Tesco Clubcard, Leon Club, and Pret Perks flagged as UK's favourite retail loyalty schemes

New research reveals major retailers in the UK are losing out on huge revenue streams by not applying strategic investment to their customer loyalty programmes. 

The Retail Loyalty Index (RLI), developed by HyperFinity, in partnership with Bloomreach and Eagle Eye, surveyed 2,200 UK customers of 51 major retailers to identify the UK’s top performing retail loyalty schemes and the revenue impact of customer loyalty. 

The research covered nine sectors, including grocery, quick service retail (QSR), coffee, health and beauty, and fashion. Customers were asked to rate two loyalty programmes they actively use by answering questions about satisfaction, how likely they are to recommend the scheme and how it influences their decision to shop with the retailer over any other. 

They were then asked questions around seven ‘core revenue drivers’ of customer loyalty. These included: how valued the programme makes them feel, personalisation, ease of use, the appeal of rewards and whether the retailer handles their data securely. 

The index found there was a clear ‘power trio’ of revenue drivers, accounting for 53% of total influence on customer loyalty. These were: Better value (18.8% influence) - customers want clear financial returns; Feeling valued (18.5% influence ) - recognition matters as much as rewards; Appealing rewards (16.1% influence) - benefits must be desirable and relevant.

The findings were then analysed to generate an all-in-one revenue indicator score for retailers, coined as the ‘RLI score’. The score out of 10 incorporates customer satisfaction, likelihood to recommend, and influence on choice, as well as how highly each retailer scored for the core revenue drivers. 

Overall, the analysis showed that a one point increase in RLI is associated with a 7-8% increase in the likelihood to shop again, therefore generating increased revenue for retailers.  

Tesco Clubcard is the nation’s favourite loyalty programme - scoring highly across each of the ‘power trio’ of revenue drivers. Fans describe Clubcard as a “very generous programme with plenty of options to redeem” and as making shopping “extra affordable and easy.”

Customers scored Tesco Clubcard highly for emotional loyalty and frequency, with the highest ‘continue to shop’ score (9.16/10).  

Leon Club ranked second in the UK, scoring highest for providing value to customers (8.03), how valued customers feel (8.28), and the personalisation of loyalty schemes (8.22). Despite a restructure of store estate following administration, Leon's loyalty programme is going from strength to strength.

The quick service restaurant scored highly in the index for personalisation and how valued customers feel. It also scored highly for satisfaction (8.05) and recommendation (8.28), indicating customers are happy to refer the programme to others. One customer surveyed in the poll commented: “It's quicker and cheaper to build up rewards compared to other schemes."

Also making the top ten were Pret Perks, Sainsbury’s Nectar, Itsu Rewards, Wickes Trade Pro, Gregg Rewards, JD Status, Sweaty Betty Insiders, and Hamleys Rewards Points.

Peter Denby, CEO at HyperFinity, comments: “There are a number of reasons Tesco Clubcard and Leon Club scored so highly, but primarily, it comes down to simplicity, flexibility and ease of use. They both stand out as experiences built around emotional connection, relevance and trust, rather than complex mechanics or heavy discounting.” 

He adds: “The Retail Loyalty Index shows the message from consumers is clear: loyalty works when it’s valuable, visible, and personal, and emotional loyalty now matters just as much as financial value.” 

Huh Kimber, SVP and General Manager EMEA & APAC at Bloomreach, says: "The best loyalty programmes don't just reward transactions - they create meaningful, connected experiences across every touchpoint.” 

“Our research shows that shoppers want to feel recognised whether they're in-store, online, or on an app. Personalisation isn't a nice to have anymore; it's the foundation of loyalty that actually lasts. Retailers who use data to deliver consistent, relevant experiences are the ones building genuine emotional connections with their customers." 

Tim Mason, CEO at Eagle Eye, comments: "The findings from this year’s Retail Loyalty Index reinforce what we’re seeing across the market: loyalty performance is increasingly tied to a retailer’s ability to execute real-time, personalised offers and engagement that are relevant and of value to the individual.”

“Programmes that move beyond points and discounts to deliver targeted rewards and clear customer value are driving stronger revenue impact, long-term customer retention and lifetime value.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Loyalty programmes will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.