Top 9 Loyalty Program Tools for Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs) in 2025

Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) live and die by repeat customers. In 2025, loyalty programs have moved far beyond simple punch cards. The best QSR loyalty software now offers data-driven rewards, AI-powered personalization, card-linked points, and real-time campaign management to boost customer spend and visit frequency.

In this guide, I review the top loyalty platforms for QSRs – from established enterprise systems to modern, flexible solutions. You’ll find key features, strengths, and pain points for each platform, so you can choose the software that best fits your restaurant.

All insights in this article are based on publicly available information and user feedback. Each platform has unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your size, budget, IT resources and overall loyalty strategy.

Comparison of 9 loyalty software for restaurants brands

1. Punchh (PAR Technology)

Punchh by PAR Technology is a loyalty and customer engagement platform trusted by well-known QSR brands like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Dairy Queen. Punchh Loyalty operates as a core module within the broader PAR Engagement platform, which also includes things like ordering, guest data, AI tools, and digital experience.

Key features for QSRs

• Strong POS integrations: Works with 200+ POS systems to ingest both loyalty and anonymous guest behavior for richer insights.
• Gamification and engagement: Includes challenges, badges, location-based offers, and surveys.
• Data and analytics: Segments customers, predicts behavior, and supports targeted campaigns, super strong if the whole stack runs on PAR. 
• Scalable infrastructure: Built to support millions of members and multi-location brands.

What makes Punchh stand out?

Punchh combines loyalty, CRM, and mobile engagement in one platform, creating a single hub for managing customer interactions. Its advanced analytics and personalization tools allow QSRs to deliver targeted campaigns that build long-term loyalty.

Who uses Punchh?

Punchh is ideal for large QSR and fast-casual chains with high customer traffic and multiple locations. Brands like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut use it to power global loyalty programs.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Limited flexibility: Punchh is built for marketing teams in QSRs with little technical capacity. Their core pitch is “marketing-friendly,” not “developer-first.” They cater to orgs that often rely on ISVs, agencies, and external vendors.
• Customization hiccups: Punchh thrives in templated use cases. But when you want to break the mold or move fast, you're stuck. Customizations beyond their predefined paths can get clunky fast. 
• Enterprise pricing: Costs are designed for larger chains, which may not suit smaller QSRs. Punchh’s rigidity can mean more backend hacks and frontend workarounds, leading to more customer support issues and higher TCO.
• Slow support: G2 reviews suggest that Punchh’s support team is extremely slow in resolving customer queries, delaying projects and reducing clients’ confidence. 

Pricing & trial

PAR Punchh provides custom pricing quotes based on your specific needs and business requirements. There is no free plan available for PAR Punchh.

Learn more: Punchh Alternative for Future-oriented QSR Brands

2. Paytronix

Paytronix offers an all-in-one digital customer engagement platform for restaurants, c-stores, and retailers. It unifies loyalty, payments, gift cards, CRM, online ordering, and mobile apps, to deliver personalized, consistent guest experiences. Trusted by 1,800+ brands for 20+ years.

Key features for QSRs

• Flexible loyalty programs: Supports points-based, visit-based, tiered, and behavior-driven rewards.
• Strong POS connectors: Ready-to-go POS connectors are available out-of-the-box.
• Personalized promotions: Besides loyalty, Paytronix offers a promotion engine to support loyalty promos and discounts. 
• Data insights team: Provides strategic support and campaign benchmarking.

What makes Paytronix stand out?

Paytronix is known for its data analytics and AI-powered marketing, helping restaurants create highly targeted campaigns. Its all-in-one platform combines loyalty, ordering, and CRM for a unified customer view.

Who uses Paytronix?

Paytronix suits mid-sized and large chains that rely on data-driven strategies. Panera Bread’s loyalty program, one of the most recognized in the U.S., runs on Paytronix.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Setup time: Data migration and POS integration can be time-consuming.
• Interface challenges: The dashboard and navigation can feel clunky.
• Reporting rigidity: Filters and segments often can’t be edited once created.
• Redemption issues: Coupons or free items may fail to process correctly across some POS systems.

Pricing & trial

Paytronix provides custom pricing quotes based on your business requirements. There is no free plan available.

3. Square Loyalty

Square Loyalty is part of the Square POS ecosystem and is designed for independent and small quick-service restaurants. It allows restaurants to set up digital rewards programs with no extra hardware or third-party tools.

Key features for QSRs

• POS-integrated loyalty: Points can be earned per visit, spend amount, item, or category.
• Automated campaigns: Includes birthday rewards and win-back offers via SMS or email.
• Basic analytics: Tracks top customers, spend, and visit frequency.
• Straightforward pricing: Plans start at $45/month per location for up to 500 loyalty visits.

What makes Square Loyalty stand out?

Because it’s built into Square POS, setup is quick and doesn’t require training. Rewards are tracked automatically, making it simple for both customers and staff.

Who uses Square Loyalty?

It’s best for single-location or small QSR chains like coffee shops, smoothie bars, or kiosks that already use Square POS.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Basic data capture: Sign-up only needs a mobile number, so important details like email or birthdays are often missing, which limits targeting for marketing campaigns.
• Usage-based pricing: Since pricing is based on the number of loyalty visits, costs can add up if many casual or one-time customers are counted.
• Basic analytics: Lacks advanced segmentation and visual reporting.
• POS dependency: Square Loyalty requires Square POS, meaning businesses have to adopt the entire Square ecosystem to use it.

Pricing & trial

Square Loyalty pricing starts from 49$ per month per location, plus additional processing fees. There is a 30 day free trial available. 

4. Toast Loyalty

Toast Loyalty is integrated directly into Toast POS, making it a strong option for restaurants already using Toast’s system. It manages sign-ups, point tracking, and rewards at checkout with no extra tools required.

Key features for QSRs

• POS-integrated rewards: Tracks points on visits or spending in-store or online.
• Custom rewards: Supports free items, discounts, and tiered incentives.
• Automated campaigns: Includes birthday rewards and win-back offers.
• Promotional tools: Promote loyalty via social media, signage, or app links.

What makes Toast Loyalty stand out?

It’s built into the checkout process, so guests earn and redeem rewards with no extra steps. Hence, loyalty management is easy for staff and consistent across all orders.

Who uses Toast Loyalty?

Best for small-to-mid-sized QSRs that already use Toast POS and want a straightforward loyalty solution.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Basic data capture: Only email or phone is required, limiting the ability to collect details like birthdays or names for targeted offers.
• Basic analytics: Lacks advanced dashboards and segmentation.
• Point redemption limitations: Guests are often required to redeem all points on a check, rather than choosing how many points to use.
• Vendor lock-in: Only works with Toast payments and hardware.

Pricing & trial

The loyalty module for Toast POS is available only for custom pricing. No free, self-service trial is available.

5. SessionM (Mastercard)

As part of Mastercard’s portfolio, SessionM serves as the core platform for automating, managing, and scaling loyalty. It works with complementary solutions like Dynamic Yield for personalization, Loyalty Consulting for strategic guidance, and Mastercard Promotions for card-linked rewards.

Key features for QSRs

• Real-time customer profiles: Combines data from POS, apps, kiosks, and digital channels.
• Flexible rewards: Supports points, tiers, and custom rules.
• Triggered campaigns: Automatically sends and verifies offers at POS.
• Cross-channel messaging: Email, SMS, push, and in-app notifications.
• Advanced analytics: Reports on program performance and audience segments.

What makes SessionM stand out?

It’s known for its ability to handle large, global loyalty programs while offering real-time personalization and campaign triggers. Access to Mastercard’s analytics and consulting is an added benefit.

Who uses SessionM?

SessionM is suited for QSR brands with millions of customers that require advanced data and personalization capabilities.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Complex setup: Implementation requires significant IT resources.
• High cost: Pricing is built for large businesses.
• Steep learning curve: The tools can be overwhelming for new teams.
• Integration challenges: Legacy POS and backend systems often require custom work.

Pricing & trial

Pricing is a custom quote, no free trial available.

6. Thanx

Thanx is designed for QSRs that want loyalty and customer feedback in one place. Its standout feature is card-linked rewards, where customers earn points simply by paying with a registered credit or debit card.

Key features for QSRs

• Card-linked loyalty: No scanning or codes – rewards are automatic.
• Mobile app integration: Offers mobile ordering, guest messaging, and promotions.
• Feedback tools: Prompts guests to rate experiences in real time.
• Email and SMS automation: Allows segmentation by behavior or spending.
• Analytics dashboards: Tracks customer lifetime value and campaign ROI.
• POS compatibility: Works with systems like Square and Toast.

What makes Thanx stand out?

Guests don’t have to do anything beyond paying to earn rewards. It also lets restaurants collect private feedback and offer non-discount rewards, like surprise gifts.

Who uses Thanx?

Popular with regional and growing QSR chains that need a quick-to-launch program without complex integrations.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Limited customization: Templates and workflows can feel rigid.
• POS integration issues: Older POS systems need manual workarounds.
• Basic analytics: Custom reporting often requires exporting data.
• Simplified feature set: Lacks advanced AI or gamification options.

Pricing & trial

Pricing is a custom quote, no free trial available.

7. Capillary Loyalty+

Capillary Loyalty+ is a part of a rich services portfolio offered by Capillary, including Rewards+, Insights+, and CDP+. It works best when connected with other Capillary modules. 

Key features for QSRs

• AI-driven offers: Segments customers based on purchase habits.
• Omnichannel campaigns: Runs SMS, email, in-app, and wallet-based promotions.
• Inclusive enrollment: Accepts phone numbers and physical cards.
• Gamification: Features challenges, badges, and mini-games.

What makes Capillary stand out?

Its AI-powered personalization helps brands deliver tailored offers. It’s also designed for markets with mixed digital usage, supporting both app-based and offline loyalty.

Who uses Capillary Loyalty+?

Best for enterprise QSRs in APAC/EMEA, including global franchise groups like KFC and Pizza Hut.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Complex setup: Requires careful planning and support.
• High cost: Starting prices can be prohibitive for smaller operators.
• Module-based services: Some features require vendor involvement.
• Challenging reporting: Custom reports often need technical help.
• Interface limitations: Dashboards can feel unintuitive.

Pricing & trial

Pricing is a custom quote, no free trial available.

8. Marigold (Cheetah Digital Loyalty)

Marigold, following its acquisition of Cheetah Digital, offers a Relationship Marketing suite that includes Marigold Grow and Marigold Loyalty. These solutions help brands acquire customers across channels, deepen engagement with personalized offers, and build long-term loyalty through tailored experiences delivered at key moments.

Key features for QSRs

• Customer journeys: Automates welcome sequences and reward reminders.
• Real-time triggers: Campaigns activate based on customer behavior.
• Surveys and contests: Collects customer feedback and engagement.
• Unified analytics: Combines loyalty and campaign metrics.

What makes Marigold stand out?

Marigold excels at managing loyalty at scale and integrating it with marketing campaigns for a single customer view.

Who uses Marigold?

Preferred by large QSR brands and multi-region groups needing both loyalty and marketing in one platform.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Interface challenges: Dashboard navigation feels outdated.
• Steep learning curve: Complex setup for new teams.
• High pricing: Best suited for larger chains.
• Limited campaign flexibility: Templates can feel restrictive.
• Few integrations: Lacks some third-party connections.

Pricing & trial

Pricing is a custom quote, no free trial available.

9. Voucherify

Voucherify is a composable loyalty and promotions platform that’s popular with QSRs looking for flexibility and control. Thanks to flexible APIs, it integrates easily with apps, POS systems, and ecommerce platforms.

Key features for QSRs

• Unlimited flexibility: The Rules Engine supports custom business data inputs, enabling the creation of advanced loyalty rules and dynamic point assignment logic using mathematical formulas tailored to your program’s needs.
• Easy integration: Thanks to APIs, SDKs, and webhooks, Voucherify can be quickly plugged into any stack.
• Holistic incentives engine: Voucherify supports all possible promo types and loyalty incentives – from gift vouchers, bundles to referrals and gamification
• Transparent pricing: Pricing is based on actual usage (API calls), meaning that the platform is suitable for both mid-sized and enterprise organizations. 

What makes Voucherify stand out?

Voucherify is both marketer- and developer-friendly, offering a flexible setup with no-code tools for campaigns and advanced APIs for technical teams. It combines loyalty with a full promotional toolkit.

Who uses Voucherify?

Voucherify is industry-agnostic. It’s used by world-leading QSRs like KFC, Burger King, or McDonald’s.

Pain points & areas for improvement

• Limited built-in gamification: Advanced features (like spin-the-wheel) need custom setups with approved Voucherify partners like Wyng, Brame, or Odicci.
• Learning curve: Exploring advanced capabilities can take time.
• Interface usability: While reliable, some users find the UI less intuitive when working on more complex campaign setups.

Pricing & trial

Full pricing info is available online, with the lowest plan starting from 650$ per month. Pricing is based on API calls. A 60-day free trial is available.

Best QSR loyalty platforms – 2025 comparison overview

Here’s a side-by-side look at the top QSR loyalty platforms to help you compare features, strengths, and potential challenges at a glance:

5 tips before choosing a QSR loyalty platform

1. Evaluate how well the platform fits your tech stack

For multi-location or enterprise QSRs, integration is everything. Check if the platform connects easily with your POS, online ordering systems, delivery partners, and CRM tools. Even small disconnects can create gaps in customer data or delays in reward redemption, which can frustrate customers and staff.

2. Look beyond points and discounts

Modern loyalty isn’t just about giving free items. See if the platform supports personalized offers, tiers, experiential rewards, or partnerships. These elements build emotional loyalty and help prevent your program from becoming just a discount machine.

3. Assess scalability and performance under load

Ask how the platform handles large-scale campaigns, high transaction volumes, or sudden spikes (like national promotions). Enterprises especially need a solution that can handle millions of customers without slowing down, both in-venue and online.

4. Consider the level of data insight provided

Data is the backbone of any loyalty program. Look for platforms that offer customer segmentation, behavioral insights, and predictive analytics. The more actionable the data, the easier it is to refine campaigns and track ROI.

5. Test operational efficiency, not just features

Features look good on paper, but how easy are they to use day-to-day? Ask for a demo showing real workflows – like setting up a campaign or viewing analytics – and involve your marketing and operations teams in the evaluation. A feature-rich platform that’s hard to use will slow teams down.

Take time to test a few options, look closely at integrations, and prioritize platforms that provide actionable insights, not just data.

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