Loyalty in North America is getting into what the World Buyer Loyalty Report 2026 calls the Worth Age. However after we zoom in on the US and Canada, a extra nuanced image emerges. North America is assured, data-driven, and extremely invested in loyalty. On the similar time, client expectations are sharp, and the notion hole between manufacturers and clients stays a crucial problem.
Beneath, we break down the traits shaping loyalty within the US and Canada, highlighting the place regional knowledge diverges from world benchmarks and what meaning for entrepreneurs. All of the statistics on this article are from Antavo’s World Buyer Loyalty Report 2026. Be sure to obtain it for extra regional, world and industry-based findings on loyalty and AI.
United States: Loyalty as a strategic development engine
If there may be one phrase to explain the US loyalty panorama in 2026, it’s confidence. Whereas 83% of program house owners globally report being happy with their loyalty program, within the US that determine jumps to 89%. This aligns with the broader world pattern of loyalty getting into a “golden age,” however US entrepreneurs are clearly forward in perceived efficiency.
Finances allocation follows the identical sample. Globally, manufacturers dedicate round half of their advertising finances to loyalty and CRM. Within the US, the common allocation reaches 59%, considerably increased than the worldwide common of 51%. For corporations planning to launch, the quantity is even increased at 61%.
AI Adoption is forward of the curve
The Worth Age is outlined by AI-powered, adaptive loyalty ecosystems. US entrepreneurs are leaning into this shift.
- 64% at present use AI-driven personalization, in comparison with 51% globally
- 64% use AI-powered instruments to handle loyalty packages, effectively above the worldwide benchmark
- AI preparedness scores are skewed increased, with 15% ranking themselves on the most 10/10, practically double the worldwide share
This displays a virtuous cycle highlighted within the report: loyalty fuels AI with consented knowledge, and AI optimizes loyalty efficiency in return.
Nonetheless, challenges stay. Information high quality and fragmentation are cited by 39% of US entrepreneurs as a barrier to evaluation, echoing the worldwide theme of “knowledge blindness.” Even in a mature market, perception extraction stays tough.
The Shopper Actuality: Excessive Expectations, Conditional Loyalty
On the patron facet, US members are extremely engaged, however they’re conscious of the market actuality.
- 79% agree loyalty packages helped them lower your expenses, above the worldwide baseline
- 52% say they’re extra more likely to be part of a loyalty program than final yr, considerably increased than the 43% world common
Nonetheless, solely 30% agree they store solely with manufacturers which have loyalty packages. That mirrors the worldwide notion hole highlighted within the report: manufacturers could overestimate loyalty’s exclusivity impact.
US clients are motivated primarily by financial savings, however they anticipate seamless digital entry and related rewards. The bar is excessive. Transactional worth will get them in; sustained personalization retains them lively.
Canada: Loyalty as on a regular basis utility
Canada presents a barely completely different dynamic. Loyalty is deeply embedded in client life, however expectations are sensible and value-driven. Canadian customers belong to a mean of 3.45 loyalty packages, barely beneath the worldwide common of three.68. This implies a extra curated method to membership.
Channel choice stands out. Whereas 44% of customers globally favor logging right into a cell app, in Canada solely 40% do, and 51% nonetheless carry a plastic card, considerably above the worldwide 41%.
This reinforces a key perception from Chapter 4 of the report: clients don’t essentially need “extra apps.” They need frictionless identification. In Canada, bodily entry stays related.
Buyer disappointment facilities on reward attainability
Globally, the primary frustration is how lengthy it takes to earn rewards. In Canada, that frustration is even stronger, as 57% say it takes too lengthy to earn rewards, in comparison with 49% globally
It is a crucial sign. In a market recognized for robust coalition packages and retail loyalty heritage, Canadian customers anticipate clear and achievable worth alternate.
On the constructive facet:
- 81% agree loyalty packages helped them lower your expenses, barely above world ranges
- 71% say utilizing loyalty packages is now a part of their life, in comparison with 66% globally
Loyalty in Canada isn’t elective. It’s routine. However habits alone don’t assure emotional loyalty.
Canadian customers seem barely extra discerning. To realize their belief, worth should really feel significant, not marginal. This creates a possibility for loyalty-led rewards that transcend reductions. If rewards are attainable, related, and personalised, manufacturers can shut the notion hole and keep away from quiet quitting.
Conclusion: North America is invested, however the worth check is ongoing
Throughout each markets, loyalty is robust, funded, and strategically vital. Within the US, loyalty packages are extremely built-in into AI methods, closely funded, and delivering robust ROI. Entrepreneurs are assured, and adoption of superior capabilities is excessive. In Canada, loyalty is culturally embedded and extensively used, however customers are pragmatic. They anticipate accessible rewards and clear worth alternate. For each of them, the true query is: how intelligently can we evolve?
In the event you’re exploring how methods to launch or revamp a loyalty program with a next-gen loyalty expertise both within the US or Canada, guide a name with Antavo’s loyalty specialists. And don’t overlook to obtain our report!
