BON Loyalty Program & Rewards vs. Kivly ‑ Fidelización Comparison

Introduction

Selecting the right retention tools often feels like a balancing act between feature depth and operational simplicity. For Shopify merchants, the choice is rarely about finding an app that merely works; it is about finding a solution that fits the specific technical requirements and growth stage of the business. The loyalty software market offers a wide variety of approaches, ranging from traditional points-based systems to modern, mobile-first wallet integrations. Navigating these options requires a clear understanding of how each tool impacts the customer experience and the store's backend management.

Short answer: BON Loyalty Program & Rewards is a robust, feature-rich platform ideal for merchants needing deep customization, B2B capabilities, and multi-language support. Kivly ‑ Fidelización offers a specialized, mobile-centric approach focusing on digital passes for Apple and Google Wallets, making it better for brands with a heavy focus on retail or mobile-first engagement. While both serve retention goals, merchants seeking to scale efficiently may find that consolidating these functions into a single platform reduces the technical burden of managing multiple subscriptions.

The purpose of this analysis is to provide a detailed, objective comparison of BON Loyalty Program & Rewards and Kivly ‑ Fidelización. By evaluating their core features, pricing structures, and integration capabilities, merchants can determine which application aligns with their current operational needs and future expansion goals.

BON Loyalty Program & Rewards vs. Kivly ‑ Fidelización: At a Glance

Core Features and Retention Workflows

The architectural differences between BON Loyalty Program & Rewards and Kivly ‑ Fidelización define the type of customer relationship they help build. BON Loyalty focuses on a traditional but highly flexible loyalty structure. It utilizes points, VIP tiers, and referral programs to incentivize repeat behavior. This approach is well-suited for stores that want to create a structured "club" feel, where customers move through levels and earn different types of rewards, such as percentage discounts, free shipping, or specific product rewards.

Kivly ‑ Fidelización takes a more modern, frictionless approach by centering the loyalty experience around the smartphone's native wallet. Instead of asking customers to log into a website or remember a code, Kivly provides digital passes for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This is a significant advantage for merchants who operate both online and physical locations, as it allows customers to present a digital card at a point of sale (POS) easily. The workflow is streamlined toward visibility; once the card is in the customer's wallet, the merchant can send push notifications directly to the lock screen, bypassing crowded email inboxes.

BON Loyalty also supports POS environments, ensuring that online and in-store rewards remain synchronized. However, its primary strength lies in the depth of its tiered rewards. For example, the B2B loyalty features allow wholesale merchants to offer exclusive rewards to different business segments. This level of granularity is essential for complex business models that Kivly is not currently designed to serve. Kivly focuses more on the speed of communication and the ease of use for a general consumer audience.

Customization and Brand Control

Brand consistency is a major factor in customer trust. BON Loyalty offers significant customization options, particularly at the higher tiers. Merchants can tailor the loyalty page and use custom CSS to ensure the loyalty interface feels like a natural extension of the storefront. This is particularly important for Hydrogen or headless commerce builds, where the app must function through an API without disrupting the bespoke frontend experience. BON provides full API access and a Software Development Toolkit (SDK) on its Professional plan to accommodate these advanced technical needs.

Kivly ‑ Fidelización offers customization within the context of digital wallet passes. While this is more restrictive than a full web-based loyalty page, it ensures that the loyalty card looks professional and functions correctly within the Apple and Google ecosystems. The dashboard allows merchants to manage rewards and monitor card usage, though the visual flexibility is naturally limited by the standardized layouts of mobile wallet applications.

For stores operating in multiple regions, BON Loyalty provides a clear advantage with multi-language display options. This allows a merchant to present the loyalty program in the local language of the shopper, which is a critical component of global expansion. Kivly, while offering a localized experience (particularly for Spanish-speaking markets as indicated by its name and description), does not explicitly detail the same level of automated multi-language storefront adaptability in the provided data.

Pricing Structure and Value for Money

The financial commitment for each app varies significantly based on the volume of orders and the depth of features required. BON Loyalty offers a Free Forever plan that includes basic points and rewards, an anti-cheat referral program, and automated emails. This makes it highly accessible for new stores. As a store grows, the Basic plan at $25 per month introduces multi-language support and POS rewards. The Growth plan at $99 per month is where most scaling businesses will find the most value, as it introduces VIP tiers, B2B capabilities, and unlimited orders. The Professional plan at $349 per month is a significant jump, aimed at enterprise-level stores requiring custom development and headless support.

Kivly ‑ Fidelización does not offer a free tier, starting its pricing at $29 per month for the Starter plan. This plan is capped at 1,000 customers and two branches, making it a viable entry point for small brick-and-mortar shops. The Growth plan at $49 per month increases the limit to 5,000 customers and introduces AI-powered automatic promotions. For $99 per month, the Scale plan offers unlimited customers, branches, and push notifications, along with custom domain support.

When evaluating these costs, merchants must consider the "total cost of ownership." BON Loyalty’s higher tiers are expensive but offer a wide range of features that might otherwise require separate apps. Kivly’s pricing is more linear and affordable for stores that specifically want the wallet integration and push notification functionality without the complexity of a massive loyalty platform. However, if a merchant using Kivly later decides they need VIP tiers or a referral program, they would likely need to install additional apps, increasing their monthly overhead.

Integrations and Ecosystem Fit

The ability of a loyalty app to "play well" with the rest of the tech stack is a major operational consideration. BON Loyalty boasts a long list of integrations, including popular review apps like Fera, LAI, and Judge.me. It also connects with Shopify Flow for automation and Klaviyo for email and SMS marketing. This connectivity ensures that loyalty data can trigger specific marketing workflows, such as sending an email when a customer is close to reaching a new VIP tier.

Kivly ‑ Fidelización has a more specialized integration profile. It works with Shopify POS, Checkout, and Customer accounts, which are necessary for its core function. Its most notable integrations are with Google Wallet and Apple Wallet. While these are powerful for customer engagement, the app does not list the same breadth of third-party marketing or review app integrations as BON. This suggests that Kivly is intended to function as a more self-contained tool for mobile engagement rather than a central hub for a wider marketing stack.

For high-growth merchants, BON’s compatibility with Hydrogen (Shopify’s headless framework) and its full API access make it a more future-proof choice for custom builds. Kivly’s focus on the dashboard and wallet passes is excellent for standard Shopify themes but may require more effort to integrate into highly customized or headless environments.

Performance and Support

Support reliability is often the deciding factor when technical issues arise. BON Loyalty offers 24/7 support, with priority support and dedicated developer assistance available on the higher-priced plans. This level of service is crucial for stores doing high volume where any downtime in the loyalty program could lead to customer frustration. The single five-star review currently available for BON points toward a positive, albeit early, reception in the marketplace.

Kivly ‑ Fidelización also offers 24/7 support starting from its $49 Growth plan. The inclusion of AI-powered promotions at this level suggests a focus on helping merchants automate their marketing efforts with less manual intervention. However, with zero reviews currently listed in the provided data, merchants may have less peer-to-peer validation to rely on when assessing the app's real-world performance and stability.

Operational overhead is another factor to consider. BON Loyalty’s extensive feature set requires more time to configure and manage, especially when setting up B2B tiers and custom CSS. Kivly’s "works from day one" promise and intuitive dashboard suggest a lower learning curve, making it attractive for smaller teams or solo entrepreneurs who need to launch a loyalty program quickly without a long setup process.

Strategic Use Cases: Which App Fits Your Business?

Choosing between these two tools requires an honest assessment of the store's primary sales channels and customer demographics.

When to Choose BON Loyalty Program & Rewards

This application is the stronger choice for merchants who need a traditional, comprehensive loyalty infrastructure. It is particularly effective for:

• Stores with a global presence that require multi-language support to maintain a localized feel.
• B2B or wholesale businesses that need to manage complex customer segments and tiered rewards.
• Brands that use headless commerce or highly customized Shopify themes and need API access.
• Merchants who already use a stack of apps like Klaviyo, Judge.me, and Shopify Flow and want their loyalty data to sync across those platforms.

When to Choose Kivly ‑ Fidelización

Kivly is a strategic fit for businesses that prioritize mobile accessibility and direct-to-consumer communication. It is ideal for:

• Omni-channel retailers who want a seamless way for customers to use loyalty cards in physical stores via mobile wallets.
• Merchants looking to move away from email marketing and utilize push notifications for higher engagement rates.
• Smaller stores that want a simple, modern loyalty system without the complexity of VIP tiers or referral programs.
• Brands that want to offer a "digital first" experience that feels more like a modern tech service than a traditional points program.

The Alternative: Solving App Fatigue with an All-in-One Platform

As merchants scale, they often encounter a phenomenon known as app fatigue. This occurs when a store becomes a patchwork of various single-function applications—one for loyalty, one for reviews, one for wishlists, and another for referrals. While apps like BON Loyalty and Kivly provide valuable services, using them in isolation can lead to fragmented data, inconsistent user experiences, and a "stacked" cost structure that eats into profit margins.

When a merchant uses a points program from one developer and a review system from another, the two systems often do not communicate. A customer might leave a five-star review but not receive loyalty points for it unless a manual integration is configured. This fragmentation creates a disjointed experience for the customer and an administrative headache for the merchant. Furthermore, multiple app scripts running on the storefront can impact site speed, leading to lower conversion rates.

Growave addresses these challenges through a "More Growth, Less Stack" philosophy. Instead of forcing merchants to manage five different subscriptions and five different support teams, it integrates these essential functions into a single, cohesive platform. By consolidating loyalty points and rewards designed to lift repeat purchases with other retention tools, merchants can create a unified journey for their customers. This approach ensures that every interaction—whether it is adding an item to a wishlist or leaving a photo review—is tracked and rewarded within the same ecosystem.

Centralizing these features also allows for more sophisticated marketing. For instance, VIP tiers and incentives for high-intent customers can be directly linked to their review activity. A merchant can automatically move a customer to a "Gold" tier not just because they spent a certain amount, but because they are an active brand advocate who regularly engages in collecting and showcasing authentic customer reviews. This holistic view of the customer is difficult to achieve when using siloed applications.

Cost is another significant factor in the move toward consolidated platforms. When comparing the expense of multiple individual apps, merchants often find a pricing structure that scales as order volume grows to be more sustainable. Instead of paying three or four separate $29 or $49 monthly fees, a single integrated subscription provides a clearer view of total retention-stack costs. This predictability helps in comparing plan fit against retention goals without the surprise of "feature creep" costs from multiple vendors.

Beyond the financial benefits, the operational efficiency of an all-in-one system cannot be overstated. Managing a single dashboard reduces the time spent on staff training and troubleshooting. When all tools are built by the same developer, the user interface remains consistent for the merchant, and the frontend widgets remain consistent for the shopper. This consistency builds brand professionality and trust. Merchants can find real examples from brands improving retention by moving away from tool sprawl and toward a unified strategy.

Furthermore, review automation that builds trust at purchase time becomes more effective when it is part of a larger retention engine. When a customer receives a reward for their review, they are immediately incentivized to return to the store to spend those points. This creates a "flywheel effect" where each action feeds into the next, driving up customer lifetime value without requiring constant manual intervention from the marketing team. Many customer stories that show how teams reduce app sprawl highlight this specific benefit as a primary driver for switching to an integrated platform.

If consolidating tools is a priority, start by comparing plan fit against retention goals.

Conclusion

For merchants choosing between BON Loyalty Program & Rewards and Kivly ‑ Fidelización, the decision comes down to the specific technical needs of the storefront and the desired customer experience. BON Loyalty is a powerful contender for businesses that need a deep, traditional loyalty structure with the flexibility to handle B2B clients and multi-language markets. Its high-tier professional features make it a viable option for stores on Shopify Plus or those using headless architectures. Conversely, Kivly ‑ Fidelización offers a nimble, mobile-first solution that excels in the omni-channel space by putting loyalty cards directly into customers' digital wallets. It is an excellent choice for merchants who want to bypass email and connect with customers through mobile push notifications.

However, as a store grows, the limitations of specialized apps often become more apparent. The need to integrate reviews, wishlists, and referrals alongside a loyalty program can lead to a cluttered backend and a slow frontend. This is where an integrated platform offers a strategic advantage. By unifying these functions, merchants can reduce technical debt and focus more on growth than on managing an ever-expanding app stack. Consolidation is not just about saving money; it is about creating a seamless, high-trust environment for shoppers that encourages long-term loyalty.

When evaluating your options, consider verifying compatibility details in the official app listing to see how an integrated approach might serve your specific store configuration. Decisions made today regarding the tech stack will significantly impact the ability to scale tomorrow. Whether you choose a specialized tool or a comprehensive platform, the goal remains the same: building a sustainable business through customer retention.

To reduce app fatigue and run retention from one place, start by reviewing the Shopify App Store listing merchants install from.

FAQ

Which app is better for an international Shopify store?

BON Loyalty Program & Rewards is generally better for international stores because it includes native multi-language display features. This allows merchants to translate their loyalty program interface into multiple languages, ensuring a consistent experience for global customers. Kivly ‑ Fidelización focuses heavily on digital wallet passes and does not emphasize multi-language storefront capabilities to the same extent in its standard feature set.

Can I use these apps for my physical retail store?

Both apps support Shopify POS, making them suitable for omni-channel retail. BON Loyalty allows customers to earn and redeem points in-store, while Kivly ‑ Fidelización uses Apple and Google Wallet passes that customers can easily scan at the checkout counter. Kivly may offer a slightly more "frictionless" experience for the customer in a physical setting, as most people have their phones and digital wallets readily available.

Is a free plan available for these loyalty apps?

BON Loyalty Program & Rewards offers a "Free Forever" plan that includes basic points and referral features, making it a good starting point for new businesses. Kivly ‑ Fidelización does not offer a free version; its pricing starts at $29 per month for the Starter plan. Merchants on a tight budget might prefer starting with BON to test the waters before committing to a monthly subscription.

How does an all-in-one platform compare to specialized apps?

An all-in-one platform integrates multiple marketing tools—such as loyalty, reviews, referrals, and wishlists—into a single application. This reduces the number of scripts running on a site, which can improve page load speeds. It also ensures that data is shared across all modules, allowing for more automated and personalized customer journeys. Specialized apps often provide deeper functionality in one specific area but require more effort to integrate with other parts of the marketing stack. By checking merchant feedback and app-store performance signals, retailers can see how others have transitioned to unified systems to improve operational efficiency.

Do these apps work with Shopify Plus?

BON Loyalty Program & Rewards is specifically noted for its compatibility with Shopify Plus features, such as points at checkout and full API access for headless commerce. While Kivly ‑ Fidelización works with the Shopify Checkout and POS, its feature set is currently more focused on standard and mid-market needs. For enterprise-level requirements, seeing how the app is positioned for Shopify stores that handle high volumes can help clarify if a tool is ready for Plus-level governance and complexity.