing provides flexibility for testing platforms without annual commitment risk. Many merchants start with free plans, upgrade as they grow, and eventually reach enterprise tiers as programs mature.
Pricing evaluation factors:
- Order volume limits and overage charges on each plan tier
- Feature restrictions that may require upgrades as programs expand
- White-glove onboarding included vs. additional setup fees
- Support quality differences between plan tiers (email vs. chat vs. dedicated Slack)
- Contract terms (month-to-month vs. annual commitments with cancellation penalties)
Enterprise merchants processing 2,500+ orders monthly should evaluate dedicated support quality and SLAs. Programs generating millions in revenue require reliable platforms with 99.98% API uptime and priority issue resolution.
Free plans enable testing before committing, though feature limitations may restrict advanced capabilities needed for program optimization. Most merchants upgrade within 3-6 months as they identify high-ROI features locked behind paid tiers.
Migration Support and Onboarding Quality
Switching loyalty platforms requires migrating customer points balances, tier statuses, and historical data without disrupting active programs. The best platforms provide white-glove migration assistance preserving all customer data.
Teaspressa completed migration in 24 hours while Partners Coffee migrated in 3 weeks, demonstrating variation in migration complexity based on data volume and program sophistication.
Migration and onboarding considerations:
- Customer points balance transfer accuracy and timing
- VIP tier status preservation during migration
- Historical earning and redemption data export
- Customer communication templates for migration announcements
- Testing period before full launch to verify data integrity
White-glove onboarding typically follows a structured 3-week process: Week 1 kickoff and requirements gathering, Weeks 1-2 platform configuration and design, Weeks 2-3 stakeholder review and launch preparation.
Platforms offering dedicated success managers on higher-tier plans provide ongoing strategic guidance beyond initial setup. Quarterly strategy sessions help optimize program performance and implement new features as they launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between loyalty programs and paid membership programs?
Loyalty programs typically use points-based systems where customers earn rewards through purchases and engagement, while membership programs charge upfront fees for exclusive benefits and perks. Loyalty programs focus on increasing repeat purchase frequency, whereas memberships create recurring revenue streams independent of transactions. Points-based loyalty rewards transactional behavior with future discounts, creating deferred gratification that builds habit loops. Paid memberships provide immediate value through perks like free shipping, early access, or exclusive content, with customers prepaying for benefits they'll use over time. Many brands successfully combine both approaches, offering free loyalty programs to all customers while providing premium paid membership tiers with enhanced benefits. This hybrid model captures mass-market customers through points while monetizing high-value segments through paid memberships.
How do I migrate from my current loyalty platform without losing customer data?
Modern loyalty platforms provide migration assistance that preserves customer points balances, VIP tier statuses, and historical earning data. The process typically involves exporting CSV files from your current platform, mapping fields to the new system's format, and importing data during a coordinated cutover window. White-glove migration services handle technical data transfer while providing customer communication templates explaining the transition. Most platforms recommend maintaining both systems briefly during testing to verify data accuracy before full transition. Critical migration elements include points balance accuracy, tier status preservation, and redemption history transfer for customer support reference. Successful migrations communicate clearly with customers about any temporary service interruptions and verify their balances immediately after cutover.
What features should I prioritize if I'm a Shopify Plus merchant?
Shopify Plus merchants should prioritize platforms using modern checkout extensions rather than deprecated Shopify Scripts, enabling stackable discounts and native checkout integration. Advanced features like checkout point redemption as payment methods and member-exclusive pricing require Shopify Plus capabilities. Dedicated support through Slack channels and quarterly strategy sessions becomes essential at enterprise scale where program issues impact significant revenue. API access and developer toolkits enable custom experiences matching sophisticated brand requirements. Plus merchants processing thousands of orders daily need platforms with 99.98% uptime and priority issue resolution. Integration with enterprise tools like Shopify Flow enables workflow automation based on loyalty events without custom development.
How long does it take to see ROI from implementing a loyalty program?
Most merchants see initial results within 30-90 days of launching loyalty programs, with full ROI typically achieved within 6-12 months. Rareform experienced a 27% repurchase rate lift in the first 30 days, while HexClad generated $450K in referral revenue within 90 days. Early results depend on program communication effectiveness, enrollment rates, and redemption mechanics. Brands aggressively promoting program benefits through email, on-site messaging, and post-purchase touchpoints see faster adoption and revenue impact. 52x ROI metrics reflect mature programs after 12+ months of optimization, while initial periods focus on building member base and establishing engagement habits. Programs require ongoing optimization of earning rates, redemption options, and communication strategies for sustained performance.
Can I use loyalty programs alongside subscription models?
Combining loyalty programs with subscriptions creates powerful retention strategies where subscribers earn bonus points while one-time buyers receive incentives to subscribe. This dual approach maximizes customer lifetime value by rewarding ongoing commitment while encouraging program adoption. Subscribers can earn accelerated points (2x-3x multipliers) on subscription orders, creating perceived value beyond subscription discounts alone. Loyalty points can incentivize subscription sign-ups through bonus point offers for first subscription orders. Platform integrations with subscription apps like Skio, Recharge, and Loop Subscriptions enable unified customer experiences where subscription management and loyalty tracking appear in single account portals. This integration prevents customer confusion from managing separate systems.
.webp)