When stamps work well
Stamp-style programmes tend to work well where repeat visits happen frequently and the customer reward loop should feel immediate. They are easy to understand, operationally straightforward and effective when the business wants to encourage habit.
Where points add flexibility
Points-based models can support greater flexibility, layered benefits and longer-term value building. They are often better suited to businesses that want a wider range of rewards, richer segmentation or stronger links between spend and progression.
The cost of complexity
The trade-off is complexity. More flexibility often means more explanation, more exceptions and more operational discipline. If the customer cannot quickly see how the programme works, the theoretical upside may never be realised.
Choosing the model you can run
The right model is the one that customers can use confidently and the business can sustain commercially. That usually means choosing clarity first and sophistication second.