How to Build an App Like Fetch Rewards: The Complete Guide
Did you know that loyalty apps can boost repeat purchases by up to 40%?
As consumer acquisition costs rise, brands are shifting focus from one-time transactions to long-term loyalty. The global loyalty programs market is projected to grow 15.9% annually, reaching nearly $94 billion in 2025, driven by mobile-first engagement, AI-powered personalization, and gamification.
Apps like Fetch Rewards stand out because they don’t just reward purchases but understand user behavior. That’s where the market is headed. You now see smarter apps, real-time rewards, and contextual nudges that feel tailor-made to each of the consumers.
Who will benefit from this guide?
This guide is for founders, project managers, agencies, and enterprise teams who are exploring how to build or outsource a Fetch Rewards-like app. Whether you’re starting from scratch or expanding your current loyalty offering, you’ll find practical insights here.
At RaftLabs, we’ve been building loyalty apps for clients across industries for 3+ years. Some of our partners return every festive season to launch fresh campaigns. After peak cycles, we help them cut costs and streamline operations, so the app stays lean, but ready to scale.
This blog unpacks everything you need to know:
Why apps like Fetch are booming now
What features actually drive retention
How to build a rewards app from scratch (the right way)
What it costs, how long it takes, and what tech stack works best
Let’s dive into what it really takes to build a Fetch Rewards-like app in 2025 and how to do it without burning time or money.
The Fetch Rewards Phenomenon: What Makes It Tick?
Before you build an app like Fetch Rewards, it helps to understand why it works so well. Fetch didn’t just launch a rewards app. It built a movement, backed by smart tech, a simple value prop, and a strong user community.
Here’s what made it click:
1. A Simple but Addictive Flow
Users snap a photo of any receipt. The app scans it using AI + OCR and instantly awards points. No manual data entry. No barcode scanning. Just tap, scan, and earn.
2. Everyday Rewards, Everyday Behavior
From grocery runs to pharmacy visits, Fetch rewards users for purchases they’re already making. This low-friction loop fuels high frequency and habit formation.
3. Personalization That Feels Native
Fetch’s AI engine processes billions of transactions to suggest offers that match users’ real shopping habits. It’s not just personalization, it’s relevance built from actual behavior.
4. Gamification That Drives Retention
With streaks, brand challenges, and seasonal bonuses, Fetch keeps engagement high. Features like Fetch Play reward users for trying mobile games, creating new revenue streams and daily use cases.
5. A Community-Driven Brand
When their systems crashed in 2017, the team processed receipts manually for weeks. That transparency earned them trust. Today, that “Fetch Fam” culture keeps users loyal and engaged.
The app stays lightweight. No clutter. No distractions. Just clear points, rewards, and an interface that works for all age groups — vital for building a wide user base.
7. Real Business Value Behind the Scenes
Fetch monetizes through affiliate deals with brands. Retailers pay to be featured, and in return get purchase-level insights that help them improve targeting. This full-funnel adtech model keeps the app free for users while driving ROI for partners.
8. Scalable and Investor-Backed
With over $500M in funding and a $2.5B+ valuation, Fetch shows how a rewards app can scale when it combines data, loyalty, and performance marketing into one tight ecosystem.
As you plan to develop an app like Fetch, keep these core levers in mind. What made Fetch work isn’t magic. It’s clearly a mix of sharp product thinking, user-first execution, and a business model that benefits everyone in the loop.
Market Trends and Competitive Landscape
If you’re planning to build a rewards app like Fetch, understanding the market landscape is not optional, it’s foundational. You need to know what users expect, what competitors are doing well, and where the real gaps lie.
1. The Loyalty App Market Is Growing Fast
The global loyalty programs market is projected to hit nearly $94 billion by 2025, growing at 15.9% annually. Mobile-first usage, gamified experiences, and AI-driven personalization are the baseline.
2. Digital Loyalty Is Becoming a Daily Habit
Over 80% of consumers are open to downloading loyalty apps. Many use them weekly, if not daily. This isn’t passive participation — it’s a shift in behavior. Strong mobile UX and personalized touchpoints now drive repeat use.
3. Engagement > Transactions
Modern loyalty programs are moving away from simple points-for-purchase models. Gamified experiences, brand missions, and experiential rewards are proving more effective in building long-term engagement.
4. Why Market Research Matters Before You Build
Studying other apps like Fetch helps you avoid missteps. You learn what resonates with users, where existing apps fall short, and how to position your product more effectively in a noisy market.
5. Who You’re Up Against (and What to Learn)
Studying the competition gives you a front-row view of what’s working — and where there’s room to improve. Here are some of the top players in the space and the angles they’ve leaned into:
Fetch Rewards: Known for simplicity, wide retailer support, and personalized offers powered by AI.
Ibotta: Focuses on cashback deals, especially for groceries and household staples.
Merryfield: Designed for health-conscious users, with a clean UI and partnerships with ethical brands.
Others to Watch: Apps like Drop, Swagbucks, Rakuten, Guusto, and Awardco bring unique loyalty strategies — from card-linked offers to employee recognition platforms.
6. What Sets a Fetch Rewards-Like App Apart
If you want to develop an app like Fetch, here’s what sets high-performing loyalty apps apart from the rest. These are the principles worth building around:
Easy-to-use UI with minimal learning curve
A broad and growing network of partner retailers
AI-powered recommendations based on real purchase behavior
Meaningful data insights that benefit both users and brand partners
7. How to Stay Ahead: Listen to Your Users
Great loyalty apps don’t just launch and forget. They evolve based on how users actually interact with them. Building feedback loops early on helps you stay ahead of changing needs:
Add in-app tools like open-ended surveys, shake-to-report features, and NPS widgets
Run A/B tests and behavior heatmaps to improve flows and identify friction
Conduct short interviews and feedback surveys before pushing major features
Map the entire customer journey to uncover moments of drop-off or confusion
Observe real-world usage over time to find unmet needs or opportunities for delight
8. Continuous Feedback Drives Growth
The best apps don’t just launch, they learn. Keeping a feedback loop helps you adjust fast, stay relevant, and deliver updates that matter. In a fast-moving market, that adaptability becomes your advantage.
When developing an app like Fetch, you’re not just building for today or tomorrow. You’re crafting an experience that must evolve alongside your users, their behaviors, and the constantly shifting competitive landscape. That’s why having the right product mindset and the right development partner can make all the difference for your business.
Defining Your Rewards App’s Purpose and Unique Value Proposition
After exploring what makes apps like Fetch succeed, the next step is to define your own path. Whether you’re building for a niche audience or targeting mass adoption, clarity on purpose and positioning is what sets your product up for long-term growth.
1. Know What You’re Really Solving
A rewards app isn’t just a points engine. It’s a behavior design tool. Before you build, define what habits you’re trying to reinforce — repeat purchases, engagement, referrals, or a mix of all three.
Loyalty programs work best when tied to real value moments, not just transactions
Your rewards should align with how, when, and why users interact with your brand
The app becomes an extension of your customer journey, not an add-on
2. Define Your Unique Edge Early
Standing out in the loyalty space takes more than offering cashback or gift cards.
You’ll need to answer: Why will users choose your app over others and keep using it?
Here are angles that create lasting differentiation:
Niche Positioning: Serve a specific audience (eco-conscious shoppers, frequent travelers, local buyers) with tailored experiences
Community-Led Design: Let users earn through reviews, referrals, or creative input.
Partnership Value: Collaborate with aligned brands to expand your ecosystem and reach.
Mission-Driven Rewards: Offer impact-based redemptions like carbon offsets, donations, or social pledges.
Ownership Loops: Let power users unlock tiers, co-create rewards, or influence upcoming features.
3. Align Features with Purpose, Not Trends
It’s tempting to adopt every buzzword like AI, gamification, and wallet integrations. But don’t think about it unless it maps to your core value else it just adds noise. Start lean. Scale features only when they serve the purpose.
AI personalization works best when tied to real data and intent
Gamification works when it rewards behavior you want to encourage, not just activity
Partner programs work when they unlock benefits your users actually want
4. Let Purpose Guide Your Build Decisions
From onboarding to reward logic, every feature should reinforce your app’s core promise. We use this alignment to keep builds focused, costs predictable, and outcomes measurable.
A Fetch Rewards-style app works best when it goes beyond functionality and is built with clear intent. That’s what makes users stay, scale possible, and loyalty real.
Essential Features for a Modern Fetch-Like Loyalty App
1. Receipt Scanning (Physical + Digital)
Let users upload paper receipts or auto-import digital ones from their inbox. This not only drives repeat visits but also gives your platform verified, high-quality purchase data.
2. Flexible Points System
Create a simple points engine that rewards users for eligible purchases and actions. Make it easy to track, understand, and redeem. This becomes the habit-forming core of your app.
Use AI to tailor deals and reward opportunities based on user behavior. Personalized loyalty programs see significantly higher engagement and redemption rates than generic campaigns.
Add features like challenges, streaks, levels, and badges. These help turn passive users into active participants and add reasons to return beyond just earning points.
5. Social and Referral Features
Let users refer friends, join challenges, and share milestones. Social interactions not only boost reach but also build a sense of community and accountability.
6. Digital Receipt Integration
Fetch Rewards-like apps improve retention by minimizing friction. Auto-fetching digital receipts ensures your users don’t have to manually upload every transaction.
7. Rewards Catalog and Redemption Flow
Present reward options in clear categories, from digital gift cards to charitable contributions. Keep redemption fast, simple, and accessible on any device.
8. Real-Time Notifications
Timely updates about earned points, expiring offers, or challenges drive urgency and increase daily engagement.
9. Strong Data Privacy and Security
Implement encryption, secure authentication, and fraud monitoring. Trust is foundational when you’re dealing with purchase histories and personal data.
A successful rewards app is more than just a list of features. It must deliver a continuous and engaging user experience.
At RaftLabs, we build that experience by mapping user journeys, learning from top apps like Fetch, and tailoring every detail to your business goals.
FeatureKey Technology StackPopular Tools/PlatformsReceipt ScanningOCR, AI/ML, Cloud StorageGoogle Cloud Vision, AWS Textract, Firebase StoragePoints SystemRelational Database, Rule Engine, Custom APIsPostgreSQL, Redis, Node.js, Firebase FunctionsPersonalized OffersAI/ML Models, CRM, AnalyticsAmazon Personalize, Segment, Mixpanel, HubSpotDigital ReceiptsEmail Parsing APIs, Cloud Functions, Automation WorkflowsMailparser, Zapier, AWS LambdaGamificationEvent Tracking, Analytics, Push Notification ServicesMixpanel, OneSignal, Firebase AnalyticsSocial FeaturesSocial Auth APIs, Referral Tracking EnginesBranch.io, Firebase Auth, Facebook SDK, Google IdentitySecurityEnd-to-End Encryption, Biometric Auth, AI-Based Fraud DetectionAWS Cognito, Auth0, Plaid Signal, AES-256 Encryption
Technology Stack and Development Approach
Loyalty programs can be delivered through mobile apps or web platforms. Choosing between web or mobile depends on where your users prefer to engage.
For mobile, React Native and Flutter let you build apps for both Android and iOS with a shared codebase. Swift and Kotlin are better if you want fully native apps with advanced features.
For the web, a responsive design ensures your loyalty platform works smoothly across all devices and screen sizes without needing a separate app.
For example, if your users mainly interact with your program on their phones and want features like push notifications, a mobile app might be best.
But if your users prefer quick access from any device without downloads, a responsive web app could be the way to go.
Choose the platform, web or mobile, that fits your audience’s habits, your budget, and your growth plans.
2. Design a Scalable Back-End
The back-end takes care of everything behind the scenes, such as rewards logic, user profiles, and data syncing. It needs to be flexible and capable of handling increasing traffic as the app grows.
Node.js, Django, or Spring Boot for application logic and APIs
PostgreSQL or MongoDB for managing structured and unstructured data
Redis or Firebase Realtime Database for features like live challenges or scan progress
A modular approach allows updates without full rebuilds.
3. Use AI Where It Adds Value
AI plays a useful role in making the experience more personalized and secure.
Recommendation engines (like Amazon Personalize or Vertex AI) tailor offers to user preferences
Fraud detection models help flag abnormal patterns using behavior or location data
Segmentation tools improve how and when users are re-engaged
The goal is to use AI to improve performance and experience without overcomplicating the system.
4. Set Up Scalable Infrastructure
Your cloud infrastructure should be ready for changing usage patterns, especially if your app gains traction quickly.
Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud offer flexibility and reliability
Serverless tools (e.g. AWS Lambda, Firebase Functions) support performance without manual scaling
CI/CD pipelines like GitHub Actions or Bitbucket automate testing and deployment
Structured environments (dev, staging, production) make ongoing work smoother and safer.
5. Build With Analytics in Mind
Analytics helps you understand how users interact with your app and where improvements are needed.
Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Firebase Analytics for behavior tracking
Event tagging to monitor drop-offs, usage patterns, and conversion flows
Notification tools like OneSignal to re-engage at the right moments
Clean data leads to clearer decisions.
6. Address Security Early
It’s important to prioritize data security from the start instead of trying to patch it in afterward.
AES-256 encryption for sensitive data
OAuth 2.0 for secure login and authentication
Biometric login, fraud monitoring, and compliance with data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
It’s about protecting user trust and minimizing legal or operational risks.
7. Prioritize Usability in Design
Good UX keeps users engaged. Simplicity isn’t accidental; it’s the result of intentional design.
Begin with low-fidelity wireframes and evolve into clickable prototypes
Keep each screen focused and navigation consistent
Ensure essential actions like scanning, earning, and redeeming are fast and obvious
User testing helps identify friction early and adjust before launch.
8. Test for More Than Functionality
A solid test strategy looks beyond whether things “just work.” It checks for performance, security, and usability under real-world conditions.
Test all major flows: registration, scanning, earning, redeeming
Run stress tests to simulate user spikes
Use tools like BrowserStack, Firebase Test Lab, and TestFlight to check across devices and environments
Catching bugs early prevents bigger issues later.
Instead of rushing to a big launch, rolling out gradually helps spot issues and make improvements faster.
Start with a soft launch (private beta or limited region)
Gather feedback and fix high-priority issues
Prepare app store listings with clear descriptions, visuals, and keywords
A staged launch offers more control and more learning opportunities.
10. Plan for the Long Term
Apps like Fetch Rewards aren’t static. They need ongoing updates, new features, and periodic performance reviews.
Maintain a product roadmap with short- and long-term goals
Set up regular analytics reviews to track feature usage
Stay updated with OS, API, and compliance changes
Loyalty apps that succeed usually grow gradually and improve through ongoing iterations, rather than trying to do everything at once.
Estimated Cost Ranges by App Complexity
Understanding how much it costs to build a rewards app like Fetch depends largely on the features you want, the depth of integrations, and how scalable your product needs to be from day one.
This version includes the essential features needed to test the concept and validate user interest.
Basic points and rewards logic
Simple user registration and profile
Ideal For: Startups testing market demand
Estimated Cost: $10,000 to $20,000
A more robust build with user engagement tools and integrations.
Gamification (badges, streaks, challenges)
Real-time analytics and user behavior tracking
Brand integration and promotional campaigns
Push notifications and email triggers
Ideal For: Growing businesses looking to scale and monetize
Estimated Cost: $20,000 to $60,000
A high-end loyalty app tailored for scalability, personalization, and enterprise-level partnerships.
AI-driven personalized rewards and recommendations
Deep third-party integrations (CRM, payment gateways, e-commerce)
High-performance architecture for large user bases
Advanced data security and compliance (GDPR, CCPA, PCI-DSS)
Ideal For: Enterprise brands or VC-backed startups
Estimated Cost: $60,000 to $80,000+
ComponentEstimated Cost Range (in USD)UI/UX Design$5,000 — $15,000Front-End & Back-End Dev$15,000 — $50,000Testing & QA$5,000 — $10,000Maintenance & Updates$5,000 — $15,000/year
What Drives the Total Cost of Your Rewards App?
Understanding what influences the cost of building a rewards app like Fetch can help you plan smarter and avoid surprises down the line.
It is not just about how much code is written but about what you want the app to do, how you want users to feel while using it, and how well it integrates into your business ecosystem.
Let’s walk through the key elements that can shape your budget.
1. The Features You Choose Define the Foundation
Every feature you add such as receipt scanning, real-time rewards, AI-driven personalization, or tiered loyalty levels will impact the amount of work and cost involved.
A simple app with a points system and a rewards catalog requires less effort. An experience that feels personalized, gamified, and smart takes more time and resources.
Ask yourself these questions:
Do users simply earn points or do they complete challenges and unlock badges?
Is the reward system static or dynamically generated based on user behavior?
The more complex the features, the more time it takes to build, test, and improve.
2. Design Is More Than Looks and Impacts Cost
Great design is not just about appearance. The more customized your app’s look and feel, the more time it takes to create wireframes, prototypes, animations, and responsive layouts. If you want smooth transitions and intuitive user flows, expect the design process to require more effort and several rounds of revision.
Think about it as designing the user’s emotions and experience, not just screens.
3. Integrations Add Layers of Complexity
Most rewards apps need to connect with other systems such as payment gateways, point-of-sale systems, loyalty engines, CRMs, or marketing platforms. Each integration adds development work, testing, and sometimes coordination with external vendors.
The more systems your app needs to communicate with, the more resources it will require to build and maintain those connections reliably.
4. Multiple Platforms Require More Planning
Are you launching on iOS first, or do you want to target both iOS and Android from the start?
Do you also need a web dashboard for administrators or partners?
Building for multiple platforms means writing more code and testing on different devices. It also means extra work to keep features and updates consistent across platforms as your app grows.
5. Who Builds Your App Matters
Your choice of development team strongly influences your budget. Here are the common options:
Freelancers usually charge less but might need more supervision and may offer limited post-launch support.
In-house teams provide greater control but come with higher operational costs and hiring challenges.
Agencies or experienced technology partners often cost more upfront but deliver faster, maintain higher quality, and bring expertise that can save time and money over the long run.
You are not just paying for code, but also for reliability, speed, and ongoing support.
6. Development Team Location Affects Rates
Where your development team is located also plays a role in your budget. Hourly rates can vary greatly:
Teams in the US or UK typically charge between $100 and $200 per hour
Eastern Europe and Latin America usually fall between $40 and $80 per hour
South Asia, including countries like India and Bangladesh, often charge between $25 and $50 per hour
Choosing the right team is about balancing cost with communication, quality, and delivery expectations.
Keep in Mind the Ongoing Costs
Launching your app is only the start. You also need to budget for hosting, maintenance, and updates.
Cloud hosting costs, with providers like AWS, Firebase, or Azure, will depend on your number of users and data storage needs.
App Store fees include annual publisher fees and a percentage of any in-app purchases.
Regular updates for features and security patches are essential to keep your app running smoothly and users happy.
The total cost of building a loyalty app depends on your choices around features, design, development team, and long-term goals. You do not have to build everything at once. It’s better to start with what offers real value and grow your app thoughtfully as your users and business expand.
Monetization Strategies for a Reward App Like Fetch
After investing in development, your next focus should be sustainability. A well-planned rewards platform does more than improve engagement.
It also creates multiple revenue streams that grow over time. Here are the most effective ways to monetize an app like Fetch Rewards.
1. Affiliate Commissions from Partner Brands
Each time a user makes a qualifying purchase, the brand pays your platform a small commission. This model allows you to reward users while generating revenue from brand partners. It creates value for all three parties.
2. Sponsored Offers and Paid Placements
Brands can pay to be featured in your app. You can reward users with extra points when they engage with these offers. This drives exposure for advertisers and builds a recurring income stream for your app.
3. In-App Purchases and Point Packs
Allow users to buy points directly or unlock premium rewards. This adds an optional monetization layer for users who want to redeem faster. The experience stays free for others while giving flexibility to those who want to pay.
4. Subscription Plans for Power Users
Offer a paid membership that includes faster redemptions, bonus points, or early access to offers. Subscriptions provide predictable monthly revenue while delivering more value to your most active users.
5. Analytics and Brand Insights
With proper permissions, your app can gather anonymized insights about user behavior and spending patterns. These insights can be shared with partner brands to help them run smarter campaigns and optimize offers.
How RaftLabs Supports Your Journey to Building a Rewards App Like Fetch?
Building a loyalty app means crafting a story that turns everyday users into passionate fans. We specialize in loyalty platforms that do exactly that, delivering consistent and easy-to-use experiences across both mobile and web to engage users at every touchpoint.
We partner with you from the earliest concept all the way through launch and ongoing support, helping you shape a product that truly connects customers to your brand while driving meaningful business results.
We are one of the best choices if you are looking for a web or mobile app development company that develops loyalty apps designed to grow your business.
Real-World Experience with Loyalty Apps That Work
Our work is proven in real projects. For example, with AldiFest in Ireland, we built a rewards platform where users uploaded receipts to win event tickets and gift cards. Thousands signed up within the first week alone.
In another case, we developed Instantor Rewards, a B2B app where tradespeople earned points and competed for monthly prizes by submitting receipts. This helped improve customer retention and maintain steady engagement.
We have also helped other clients build loyalty and rewards apps and proudly witnessed an increase in customer engagement of over 60 percent within just a few weeks. These examples show how a well-designed rewards app can directly impact sales and build lasting loyalty.
From Idea to Launch, We Handle It All
Building a loyalty app requires more than great ideas. You need a strong foundation. That is why we take care of every layer, from user experience design and wireframes to AI-driven personalization and analytics dashboards.
We work side by side with you to prioritize features and make data-driven decisions that ensure your app delivers real value. After launch, we stay involved by monitoring performance, fixing issues quickly, and rolling out updates that keep your users engaged and satisfied.
A Flexible Approach Tailored to Your Needs
Every business is different. Whether you are a startup founder testing a new idea or a large enterprise modernizing an existing loyalty program, we adapt our process to fit your timeline, budget, and goals.
We focus on lean development and fast delivery cycles so you can see results quickly without unnecessary complexity. Our goal is to help you build a loyalty app that grows with your business and delivers measurable outcomes from day one.
Creating a rewards app like Fetch Rewards in 2025 is a real opportunity. The market is growing fast, user expectations are evolving, and brands are looking for smarter ways to build loyalty.
But success depends on more than great features — it takes clear strategy, the right technology, and a product experience people want to keep coming back to.
As mentioned, we’ve helped businesses launch high-performing loyalty platforms that engage users and drive measurable growth.
Whether you’re planning your first launch or looking to improve what you already have, we can guide you on how to make a rewards app that truly delivers.
If you’re serious about building a rewards app that keeps customers coming back, let’s connect. We love partnering with innovators ready to make a real impact.
Got a loyalty app idea? Let’s bring your loyalty software to life together, thoughtfully, efficiently, and with your long-term success in mind.
This article was originally shared on RaftLabs
