Product comparison
Reward Loyalty vs Fivestars.
Fivestars combines loyalty, local-network reach, in-store enrollment, and automated marketing as a managed service. Reward Loyalty is the owned software option for businesses or agencies prepared to build their own audience.
Short answer
Two models for different buyers.
Choose Fivestars when its local consumer network, in-store signup, connected payments or POS, and automated messaging are the reason to buy. Choose Reward Loyalty when you want your own branded platform, broader loyalty mechanics, and control of the source and customer data.
Self-hosted
Reward Loyalty
Self-hosted software where the operator recruits businesses and customers, configures programs, and runs the infrastructure.
Best for: Businesses and agencies that prefer ownership and program flexibility over joining a vendor network.
Competitor model
Fivestars
A managed payments, loyalty, and retention service for local businesses, with phone-number check-in, automated campaigns, and a consumer network.
Best for: US local businesses that value network exposure and vendor-operated marketing.
At a glance.
| Decision | Reward Loyalty | Fivestars |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Managed service |
| Customer acquisition | Operator promotes its own platform | Fivestars consumer network and app |
| Enrollment | QR, web registration, guest mode, or staff-assisted | Phone-number signup in store or mobile app |
| Marketing | Email campaigns, vouchers, segments, and automatic messages | Automated app, text, and email campaigns |
| Pricing | $349 once; hosting and optional renewal | Flexible packages; public pages request a sales conversation |
| Ownership | Source and chosen infrastructure | Vendor platform and network |
Feature comparison
Compare the capabilities that change the decision.
Local-business operation
| Capability | Reward Loyalty | Fivestars |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer discovery network | No built-in public network | Core Fivestars proposition |
| In-store hardware | Uses customer and staff devices; no bundled tablet | Fivestars Connect can run on a provided tablet or POS |
| Program types | Points, stamps, vouchers, passes, tiers, achievements, referrals | Digital rewards, points, gifts, and promotions |
| Source access | Included | No |
Where Reward Loyalty is stronger.
- Keeps the brand, source, and data infrastructure under operator control.
- Supports more distinct loyalty assets and multi-business service models.
- Can be localized and adapted without depending on a local consumer network.
Where Fivestars is stronger.
- Connects participating businesses to an existing local-shopping network.
- Combines phone-number check-in with automated app, SMS, and email outreach.
- Offers managed onboarding and in-store/POS workflows rather than a self-hosted deployment.
Choose Reward Loyalty if.
- You want a standalone branded platform and will build your own member base.
- You need source access, self-hosting, or several program types.
- You operate outside Fivestars’ target market or do not want network dependence.
Choose Fivestars if.
- Its consumer network is valuable in your market.
- Phone-number check-in and automated cross-channel marketing are central.
- You prefer a managed local-business package and accept quote-based procurement.
Limits to account for.
- Fivestars does not publish a simple current list price on the reviewed public pages, so this guide does not invent one.
- Reward Loyalty does not include Fivestars’ consumer network, bundled tablet workflow, SMS channel, or managed marketing service.
- Availability and integrations can vary by market and POS; confirm the exact rollout directly with Fivestars.
Sources and review date
Check the facts that can change.
Pricing, plans, limits, and integrations can change. These sources were reviewed on 12 July 2026.
Questions buyers ask
Common questions.
Does Reward Loyalty include a consumer discovery network?
No. The operator promotes its own installation and programs. Fivestars positions its consumer network as part of the product.
Can this page compare exact prices?
Not responsibly from the reviewed public sources. Fivestars asks businesses to discuss flexible packages, so an exact comparison needs a current quote.
Does Reward Loyalty send text messages?
Reward Loyalty’s current built-in campaign channel is email. Fivestars promotes app notifications, text messages, and email as part of its managed marketing offer.