Loyalty points used to be exciting. Now, they’re often just… confusing.

How many points equals a reward? When do they expire? Why can’t I use them right now?

Modern consumers are less interested in theoretical perks and more interested in immediate value. If it’s not simple, fast, or clearly useful—it’s not going to drive loyalty. That’s not to say points don’t have a place. But in today’s landscape, points alone aren’t enough.

The Problem With Points

Points-based programs have long been the foundation of customer loyalty strategies. But they come with challenges—particularly when it comes to engagement.

According to a 2023 survey by Clarus Commerce, 68% of consumers said they don’t always know how many loyalty points they have, and 58% said they’ve let points expire without using them.

That’s a sign of friction, not loyalty.

And with nearly every brand offering some version of a points program, it’s no longer a differentiator. It’s table stakes. Add in breakage (unredeemed rewards), slow accrual, and redemption rules that read like legal fine print—and the perceived value begins to erode.

What Customers Actually Want

Today’s consumers aren’t just looking for a reward. They’re looking for relevance.

They want:

  • Flexibility in how they’re rewarded
  • Transparency in how rewards are earned and used
  • Immediacy in when they can redeem

A study from Blackhawk Network found that 89% of consumers prefer rewards they can use right away, and 73% say cash back is the most appealing type of reward.

These preferences reflect a broader shift: from passive accumulation to active value.

Instant cash back hits all the right notes—it’s clear, tangible, and feels like a win in the moment.

The Shopr Approach

At Shopr, we don’t replace your existing loyalty strategy—we strengthen it.

Our platform allows businesses to layer in instant cash back rewards alongside their current points programs. That means:

  • No disruption to your existing infrastructure
  • No confusion for your customers
  • Just more value, more often

Because Shopr works across 325+ major brands, your customers see rewards not just when they engage with you—but when they shop for groceries, buy clothes, dine out, or plan their next trip.

Every purchase becomes a reminder of the value you deliver.

Final Takeaway

If your points program is underperforming, it’s not your customers—it’s the model. Points can still be part of the picture, but modern loyalty demands more.

With Shopr, you don’t need to choose between points and cash back. You can do both—and give your customers a program that feels rewarding again.