Rewards Network is a leading fintech company specializing in marketing, loyalty rewards programs, and capital solutions for the restaurant industry. Since its founding in 1984, the company has aimed to help local restaurants thrive by connecting them with millions of diners through partnerships with top airline, hotel, and retail loyalty programs. Headquartered in Chicago, Rewards Network has built a reputation as the nation’s foremost promotional platform for restaurants, leveraging advanced technology and data analytics to drive customer engagement and revenue growth.
Founded in 1984, Rewards Network began as a small loyalty and promotional program and has since evolved into a major player in the restaurant and hospitality fintech sector. Over the past 35+ years, the company has helped more than 97,000 restaurants increase their revenue, traffic, and customer engagement. The company’s growth has accelerated in recent years, with its restaurant client base more than doubling over the last four years, now serving over 20,000 restaurants nationwide. Employee growth has also been steady, with a current workforce of about 700 and a recent 4% increase in headcount.
Rewards Network has raised at least $10 million over two funding rounds, with its most recent acquisition by TowerBrook Capital Partners in 2021 marking a significant milestone
Card-linked dining rewards programs that allow members to earn points, miles, or cashback with major loyalty brands for every dollar spent at participating restaurants.
Performance-based marketing, where restaurants only pay fees when full-price guests are delivered, eliminating upfront costs and reducing risk.
Capital solutions, such as pre-purchasing receivables to provide restaurants with working capital, repaid only when Rewards Network members dine at the establishment.
The most notable acquisition in recent years was by TowerBrook Capital Partners in 2021, which brought in new leadership and a renewed focus on data analytics, platform scaling, and new partnerships. Rewards Network has also expanded its reach by powering loyalty programs for more than 20 of the world’s biggest brands, including American Airlines, Hilton, Marriott Bonvoy, and United Airlines.
Recent innovations include enhanced data-driven insights for restaurants, direct integration with major credit card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and the expansion of rewards currencies and loyalty platforms. The company is also exploring new verticals beyond restaurants, such as hotels and other local service businesses, to broaden its network and value proposition.
Rewards Network fosters an open-door culture that encourages an ownership mentality among employees. Leadership values cross-departmental collaboration, innovation, and transparency. The company offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and unique perks like dining reimbursements at partner restaurants. Employees are empowered to contribute ideas and drive the company’s mission of supporting local businesses.
The Rewards Network community consists of over 25 million verified members, including frequent travelers, corporate cardholders, and highly motivated diners who collectively spend more than $500 million annually at network restaurants. The platform also supports over 20,000 active restaurant partners, providing them with national exposure and access to a high-value, loyalty-driven customer base. The user community is engaged, with members spending 24% more per visit and being more likely to leave reviews and return, especially when restaurants interact with their feedback.
Rewards Network
By Rewards Network
