Leave ‘Points’ Behind! How to Name Your Loyalty Program Currency Right

So, you're rolling out a loyalty program. Great move! Customer loyalty is one of the best ways to drive long-term growth, and a well-designed program can make all the difference. But one of the first questions you'll face is: What are we going to call our loyalty currency?

"Points" might be the default, but it’s a little basic and overused. Your loyalty currency name can be a key part of the brand experience, giving it personality, reinforcing your values, and adding excitement. So let’s look beyond "points" and dive into some creative ways to name your loyalty currency.?

1. Tie It to Your Brand’s Identity

Think about what makes your brand unique. Are you an eco-conscious brand? A luxury retailer? A family-friendly restaurant chain? Your loyalty currency name should reflect the vibe and values of your business. For example:

• Eco-friendly Brand: "EcoCredits" or "Green Leaves"
• Luxury Retailer: "Crowns" or "Gems"
• Family Brand: "Smiles" or "Stars"

When the currency aligns with your brand identity, it creates an immersive experience for customers. It reminds them why they love your brand each time they earn or redeem.

2. Keep It Action-Oriented

Loyalty is about creating a journey, a sense of movement towards rewards. Names like "Miles" or "Steps" give a feeling of progress and achievement, nudges customers forward and encourages them to engage again and again. Consider action-oriented names that suggest movement, such as:

• "Flights" for an airline or travel brand
• "Tokens" for a playful, gamified brand
• "Tracks" for a fitness or lifestyle brand

Action-oriented names can be especially powerful for brands where the journey, rather than just the destination, matters.

3. Make It Sound Valuable

Give your currency name a sense of worth. Words like "credits," "coins," or "gold" make it feel valuable, which can increase the appeal for customers. Naming your loyalty currency in a way that hints at worth can add perceived value to your program. Some ideas include:

• "Gold Coins" or "Gold Bars" for financial services or luxury brands
• "Stars" or "Beams" for a high-tech or futuristic brand
• "Crowns" for a premium brand (because who doesn’t want to feel majestic?)

This sense of value can lead customers to associate your rewards with exclusivity or even collectibility.

4. Add a Local Touch

If you’re a regional brand or want to create a sense of community, incorporate something local. A coffee shop chain in New York, for example, might use "Beans" for their loyalty currency, while a Texas-based BBQ joint could go with "Sparks."

This approach is especially effective for small businesses and local favorites who want to reinforce their identity within the community. Here’s how you can apply this:

• "Shells" for a coastal or beach-themed business
• "Leaves" for an eco-conscious brand in a green location
• "Bolts" for a hardware or automotive shop

Local-themed currency names create a personal connection, making customers feel more in sync with your brand.

5. Make It Fun and Memorable

If your loyalty program isn’t a little bit fun, people might not engage as much. Playful, unique currency names grab attention and give your program a lighthearted touch. You don’t want your rewards to be just another transaction, you want them to spark a smile :)?

Try these ideas:

• "Giggles" for a children’s brand or entertainment company
• "Glow" for a beauty or skincare brand
• "Sparks" for an energetic, vibrant brand

A little creativity can go a long way in making your loyalty program more exciting. Names like these make earning points feel like a treat!

6. Incorporate Customer Emotions

What feeling do you want to evoke when customers earn or redeem rewards? If your loyalty program is all about celebration and joy, go with something upbeat, like "Cheers" or "Smiles." If it’s more about relaxation and self-care, consider names like "Serenity" or "Moments."

For example:

• "Cheers" for a restaurant or bar loyalty program
• "Sips" for a coffee brand
• "Perks" for a service-oriented brand

These names bring an emotional connection to the reward system, and that emotional resonance can make your program more memorable and enjoyable.

7. Use Simple, Impactful Words

Sometimes, the most effective names are the simplest. You don’t always need to invent a new word or add extra flair, just focus on clear, strong words that resonate. "Rewards" is popular because it’s straightforward and universally understood. But, with a little imagination, you can find something that’s both simple and brand-aligned.

For example:

• "Tokens" for a tech-savvy or gaming brand
• "Credits" for an online store or e-commerce brand
• "Bonuses" for a financial service brand

Simplicity can be powerful. When in doubt, go for names that are clear and accessible, making it easy for customers to understand and remember.

8. Test It Out!

Once you’ve got a few ideas, test them out with your audience. Run a quick survey, share it on social media, or ask your loyal customers directly. Getting feedback on potential names can help you gauge customer interest and ensure that the name resonates with your target audience.

About Kangaroo Rewards

Our all-in-one, AI-driven loyalty and marketing platform reshapes the way thousands of businesses engage and reward customers.

Designed to amplify customer engagement and fortify retention and acquisition efforts, Kangaroo empowers your loyalty program from start to finish.

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