“Winning the Cost-Conscious Diner” report shows customers join loyalty programs for deals not early access or exclusive offers
LOUISVILLE, CO – March 16, 2026 – Alchemer, a leader in technology for feedback and customer experience and intelligence, today released its 2026 Quick-Service Restaurant Study: Winning the Cost-Conscious Diner . The report offers insights into how quick-service restaurants’ (QSRs) customer loyalty programs influence purchasing decisions, engagement frequency, perceived value and long-term brand loyalty in today’s higher cost-of-living environment.
The findings reveal a shift in consumer motivation and behavior. Today’s diners are joining loyalty programs for the cost savings rather than for status or exclusive benefits. According to the report, 85% of consumers say saving money is the most important loyalty program benefit, outweighing perks such as early access, exclusive offers and convenience features. Additionally, 38%say they would switch loyalty programs for better rewards, offers or deals, underscoring how value-driven today’s dining decisions have become.
“Loyalty programs are no longer about earning perks or VIP status,” said Leslie Rich, Ph.D., Research Solutions Expert, Alchemer. “Instead of a demonstration of love for the brand, loyalty programs have become financial tools. In 2026, QSRs can win customer loyalty by delivering immediate, easy ways for diners to save money.”
Key Findings
Savings Over Status
As consumers prioritize tangible savings, discounts, BOGOs and free items are the strongest drivers of program enrollment and continued engagement.
Motivation to Sign Up for QSR Loyalty Programs
- Discounts: 82%
- Free items: 77%
- Exclusive menu items: 41%
- Convenience: 41%
- Other: 1%
Points Expiration is Top Retention Risk
According to the report, 35% of respondents say points expire too quickly, making it the single biggest loyalty program frustration. In an environment where consumers closely track their spending, expiring rewards can feel like losing money. Another 35% say their loyalty weakens when value feels unfair or unclear.
Hard to Use Rewards Diminish Perceived Value
When savings requires extra effort, the perceived value of the QSR diminishes. According to the report, 27% cite app glitches as a major frustration, and 22% say redeeming rewards is difficult.
Additional findings:
- 44% say they don’t use loyalty programs every time because they “don’t think about it”
- 61% say AI-powered suggestions are helpful, and 85% say they are more likely to join programs that tailor rewards to their purchase history
- 37% are unwilling to pay for a QSR loyalty subscription, while only 28% currently do
QSR brands that clearly offer savings, protect earned value, reduce mobile issues and offer targeted personalized rewards are best positioned to retain cost-conscious diners.
Methodology
Alchemer’s Research Solutions organization surveyed 800 U.S. adults who had purchased from a quick service restaurant in the past month and were current members of at least one QSR loyalty program. The research examined enrollment motivations, engagement behavior, perceived value, frustrations, subscription sentiment and the impact of loyalty programs on brand switching and spending behavior.
About Alchemer
Alchemer empowers customers to do more with feedback. From a one-time survey to sophisticated feedback programs, Alchemer gives customer-obsessed teams the clarity to move from asking to action with powerful software and purpose-built AI. More than 11,000 organizations use Alchemer to collect feedback and connect it across their organizations through integration and automation. Alchemer gives CX, marketing, product, HR and market research professionals clear, actionable insights. Founded in 2006, Alchemer is a KKR portfolio company.
For more information, visit www.alchemer.com.
Contact:
Christy Kemp
The Nova Method
ckemp@thenovamethod.com