Loyalty and Stored Value Business Model: Examples (2026)
A business sells rewards to partners or collects customer cash before redemption. Deferred obligations and repeat engagement become part of its economics; redemption terms determine the eventual cost.
Last checked 2026-10-18 on the official pages.
How do airlines make money from miles?
Rewards and prepaid balances connect customers with partners. Biggest disclosed lines: American Airlines Group: Passenger at $49,643 million; Delta Air Lines: Passenger at $51,768 million; Starbucks: Company-operated stores at $30,745 million; United Airlines Holdings: Passenger at $53,438 million.
How do loyalty programs make money?
Rewards and prepaid balances connect customers with partners. Biggest disclosed lines: American Airlines Group: Passenger at $49,643 million; Delta Air Lines: Passenger at $51,768 million; Starbucks: Company-operated stores at $30,745 million; United Airlines Holdings: Passenger at $53,438 million.
Rewards and prepaid balances connect customers with partners.
Signals to look for
- Partner purchases of rewards
- Deferred rewards obligations
- Stored value balances
Companies using this model
| Company | Sector | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines Group | Airlines | verified |
| Delta Air Lines | Airlines | verified |
| Starbucks | Restaurants | verified |
| United Airlines Holdings | Airlines | verified |
All business models · Filter company evidence
Frequently asked questions
How does Loyalty and stored value work?
A business sells rewards to partners or collects customer cash before redemption. Deferred obligations and repeat engagement become part of its economics; redemption terms determine the eventual cost.
How do airlines make money from miles?
Rewards and prepaid balances connect customers with partners. Biggest disclosed lines: American Airlines Group: Passenger at $49,643 million; Delta Air Lines: Passenger at $51,768 million; Starbucks: Company-operated stores at $30,745 million; United Airlines Holdings: Passenger at $53,438 million.
How do loyalty programs make money?
Rewards and prepaid balances connect customers with partners. Biggest disclosed lines: American Airlines Group: Passenger at $49,643 million; Delta Air Lines: Passenger at $51,768 million; Starbucks: Company-operated stores at $30,745 million; United Airlines Holdings: Passenger at $53,438 million.