Surprise move: new loyalty program promises true freedom of choice for shoppers

February 4, 2026

Finally, a loyalty program that actually keeps its promises–no more collecting points just to win another fridge magnet (unless you’re into that). Lidl, the famous discounter, has rolled out a new system that puts true freedom of choice in the hands of its shoppers. Ready to trade in your loyalty for real rewards? Let’s dive in.

From App Launch to Loyalty Reboot

In 2021, while other retailers were already parading their flashy loyalty schemes, Lidl entered the digital loyalty scene with a fashionably late flourish, launching the Lidl Plus app. The result? A tidal wave of success—registered users rocketed from 7 million to 15 million in no time at all. The app was more than a simple scan; it brought with it enticing discount coupons, tempting promotions, and even scratch cards to add a bit of suspense to the weekly shop. There was just one catch: unlike many rivals, you couldn’t stockpile loyalty points. Shoppers could find short-term deals, but the elusive reward points stayed out of reach.

A Real Game-Changer: “Points Lidl” Arrives

Well, Lidl clearly listens when the crowd speaks. Starting Thursday, February 5th, they’re flipping the script with the new “Points Lidl” system. The concept could not be simpler—scan, collect, save. Literally. Every checkout scan with the Lidl Plus card tracks your spending, and for every euro you fork out, you snag a point. But what do you do with these hard-earned points? Here comes the jaw-dropper: pick from a whopping 300 different rewards.

Alejandra Glavina, in charge of the Lidl Plus program, hails the move as more than just a tweak: “This is a true revolution—no other retailer has dared to do it before us,” she exclaims. Normally, the distributor calls the shots on what reward you get, but at Lidl? It’s the shopper who holds the power. According to Glavina, each customer has real freedom of choice, so you can choose rewards that fit your actual needs and preferences. Now that’s loyalty with a personal touch.

Rewards Galore: What Can Shoppers Expect?

How does this newfound freedom look in practice? The program covers a whole arsenal of rewards:

  • Free products (because who doesn’t love free stuff?)
  • Monetary coupons for next time’s shop
  • Direct discounts at the till

And the flexibility doesn’t stop there. Points collected with every trip to the checkout can be redeemed in any of Lidl’s 1,600 stores or right from home on the Lidl.fr online shop. According to Glavina, the new system is “very simple to use” thanks to a handy filter: you always know how many points you’ve earned, which rewards you’ve unlocked, and even which fresh deals await on fruits and vegetables. Say goodbye to reward confusion—you’ll know exactly where you stand.

A Win-Win: More Personalization, More Loyalty

But what’s in it for Lidl? Plenty. Glavina points out that, with this program, the company gets sharper insights into what customers want, allowing Lidl to tailor even more personalized offers. It’s not only about winning shoppers’ hearts but doing so in a way that genuinely fits their lifestyles. The result, Lidl expects, is even greater loyalty.

On certain special occasions—and here’s where your points can really pile up—Lidl will double points for every euro spent to supercharge particular campaigns. For example, from February 20th, all points will be doubled on “Saveurs de nos régions” products (those with French origins). Just a few days later, starting February 24th, the same generous offer will apply to French fruits and vegetables. Lidl isn’t disclosing specific figures but promises that “this program will lead to additional investments” on their part.

In the end, Lidl’s new loyalty program does what many others promise but fail to deliver: it puts control back into the hands of shoppers and opens a world of tailored rewards. So, next time you’re debating whether to go for that extra croissant, just remember—every euro brings you one step closer to a reward of your own choosing. Not all heroes wear capes; some just scan their Lidl Plus at checkout.

Evelyn Hartwell

Evelyn Hartwell

My name is Evelyn Hartwell, and I am the editor-in-chief of BIMC Media. I’ve dedicated my career to making global news accessible and meaningful for readers everywhere. From New York, I lead our newsroom with the belief that clear journalism can connect people across borders.