7 Best POS System with Loyalty Program Options for 2025
In a competitive market, merely processing transactions is no longer sufficient. Real, sustainable growth comes from transforming one-time buyers into dedicated, repeat customers. This is where a modern POS system with a loyalty program becomes a non-negotiable asset for any ambitious retail or e-commerce brand. Integrating these two functions streamlines your operations, creates a seamless experience for your customers, and unlocks powerful marketing insights right at the point of sale. Forget juggling separate platforms; an all-in-one solution is the key to building lasting relationships and boosting customer lifetime value.
This guide cuts directly to the chase. We will break down the top POS platforms that excel at combining transaction processing with sophisticated loyalty features. You'll find a detailed analysis of leading options like Toki, Square, Lightspeed, and Toast, complete with screenshots, pricing insights, and direct links to help you evaluate each one efficiently. We’ll explore how these systems help you:
- Unify online and in-store loyalty initiatives.
- Launch tiered memberships and referral programs.
- Increase repeat purchases through targeted rewards.
By the end of this roundup, you will have a clear understanding of which POS system with a loyalty program is the perfect fit to scale your business and foster genuine customer devotion.
1. Toki
Toki emerges as a premier choice for e-commerce and Shopify merchants seeking an all-in-one loyalty platform designed to forge lasting customer relationships and amplify repeat sales. It distinguishes itself by combining sophisticated loyalty mechanics with an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it an ideal pos system with loyalty program for businesses aiming to convert casual shoppers into devoted brand advocates. Toki’s strength lies in its comprehensive, yet accessible, suite of tools that go beyond simple points-for-purchase models.
From tiered paid memberships to robust referral and affiliate management, the platform empowers businesses to build multi-layered engagement strategies. A standout feature is its seamless integration with Apple and Google Wallet, allowing customers to carry digital loyalty passes. This modern approach not only enhances convenience but also opens a direct channel for targeted push notifications and instant referrals, a significant advantage in today's mobile-first landscape.
Key Strengths and Features
Toki’s platform is engineered for deep customer engagement and measurable growth. It provides a powerful combination of features that cater to both startups and established enterprises.
- Advanced Loyalty Mechanics: Implement sophisticated programs including points-based rewards, exclusive tiered memberships (both free and paid), and powerful referral systems. This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their strategy to their specific customer base.
- Omni-Channel Integration: Toki excels at unifying the customer experience. Its capabilities bridge the gap between online Shopify stores and brick-and-mortar locations, ensuring a consistent and rewarding journey no matter where a customer interacts with your brand.
- Gamification and Community Building: Engage users with interactive elements like badges, challenges, and leaderboards. These features transform the shopping experience into a compelling game, fostering a sense of community and encouraging repeat interaction.
- Powerful Analytics and Segmentation: The platform includes an advanced analytics dashboard to track key metrics like program ROI, customer lifetime value, and engagement rates. Use segmentation tools to deliver personalized rewards and targeted campaigns for maximum impact.
Practical Implementation and Use Cases
Getting started with Toki is streamlined, with a quick installation process for Shopify stores. Once integrated, you can immediately begin designing your program. For instance, a direct-to-consumer fashion brand could launch a three-tiered VIP program: a free "Insider" tier for basic points, a "Style Icon" tier for customers who spend over a certain threshold, and an exclusive paid "A-List" membership offering free shipping and early access to new collections.
Simultaneously, the brand could leverage the affiliate tools to partner with influencers, tracking their sales through unique referral links. The digital wallet passes would allow shoppers to check their points balance and receive notifications about flash sales directly on their phones, driving immediate traffic and sales. To dive deeper into personalization, you can explore their insights on building a custom loyalty program on buildwithtoki.com.
Expert Insight: Toki’s integration with Apple and Google Wallet is a game-changer. It removes friction for the customer while giving brands a powerful, direct-to-device communication channel that bypasses crowded email inboxes. This is a key differentiator for boosting program engagement and visibility.
Pricing and Access
Toki offers a flexible pricing structure designed to scale with your business. A free plan is available for new businesses to get started, while tiered monthly plans unlock more advanced features, such as white-label branding, complex POS integrations, and dedicated support for enterprise-level needs. This accessibility makes it a viable option for businesses at every stage of growth.
Feature Comparison | Free Plan | Growth Plan | Pro Plan |
---|---|---|---|
Loyalty Program | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Referrals & Affiliates | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Paid Memberships | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Wallet Passes | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Dedicated Support | ❌ | Priority | Dedicated |
Pros:
- Comprehensive loyalty features including paid memberships and affiliates.
- Seamless Shopify, Apple Wallet, and Google Wallet integrations.
- Gamification and community tools foster deep brand advocacy.
- Advanced analytics enable data-driven personalization.
- Flexible pricing with a free entry-level plan.
Cons:
- Higher-tier plans can be a significant investment for very small businesses.
- Advanced integrations may require onboarding support.
Website: https://buildwithtoki.com
2. Square POS
Square POS is an exceptionally popular and accessible ecosystem, making it a go-to choice for small to medium-sized businesses just starting or looking to consolidate their operations. Its core strength lies in its free, user-friendly point of sale software that seamlessly integrates with an optional, yet powerful, loyalty program add-on. This structure allows businesses to adopt a robust pos system with loyalty program capabilities without a hefty upfront investment, paying only for the advanced features they need.
The platform excels at simplifying customer retention. For example, a coffee shop owner can set up a points-based system where customers earn a star for every coffee purchased. After ten stars, they automatically receive a reward for a free drink, all managed within the POS interface.
Key Features and Pricing
Square's loyalty program is designed for ease of use and effective engagement. It allows businesses to enroll customers directly at the point of sale using just a phone number, eliminating the need for physical cards.
- Customizable Rewards: Set up flexible, points-based rewards. You can define how many points customers earn per dollar spent or per visit and what rewards they can redeem.
- Automated Engagement: The system sends automated email and text message campaigns to remind customers of their points balance and available rewards, encouraging repeat visits.
- Unified Management: Because the loyalty program is part of the Square ecosystem, it works in tandem with Square Marketing, Square Online, and payment processing for a complete view of customer behavior.
Practical Tip: Use Square's customer directory to identify your most loyal patrons. You can then send them exclusive, targeted offers through Square Marketing to make them feel like true VIPs, strengthening their connection to your brand.
Why It Stands Out
Square's main advantage is its transparent, tiered pricing and incredible ease of entry. The basic POS is free, with flat-rate transaction fees. The Square Loyalty add-on has its own subscription fee, starting at $45 per month per location, which is a clear and predictable cost. This model is ideal for businesses that want to test a loyalty program without committing to a complex, expensive system.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Best For | Small to medium businesses in retail, food service, and appointments. |
Loyalty Pricing | Starts at $45/month per location. |
POS Cost | Free basic plan; paid plans available with advanced features. |
Pros | User-friendly, transparent pricing, excellent hardware options. |
Cons | Loyalty program is a paid add-on, customization can be limited for larger enterprises. |
While some competitors offer more intricate customization, Square provides a powerful, all-in-one pos system with loyalty program features that are perfect for the vast majority of SMBs.
Website: https://squareup.com/us/en/point-of-sale
3. Lightspeed Retail
Lightspeed Retail is a powerful, cloud-based platform built for serious retailers who need sophisticated inventory management and customer relationship tools. It excels in environments where businesses manage large product catalogs across multiple locations, including online stores. The platform's built-in loyalty program is not just an add-on; it's a core component designed to leverage rich customer data, making it a premier pos system with loyalty program for scaling businesses.
This integration allows for advanced segmentation and personalization. For instance, a specialty apparel store can use Lightspeed to identify customers who frequently purchase a specific brand. They can then create a targeted loyalty campaign offering double points on new arrivals from that same brand, driving highly relevant and effective engagement directly from the POS.
Key Features and Pricing
Lightspeed Loyalty is designed to be deeply integrated with retail operations, providing tools that go beyond simple point collection. It helps build a comprehensive view of each customer's value and preferences.
- Advanced Customer Insights: Track detailed purchase histories and create customer profiles to understand buying habits, enabling highly targeted marketing efforts.
- Customizable Points Program: Create a branded loyalty system where customers earn points for purchases. You can set your own earning and redemption rates to match your business goals.
- Omnichannel Integration: The loyalty program works seamlessly across both physical and e-commerce stores, providing a unified experience for customers no matter where they shop.
Practical Tip: Use Lightspeed’s reporting features to analyze your loyalty program's ROI. Track metrics like customer lifetime value and repeat purchase rate for loyalty members versus non-members to quantify the program's direct impact on your revenue.
Why It Stands Out
Lightspeed’s primary advantage is its scalability and depth, especially for inventory-heavy retail. While its entry price is higher than some alternatives, it offers a more robust, all-in-one solution that grows with your business. The loyalty features are woven into the fabric of the POS, not just attached to it. This provides deeper analytics and more powerful segmentation capabilities from day one.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Best For | Established and growing retail businesses, multi-store operations, omnichannel sellers. |
Loyalty Pricing | Included in Lightspeed Retail plans, which start at $119/month (billed annually). |
POS Cost | Plans start at $119/month (billed annually). |
Pros | Comprehensive inventory management, scalable for growth, high-quality hardware. |
Cons | Higher starting price, can have a steeper learning curve for new users. |
For retailers who see loyalty as a central part of their growth strategy, Lightspeed provides a comprehensive pos system with loyalty program that justifies its premium positioning with powerful, integrated features.
Website: https://www.lightspeedhq.com/pos/retail/
4. Clover POS
Clover POS delivers a highly flexible and customizable system that is particularly well-suited for quick-service restaurants, retail shops, and service-based businesses. Its key advantage is a built-in, no-extra-cost loyalty program that comes standard with its software plans, making it a powerful, out-of-the-box pos system with loyalty program capabilities. This integrated approach simplifies operations by keeping customer management, payments, and rewards all within one cohesive ecosystem.
For instance, a local pizzeria can use Clover to create a "digital punch card" where customers earn points for every order. Once they reach a set threshold, a reward for a free appetizer is automatically loaded onto their profile, ready to be redeemed on their next visit, all tracked seamlessly through the Clover terminal.
Key Features and Pricing
Clover’s loyalty functionality is designed to be effortlessly managed and engaging for customers. It includes a customer-facing app, allowing patrons to track their own points and see available rewards, which fosters active participation.
- Integrated Loyalty: The loyalty program is included with Clover's software plans, not as a separate add-on, providing significant value from day one.
- Customer-Facing App: The free Clover app lets customers check in, view their rewards, and pay, creating an interactive and modern experience that boosts engagement.
- Flexible Rewards: Business owners can configure rewards based on points, visits, or specific items purchased, offering deep customization to match their marketing goals.
Practical Tip: Leverage the Clover App Market to find additional integrations that can enhance your loyalty efforts. For example, you can connect email marketing apps that sync with your Clover customer list to send out targeted promotions based on loyalty status and purchase history.
Why It Stands Out
Clover’s primary strength is its all-in-one, plug-and-play hardware and software combination. While the proprietary hardware can be an initial investment, it is designed to work flawlessly with the software, minimizing setup headaches. The inclusion of a robust loyalty program in its standard software plans makes it an exceptionally cost-effective choice for businesses wanting advanced features without tiered subscription fees for core functionalities. You can learn more about how Clover POS streamlines customer retention and integrates these features.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Best For | Quick-service restaurants, retail stores, and service businesses. |
Loyalty Pricing | Included with Clover software plans (starting around $14.95/month). |
POS Cost | Software plans start from $14.95/month. Hardware is purchased separately. |
Pros | All-in-one hardware/software, easy setup, affordable software plans with loyalty included. |
Cons | Proprietary hardware can be expensive, locked into specific payment processors. |
For businesses seeking a dedicated pos system with loyalty program functionality built in from the start, Clover presents a compelling, user-friendly, and powerful solution.
Website: https://www.clover.com/
5. Toast POS
Toast POS is an industry-leading, all-in-one platform built from the ground up specifically for the restaurant industry. Its key differentiator is the deep integration of its loyalty program directly into the core POS, online ordering, and kitchen display systems. This specialized focus makes it an exceptional pos system with loyalty program for any food and beverage establishment, from quick-service cafes to full-service fine dining restaurants.
The platform is designed to make guest retention seamless. For instance, a pizzeria can automatically prompt customers to join the loyalty program when they pay with a credit card. Customers can then earn points on every order, whether placed in-store, online, or via the Toast TakeOut app, and redeem them for rewards like a free appetizer, all tracked effortlessly within the same ecosystem.
Key Features and Pricing
Toast's loyalty program is a powerful tool for driving repeat business by making it incredibly simple for guests to sign up and engage. It leverages credit card enrollment, where a customer’s card becomes their loyalty identifier, removing friction at the point of sale.
- Customizable Rewards Programs: Create points-per-dollar systems or visit-based rewards. You can also set up sign-up bonuses and special birthday rewards to delight guests.
- Integrated Online Ordering: The loyalty program works flawlessly with Toast Online Ordering and the Toast TakeOut app, ensuring customers earn points no matter how they interact with your restaurant.
- Real-Time Syncing: All loyalty data, points, and redemptions are synced in real-time across all terminals and online channels, providing a consistent experience for both staff and customers.
Practical Tip: Use Toast's customer data to identify guests who haven't visited in a while. Launch a "We Miss You" email campaign directly from the platform, offering bonus loyalty points on their next visit to re-engage them and bring them back.
Why It Stands Out
Toast's primary advantage is its singular focus on the restaurant industry. Every feature, from the rugged, spill-proof hardware to the menu management tools, is purpose-built for food service environments. While it requires using Toast's payment processing and often a long-term contract, this creates a tightly integrated system where every component works together perfectly. This is a contrast to more generalized systems that may need third-party integrations, which you can compare with other industry-specific POS systems to see the difference.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Best For | Restaurants of all types, including cafes, QSRs, and full-service dining. |
Loyalty Pricing | Included in the "Growth" and "Restaurant Basics" paid POS plans. |
POS Cost | Plans start at $0/month with a "Pay-as-You-Go" option; paid plans available. |
Pros | Comprehensive restaurant management, easy loyalty onboarding, durable hardware. |
Cons | Must use Toast payment processing, often requires a multi-year contract. |
For any restaurateur looking for a holistic pos system with loyalty program capabilities designed to handle the unique demands of their business, Toast is an unparalleled choice.
Website: https://pos.toasttab.com/
6. Loyverse
Loyverse stands out by offering a completely free point of sale system that includes a built-in loyalty program, making it an incredibly attractive option for startups, small businesses, and merchants on a tight budget. Unlike many competitors where loyalty is a paid add-on, Loyverse integrates customer retention tools into its core free offering. This makes it a powerful entry point for businesses that need a functional pos system with loyalty program without any upfront software costs or monthly subscriptions.
The platform is designed for simplicity and accessibility, running smoothly on standard smartphones and tablets (both iOS and Android). A small cafe or boutique, for instance, can quickly set up their system on an iPad, start processing sales, and immediately begin enrolling customers into a points-based rewards program, all without paying a single software fee.
Key Features and Pricing
Loyverse's loyalty program is straightforward yet effective. It allows businesses to issue a unique customer ID and track points automatically with every purchase, fostering repeat business from the very first transaction.
- Integrated Points Program: Customers earn points based on their spending, which can be redeemed for discounts or specific items. The entire process is managed within the POS app.
- Customer Database: Build a comprehensive list of your customers, track their visit history, and view their total spending and points balance to understand their value to your business.
- Mobile-First Operation: The entire POS and loyalty system is designed to work seamlessly on mobile devices, providing flexibility for mobile businesses like food trucks or market stalls.
Practical Tip: Use the Loyverse customer database to identify regulars. While the system lacks automated marketing, you can manually note customer preferences and greet them with personalized recommendations on their next visit to build a stronger, more personal connection.
Why It Stands Out
The primary advantage of Loyverse is its unbeatable cost-effectiveness. The core POS and loyalty features are genuinely free, with no monthly fees or hidden charges. The company makes money through optional paid add-ons like advanced inventory and employee management, but the essential tools to sell and retain customers are available at no cost. This makes it the ideal pos system with loyalty program for businesses testing the waters or those with minimal capital.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Best For | Startups, small cafes, food trucks, and retail shops on a strict budget. |
Loyalty Pricing | Included for free in the core POS system. |
POS Cost | Free; optional paid add-ons are available for advanced features. |
Pros | Completely free core system, easy-to-use interface, runs on common devices. |
Cons | Limited advanced features, fewer integrations than premium competitors. |
While it may not have the sophisticated automation or deep analytics of enterprise-level systems, Loyverse provides an exceptional, no-risk foundation for small businesses to build customer loyalty from day one.
Website: https://loyverse.com/
7. Revel Systems
Revel Systems is a powerful, cloud-based platform designed for scalability, making it an excellent choice for established multi-location businesses like restaurant chains and large retail stores. It provides a highly customizable pos system with loyalty program capabilities built directly into its core architecture. This integration ensures that customer data, rewards, and promotions are seamlessly synchronized across all locations, providing a consistent experience for patrons no matter where they shop.
The system is built to handle complex operational needs. For example, a quick-service restaurant franchise can use Revel to create a unified loyalty program where points earned at one location are instantly redeemable at any other. This advanced functionality supports brand consistency and encourages customer loyalty across the entire enterprise.
Key Features and Pricing
Revel's loyalty and customer relationship management (CRM) tools are robust, offering deep insights and granular control over the customer experience. The system goes beyond simple points-per-purchase models.
- Multi-Location Loyalty Syncing: Ensures that customer rewards, points, and history are consistent and accessible across all of a business's locations.
- Advanced Customer Segmentation: Allows you to create targeted marketing campaigns based on customer purchase history, visit frequency, and specific items bought.
- Robust Analytics: The platform provides detailed reports on loyalty program performance, helping you monitor customer lifetime value, redemption rates, and overall ROI.
Practical Tip: Use Revel's advanced segmentation to identify customers who haven't visited in over 60 days. Create a targeted "We Miss You" campaign offering them a special one-time discount or bonus points on their next purchase to re-engage them.
Why It Stands Out
Revel Systems distinguishes itself with its enterprise-grade customization and in-depth analytics. While it comes at a higher price point than entry-level systems, it delivers the power needed for complex, high-volume operations. Pricing is quote-based and starts at $99 per month per terminal, with a minimum two-terminal requirement and a three-year contract, which includes software, payment processing, and support.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Best For | Multi-location restaurants, quick-service chains, and large retail enterprises. |
Loyalty Pricing | Included in the POS subscription; pricing is quote-based. |
POS Cost | Starts at $99/month per terminal (2 terminal minimum). |
Pros | Highly customizable, comprehensive reporting, supports online and offline loyalty. |
Cons | Higher cost, more complex setup, and long-term contract commitment. |
For businesses that have outgrown simpler solutions, Revel offers a comprehensive pos system with loyalty program features designed to manage intricate customer engagement strategies at scale.
Website: https://revelsystems.com/
POS Systems with Loyalty Program: Top 7 Feature Comparison
Platform | Implementation Complexity 🔄 | Resource Requirements ⚡ | Expected Outcomes 📊 | Ideal Use Cases 💡 | Key Advantages ⭐ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toki | Moderate - requires setup and onboarding for advanced integrations | Moderate - supports scalable plans, enterprise-ready | High - boosts revenue (>30%) and retention (up to 40%) | Shopify & e-commerce merchants seeking deep loyalty engagement | Comprehensive loyalty suite, advanced analytics, digital wallet integration |
Square POS | Low - user-friendly setup with optional loyalty add-on | Low - basic POS free, loyalty program is paid add-on | Moderate - customized rewards and marketing automation | Small to medium businesses wanting simple, integrated POS & loyalty | Easy to use, transparent pricing, unified Square ecosystem |
Lightspeed Retail | Moderate to High - advanced features, steeper learning curve | Moderate to High - scalable with quality hardware | High - detailed customer insights and scalable loyalty | Retailers needing robust inventory and omnichannel POS | Strong inventory tools, scalable plans, advanced insights |
Clover POS | Low to Moderate - plug-and-play hardware, minimal setup | Moderate - proprietary hardware may increase cost | Moderate - flexible rewards, mobile app customer engagement | Diverse small to medium businesses, especially quick-service restaurants | All-in-one hardware/software, easy setup, affordable plans |
Toast POS | Moderate - specialized restaurant POS with contract requirements | Moderate to High - restaurant-grade hardware required | High - enhanced guest retention with real-time loyalty syncing | Restaurants requiring integrated ordering & loyalty | Comprehensive restaurant features, easy loyalty onboarding |
Loyverse | Very Low - free, easy to use, mobile friendly | Very Low - no monthly fees, basic features | Moderate - basic loyalty with customizable rewards | Startups and small businesses looking for cost-effective POS | No fees, mobile operation, user-friendly interface |
Revel Systems | High - cloud-based, needs technical setup for advanced features | High - suited for multi-location businesses | High - robust reporting and personalized loyalty programs | Multi-location businesses needing strong customization & analytics | Highly customizable, comprehensive analytics, multi-location syncing |
Making the Right Choice for Your Business's Future
Choosing the right POS system with loyalty program is more than just a technical upgrade; it's a strategic investment in your business's longevity. As we've explored with tools like Square, Lightspeed, and Toast, the market offers a diverse range of solutions tailored to specific industries, from bustling restaurants to multi-location retail stores. The key is to move beyond a simple feature-for-feature comparison and instead envision how each platform will integrate into your daily operations and support your long-term growth.
The decision you make will directly shape your ability to understand, engage, and retain your most valuable customers. A generic, one-size-fits-all approach to loyalty is no longer sufficient. Today's consumers expect personalized experiences, seamless interactions across online and offline channels, and rewards that feel genuinely valuable.
How to Make Your Final Selection
To navigate this critical decision, shift your focus from "which POS is best?" to "which POS is best for me?". Answering this requires a clear-eyed assessment of your unique business context.
Consider these guiding questions to narrow down your options:
- What is your primary business model? Are you a Shopify-centric e-commerce brand, a brick-and-mortar retailer, a quick-service restaurant, or a service-based business? The ideal system for a cafe (like Toast or Square) differs significantly from what a direct-to-consumer startup needs.
- What level of customization do you require? Do you need simple, out-of-the-box points-for-purchase, or do you want to build a deeply branded, tiered membership program with unique gamified challenges? Platforms like Toki excel at providing this advanced customization for modern brands.
- How important is community building? If your goal is to turn customers into brand advocates, look for a system with integrated referral programs, social sharing incentives, and community engagement features.
- What is your hardware and integration ecosystem? Evaluate how each POS system will connect with your existing tools, from payment processors and accounting software to marketing automation platforms. For new ventures, mapping out your entire operational toolkit from the start is essential; a detailed guide on how to start a hair salon, for example, will emphasize how foundational tools like a POS influence everything from appointment booking to inventory management.
- What are your future growth plans? Select a system that can scale with you. Consider its ability to handle multiple locations, expand into e-commerce, or support more complex loyalty initiatives as your customer base grows.
Ultimately, the best POS system with loyalty program is one that empowers you to build lasting, profitable customer relationships. It acts as the central nervous system of your business, capturing crucial data at every transaction and turning those insights into actionable retention strategies. By carefully matching your specific needs with the strengths of the platforms we've reviewed, you can confidently select a partner that will not only streamline your operations but also become a cornerstone of your customer loyalty efforts for years to come.
Ready to transform your customer relationships into a powerful growth engine? Toki offers a comprehensive loyalty, referrals, and membership platform designed for modern Shopify brands. Go beyond basic points and build a branded community that drives repeat purchases and fosters true brand advocacy. Explore Toki and see how a next-generation loyalty solution can redefine your customer experience.