Customer loyalty programs have become an essential part of modern businesses, allowing companies to retain customers, increase engagement, and boost sales. Apps like
Flybuys have revolutionized the way customers earn and redeem rewards, making loyalty programs more convenient and effective.
If you are considering developing a customer loyalty program app like Flybuys, you might be wondering: How much does it cost to build such an app?
The answer depends on various factors, including features, development approach, design, and platform.
In this article, we will break down the cost to develop a loyalty program app like Flybuys, covering essential factors such as features, development costs, and the timeline required to bring your app to life.
Understanding Flybuys: A Popular Loyalty Program
Flybuys is one of Australia's most well-known customer loyalty programs, allowing users to earn points when they shop at partner retailers.
These points can be redeemed for discounts, flights, and other rewards.
The app provides a seamless experience for users, offering digital card access, personalized offers, and real-time tracking of points.
To estimate the cost of developing a similar app, let's first analyze the key features that make Flybuys successful.
Key Features of a Loyalty Program App Like Flybuys
A robust customer loyalty program app should have essential features that enhance user engagement and simplify reward management. Below are the core features required in such an app:
1. User Registration & Profile Management
Secure sign-up/login (email, phone number, social media)
User profile creation and management
Multi-user account access (family or business accounts)
2. Digital Loyalty Card & Barcode Scanner
Digital membership card with QR code
Barcode scanner to scan receipts and accumulate points
Integration with NFC payments (optional)
3. Points System & Rewards Management
Points accumulation based on purchases
Reward redemption for discounts, gift cards, and other perks
Tier-based membership levels (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum)
4. Partner Integration & Offers
Listing of partner stores and brands
Customizable promotional offers and discounts
Personalized recommendations based on shopping habits
5. Transaction & Purchase History
Real-time tracking of earned points
Transaction history and purchase receipts
Automated cashback system (if applicable)
6. Notifications & Alerts
Push notifications for new offers
Email and SMS alerts for promotions
Reminders for expiring rewards
7. Referral Program
Referral-based point earnings
Invite friends via social media, email, or unique referral codes
8. In-App Payments & Wallet Integration
Secure payment gateway integration
Wallet balance tracking
Buy additional rewards or gift cards
9. Customer Support & Chatbot Assistance
24/7 AI-powered chatbot support
Contact support for queries and troubleshooting
FAQs and help center integration
10. Admin Panel & Analytics Dashboard
Merchant panel to manage offers
Admin analytics for customer insights
Fraud detection and security monitoring
Cost Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Flybuys-Like App?
The cost of developing a customer loyalty app like Flybuys depends on several factors, including:
App complexity (basic, medium, advanced)
Features and integrations
Design and user interface
Development team and location
Technology stack
Below is a rough cost breakdown based on different development phases:
1. UI/UX Design
Wireframing & Prototyping: $5,000 – $15,000
UI/UX Design: $10,000 – $30,000
Total Cost: $15,000 – $45,000
2. Frontend & Backend Development
Mobile App (iOS + Android): $30,000 – $80,000
Web Dashboard (Admin & Merchant Panel): $20,000 – $50,000
API & Backend Development: $40,000 – $100,000
Total Cost: $90,000 – $230,000
3. Third-Party Integrations
Payment Gateway (Stripe, PayPal, etc.): $5,000 – $15,000
Push Notifications (Firebase, OneSignal): $2,000 – $7,000
Barcode/QR Code Scanner: $5,000 – $12,000
CRM & Analytics Tools: $7,000 – $15,000
Total Cost: $19,000 – $49,000
4. Security & Compliance
Data Encryption & Privacy Protection: $10,000 – $25,000
GDPR, CCPA Compliance: $5,000 – $15,000
Total Cost: $15,000 – $40,000
5. Testing & Deployment
Manual & Automated Testing: $10,000 – $30,000
Beta Testing & Bug Fixes: $5,000 – $15,000
App Store Deployment (iOS & Android): $1,000 – $3,000
Total Cost: $16,000 – $48,000
6. Post-Launch Maintenance & Support
Regular Updates & Bug Fixes: $5,000 – $15,000 per month
Cloud Hosting & Server Maintenance: $3,000 – $10,000 per month
Total Annual Cost: $96,000 – $300,000
Total Estimated Cost for Development
Based on the above cost breakdown, the estimated cost to build a loyalty program app like Flybuys is:
Development Stage | Estimated Cost (USD) |
UI/UX Design | $15,000 – $45,000 |
Frontend & Backend Development | $90,000 – $230,000 |
Third-Party Integrations | $19,000 – $49,000 |
Security & Compliance | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Testing & Deployment | $16,000 – $48,000 |
Maintenance & Support (1 year) | $96,000 – $300,000 |
Total Development Cost | $251,000 – $712,000 |
The overall cost depends on the app’s complexity and customization. A basic app with limited features may cost around $100,000 – $200,000, whereas a high-end enterprise-level app with AI, big data, and analytics could exceed $1 million.
Factors Affecting Development Cost
App Complexity – More features mean higher development costs.
Tech Stack – Using advanced technologies (AI, blockchain, IoT) increases expenses.
Development Team – Hiring a US-based team costs more than outsourcing to India or Eastern Europe.
Third-Party Integrations – APIs and external tools add to overall costs.
Security & Compliance – Ensuring high-level security is costly but necessary.
FAQs on Developing a Customer Loyalty Program App Like Flybuys
1. How long does it take to develop a loyalty program app like Flybuys?
The development timeline depends on the app’s complexity. A basic version can take 4–6 months, while a fully-featured enterprise app may require 9–12 months or more.
2. Can I build a loyalty program app on a smaller budget?
Yes, you can start with a MVP (Minimum Viable Product) that includes essential features like user registration, points tracking, and reward redemption. This can cost between $50,000 – $100,000, with additional features added later.
3. Which technology stack is best for a loyalty program app?
A typical stack includes:
Frontend: React Native (for cross-platform), Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android)
Backend: Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails
Database: PostgreSQL, Firebase, or MongoDB
Cloud & Hosting: AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
4. How can I monetize a loyalty program app?
You can generate revenue through:
Partnered businesses paying commission per transaction
Subscription plans for premium users
Advertising and promotional partnerships
5. How do I ensure my loyalty app is secure?
To enhance security, implement data encryption, secure authentication (OAuth, 2FA), GDPR compliance, and fraud detection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized activities.
Conclusion
Building a customer loyalty program app like Flybuys is a significant investment, but it can drive long-term customer engagement and business growth.
The development cost varies based on features, complexity, and security requirements, ranging from $100,000 to over $700,000. By prioritizing essential functionalities, scalability, and user experience, businesses can create a cost-effective, high-performing loyalty app.
Whether you start with an MVP or a fully-featured app, partnering with an experienced development team ensures success.
Investing in a robust loyalty program enhances customer retention, brand loyalty, and revenue, making it a valuable strategy in today’s competitive market.
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