Shopify Loyalty App Migration Guides
Switching to Anchor? We've made it easy. Follow these step-by-step guides to migrate from your current loyalty app.
Install free on ShopifyMigrating from Smile.io
Migration Steps
- 1Install Anchor Loyalty from the Shopify App Store
- 2Configure your points earning rules to match your current setup
- 3Set up VIP tiers with the same thresholds (if applicable)
- 4Create matching rewards and redemption rules
- 5Customize the widget to match your brand
- 6Test with a few orders before going live
- 7Once verified, disable Smile.io from your theme
Important Note
Customer points history is stored in Smile. Export balances to CSV and Anchor imports them matched by customer email, so existing balances carry over, or start fresh with a new program launch.
Migrating from Yotpo Loyalty
Migration Steps
- 1Install Anchor Loyalty from the Shopify App Store
- 2Document your current Yotpo program structure
- 3Replicate earning rules in Anchor (purchases, sign-ups, etc.)
- 4Set up VIP tiers to match your current structure
- 5Configure referral program settings
- 6Customize widget styling to match your brand
- 7Run parallel testing before switching
- 8Disable Yotpo Loyalty when ready
Important Note
If you use other Yotpo products (Reviews, SMS), those can continue independently. Only the loyalty component needs migration.
Migrating from LoyaltyLion
Migration Steps
- 1Install Anchor Loyalty from the Shopify App Store
- 2Export your LoyaltyLion program settings for reference
- 3Configure earning rules in Anchor dashboard
- 4Set up tiers and rewards to match
- 5Customize the customer-facing widget
- 6Test the program thoroughly
- 7Go live and remove LoyaltyLion code from theme
Important Note
Anchor provides a simpler setup experience than LoyaltyLion. Most configurations can be done in under an hour.
Before you switch: what actually changes
Feature comparisons tell you what an app does. These are the dimensions that decide how painful the switch itself is, and how hard it will be to leave again later. Figures verified against vendor pricing pages and Shopify App Store listings in August 2026.
| Platform | Pricing model | Points import | Exit friction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor Loyalty | Flat $14.99/mo, VIP tiers included | CSV, matched on customer email | Low: monthly, CSV export of balances |
| Smile.io | Free → $15/mo; VIP tiers on the $199/mo plan | CSV export available for balances | Low, monthly billing via Shopify |
| Rivo | Usage-based $15–$499/mo by order volume | CSV export available for balances | Low: monthly, but cost rises with growth |
| Growave | Free → $15/mo; $199/mo tier for VIP | CSV export available for balances | Medium, bundled reviews and wishlists leave with it |
| Yotpo Loyalty | Per order ($0.08–$0.20); quote-based above 5,000/mo | CSV import, matched on email | Medium to high, suite lock-in if you also run Reviews or SMS |
| LoyaltyLion | Quote-based; published tiers are legacy only | CSV export of balances | High: contract terms are negotiated, not monthly by default |
Across every platform, the same things fail to transfer: activity history, redemption history, and referral attribution chains. Only balances move, and only by CSV. Full disclosure: we build Anchor Loyalty, listed first above. Score the whole field yourself or read the tested ranking of eight apps.
Migrating between other platforms
Not moving to Anchor? These guides cover the same work for merchants switching between other loyalty platforms. Neutral, with the data-mapping tables and gotchas that apply regardless of destination.
General Migration Tips
Document Your Current Setup
Before starting, take screenshots of your current program settings, earning rules, and rewards structure.
Run Apps in Parallel
Install Anchor while keeping your old app active. Test thoroughly before making the switch.
Communicate the Change
Let customers know about the transition. A new program launch can be a marketing opportunity.
Get Help if Needed
Our team is available to assist with complex migrations. Don't hesitate to reach out.
Migration FAQ
Can I migrate customer point balances?
Anchor allows you to manually set customer point balances. For bulk imports, contact our support team for assistance with larger migrations.
Will there be downtime during migration?
No. You can run both apps simultaneously during testing. Only disable the old app once Anchor is fully configured and tested.
Do I need to edit my theme code?
No. Anchor installs automatically via Shopify App Embed. No manual code editing required.
What if I need help with migration?
Our support team is here to help. Contact us for personalized migration assistance, especially for complex program structures.
Ready to make the switch?
Start your free trial today. Migration is simple and our team is here to help.