Yum China Builds the World’s Largest Loyalty Engine With AI and Paid Perks
Yum China reported sharp growth in its digital loyalty ecosystem, with unique membership across its KFC and Pizza Hut brands rising 13% since 2024 to more than 590 million members, over 40% of China’s population. The company said loyalty members now account for 55% of total sales, prompting industry analysts to call it the largest loyalty program worldwide. Yum China operates and franchises more than 18,000 restaurants nationwide, including about 13,000 KFC locations, making it the country’s largest restaurant chain.
Executives credited China’s deep adoption of digital payments and mobile ordering for accelerating loyalty engagement. CEO Joey Wat told investors the KFC loyalty program is driving both short- and long-term performance, particularly for KPRO, a healthier, more upscale KFC concept launched in 2017. According to Wat, 80% to 90% of KPRO sales come from loyalty members. Yum China’s U.S.-listed shares rose 4% following the earnings release, showing that investors are confident in Yum’s loyalty strategy.
The company is also leaning into AI and premium loyalty tiers to deepen engagement. A new AI ordering assistant rolled out nationwide in January has already been used by two million KFC app members, mainly for breakfast and coffee orders. Unlike most U.S. restaurant loyalty programs, Yum China’s KFC app includes paid and invitation-only tiers offering benefits such as free delivery and priority delivery queues. With 265 million active users and China’s loyalty market valued at nearly $20 billion in 2025 – projected to reach $33 billion by 2029 – Yum China is positioning its loyalty platform as a major competitive advantage in one of the world’s most digitally advanced consumer markets.
Learn more about Yum China’s family of brands here.
Just Salad Ditches Points With Instant-Rewards Loyalty Program
Just Salad has launched JS Rewards, a new loyalty program that reimagines how guests earn value by eliminating points, tiers, and waiting periods. Instead of tracking points, members receive free items after every qualifying purchase and enjoy monthly reward drops ranging from complimentary drinks and snacks to dollars-off discounts. The goal is to make loyalty simple, immediate, and friction-free, aligning with the brand’s focus on accessible, healthy eating.
Just Salad Founder and CEO Nick Kenner said, “JS Rewards eliminates points and tiers in favor of instant rewards and free drops - giving guests real value right away, with zero friction,” said Nick Kenner, Founder and CEO of Just Salad.
Unlike traditional programs built on delayed gratification, JS Rewards centers on instant benefits. Every eligible order automatically unlocks a reward with no thresholds required, all while members receive monthly freebies with no purchase necessary. The program also includes surprise-and-delight elements like “mystery bowls,” which reveal rewards in the app after qualifying transactions. JS Rewards is fully integrated into the Just Salad app and website, allowing members to earn and redeem rewards both in-restaurant and online. To celebrate the launch, new members who join by February 13 will receive daily free-item drops such as SkinnyDipped almonds, La Croix, Issa’s pita chips, or pretzelized snackers and cookies.
Learn more about JS Rewards here.
Hawaiian Airlines Launches Yearlong Credit Card Sweepstakes With Millions of Atmos Rewards Points Up for Grabs
Hawaiian Airlines has introduced its largest-ever credit card promotion, offering more than 44 million Atmos Rewards points to cardmembers through the end of 2026. From now through December 31, every purchase made with the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® automatically serves as an entry into a yearlong sweepstakes. Each week, seven winners will receive 100,000 Atmos Rewards points, while one monthly grand prize winner will take home one million points, giving frequent card use a direct payoff in added chances to win.
Hawaiian and Alaskan Airlines Managing Director of Hawai’i Marketing, Alisa Onishi, said, “Our most rewarding credit card promotion is our way to mahalo our most loyal guests and Hawaiian Airlines cardholders. We’re thrilled to give our cardmembers more ways to earn Atmos Rewards points with every purchase and bring them closer to taking a Neighbor Island trip or exploring the new reaches of our global network.”
The promotion also includes a special benefit for Hawaiʻi residents, who will earn a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points for every dollar spent on all purchases, with up to 5,000 bonus points during the promotional period. Atmos Rewards further supports interisland travel by allowing members to earn up to five times more points on Neighbor Island flights, with award redemptions starting at just 4,500 points one way. Cardmembers of the World Elite Mastercard® receive an annual $100 companion discount for qualifying travel between Hawaiʻi and North America, two free checked bags on eligible flights, and the ability to earn status points with everyday purchases. Points can be redeemed with no blackout dates on Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, as well as across more than 1,000 global destinations through partner airlines.
Learn more about Atmos Rewards here.
Original Article Links:
KFC parent company's loyalty program in China surpasses 590 million members
Just Salad Flips Traditional QSR Loyalty Programs Upside Down with JS Rewards
Aloha to Big Rewards: Millions of Atmos™ Rewards Points Up for Grabs for Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard® Cardmembers in 2026