How Much Does it Cost to Build a Customer Loyalty Program App Like Flybuys?

Customer loyalty programs have become an essential part of modern businesses, helping brands retain customers and increase repeat purchases.

Flybuys, one of the most successful loyalty programs in Australia, offers users rewards, discounts, and exclusive deals in exchange for continued engagement.

If you’re considering building a customer loyalty program app similar to Flybuys, understanding the development costs is crucial.

The cost of developing such an app depends on multiple factors, including features, complexity, platform choice, and development team location.

This article will explore these aspects in detail and provide a rough cost estimate for building a Flybuys-like app.

1. Understanding Flybuys: Key Features and Functionalities

Before estimating the cost of development, let’s analyze the core functionalities that a customer loyalty app like Flybuys offers:

1.1. User Registration & Profile Management

• 1. Users can sign up via email, phone number, or social media accounts.
• 2. Profiles include name, contact details, loyalty points, and purchase history.
• 3. Multi-user family accounts or linked accounts.

1.2. Points Collection & Redemption System

• Customers earn points based on purchases.
• Partnered stores allow users to accumulate and redeem points.
• Point tracking, history, and expiration notifications.

1.3. Partner Integration

• A Flybuys-like app collaborates with multiple brands and stores.
• API integration for seamless transactions.
• Custom offers for different user segments.

1.4. Gamification & Rewards System

• Tier-based rewards (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum).
• Exclusive deals, discounts, and personalized offers.
• Spin-the-wheel, scratch cards, or daily challenges to boost engagement.

1.5. Mobile Payments & Digital Wallet

• QR code scanning for point collection.
• Secure transactions and seamless checkouts.
• Linking with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other wallets.

1.6. AI-Powered Personalization & Analytics

• AI-driven personalized offers based on shopping behavior.
• Predictive analytics to understand user preferences.
• Dashboard for users to view spending and points history.

1.7. Push Notifications & Email Alerts

• Alerts for exclusive discounts, partner offers, and expiring points.
• Transaction confirmations and promotional messages. . 1.8. Referral & Social Sharing Features

Users earn rewards by referring friends.

Social media integration for sharing deals and offers.

1.9. Customer Support & Chatbots

• Live chat support for troubleshooting.
• AI-driven chatbots for instant assistance.

1.10. Admin Panel for Business Management

• Merchants can track user engagement.
• Custom promotions and analytics dashboard.

2. Factors Influencing Development Costs

Several factors impact the cost of building a loyalty program app like Flybuys:

2.1. App Development Platform

• iOS, Android, or Both? Developing for both platforms increases costs.
• Web App or Native? Web-based apps are cheaper but lack full mobile functionality.

2.2. Technology Stack

• Front-end: React Native, Flutter (cross-platform), Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android).
• Back-end: Node.js, Python (Django), Ruby on Rails.
• Database: MySQL, PostgreSQL, Firebase.
• Cloud Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.

2.3. UI/UX Design Complexity

• Basic UI: $5,000–$10,000.
• High-end UI/UX with animations: $20,000+.

2.4. Development Team Location

• USA/UK: $100–$200/hour.
• Eastern Europe: $50–$100/hour.
• India/Southeast Asia: $20–$50/hour.

2.5. Third-Party API Integrations

• Payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal).
• CRM systems for user management.
• Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Mixpanel).

3. Estimated Development Costs

A Flybuys-like app requires careful budgeting. Below is a rough cost breakdown:

Feature Estimated Cost (USD)

• UI/UX Design $10,000 – $20,000
• User Registration & Profiles $5,000 – $10,000
• Points System Development $15,000 – $30,000
• Partner Integration $20,000 – $40,000
• Gamification & Rewards $15,000 – $25,000
• Mobile Payments & Digital Wallet $20,000 – $35,000
• AI-Powered Personalization $25,000 – $50,000
• Push Notifications & Email Alerts $5,000 – $10,000
• Referral & Social Sharing $10,000 – $20,000
• Customer Support & Chatbots $10,000 – $25,000
• Admin Panel $20,000 – $40,000
• Testing & Deployment $10,000 – $25,000
• Total Estimated Cost
• Basic MVP Version: $50,000 – $100,000.
• Full-featured Version: $150,000 – $300,000.

4. Ongoing Costs & Maintenance

Developing the app is just the beginning. You’ll also need to budget for:

4.1. Server & Cloud Costs

$1,000–$5,000/month depending on traffic.

4.2. Security & Compliance

Annual security audits: $5,000–$15,000.

4.3. Marketing & Customer Acquisition

Initial launch marketing: $20,000+.

4.4. App Updates & Bug Fixes

Continuous improvements: $10,000–$50,000 per year.

5. Alternative Ways to Build a Loyalty Program App

If custom development is expensive, consider:

5.1. White-Label Solutions

• Ready-made loyalty apps that can be customized.
• Cost: $10,000–$50,000.

5.2. No-Code/Low-Code Platforms

• Platforms like Bubble or Appgyver offer low-cost alternatives.
• Cost: $5,000–$20,000.

6. Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?

Building a customer loyalty program app like Flybuys is a significant investment but offers long-term benefits like customer retention, increased revenue, and better brand engagement.

For businesses with smaller budgets, starting with a basic MVP or a white-label solution can be a cost-effective way to enter the market. However, a fully custom-built app ensures scalability and a competitive edge.

Would you like to discuss specific cost-cutting strategies or feature prioritization for your app? Let’s explore ways to make your vision a reality within your budget.