Engage People and FreedomPay partner to expand the ubiquity of loyalty points as currency

By Edlyn Cardoza

Engage People, the only loyalty network that enables program members to pay with points (PwP) directly at checkout, announced it is partnering with FreedomPay, the data-driven commerce platform, to deliver PwP capabilities to retailers’ brick-and-mortar locations. The partnership will enable consumers to pay seamlessly with points for everyday purchases through the FreedomPay platform, allowing for frictionless transactions of any amount like any other currency.

“Our partnership with FreedomPay is truly a game-changer across the loyalty industry,” said Jonathan Silver, CEO of Engage People. “Retailers now have an opportunity to provide an alternative payment option that meets growing consumer demand during a time when inflation is at its highest point in years. We’re looking forward to collaborating with FreedomPay to continue to evolve loyalty points into a ubiquitous form of currency – like paying with cash or card – and expanding our loyalty network to include a wider roster of leading retailers.”

Through a combination of Engage People’s APIs and FreedomPay’s loyalty and incentives engine, customers will have the option to quickly pay with points in-store, in real time, across a variety of retailers. As a result, Engage People will expand its access to additional retail partners across North America, ultimately bolstering its loyalty network, Access Plus.

“Consumers are continuously seeking alternative and diverse methods of payment,” said Chris Kronenthal, President of FreedomPay. “Through our partnership, retailers are not only providing more convenience and flexibility to their customers, but they’re also enhancing the everyday shopping experience. This can lead to repeat purchases and long-term customer loyalty.”

Len Covello, CTO at Engage People, said the collaboration with FreedomPay will help broaden the use and redemption of loyalty points outside of e-commerce, which allows retailers to increase customer loyalty at point of sale (POS).

“Our partnership with FreedomPay will expand the universality of loyalty points as a form of payment, which is significant given more consumers will have the option to use their points on common, inexpensive purchases,” he said. “For retailers, expanding payment options helps them to retain exceptional brand loyalty by strengthening the connection between consumers and the brand.”