Understanding point timing and delays

Points and rewards in a loyalty program are not always granted instantly. Understanding when points are issued and why delays can occur helps set the right expectations before you launch your program. This article explains how point timing works at a high level and why some actions take longer to process.

Points are granted after conditions are met

Points are awarded only after the conditions of an earning action are satisfied.

For example:

• Purchase-based points may require an order to reach a specific status: paid or fulfilled
• Review rewards are granted only after a review is published
• Referral rewards depend on a referred customer completing a qualifying purchase

These conditions ensure that points are issued accurately and fairly.

Why points may not appear immediately

Some earning actions require verification or approval before points are granted. As a result, there may be a short delay between when an action is completed and when points appear in a customer’s balance. These delays help prevent abuse, ensure rewards are granted only for valid actions, and keep your loyalty program consistent and reliable.

Redeeming rewards vs. Applying them

Redeeming a reward does not mean it is automatically applied to an order.

When a customer redeems points, a reward code is generated. The customer can then click Apply to automatically apply the reward at checkout, or copy the code and paste it manually. If the reward is redeemed but not used right away, the code is saved in the customer’s rewards section and can be used later.

This separation allows customers to redeem rewards when they are ready, without being forced to use them immediately.

Setting the right expectations

Understanding point timing helps avoid confusion for both merchants and customers. Before launching your loyalty program, make sure you:

• Test earning and redemption flows
• Verify when points are granted for each action
• Understand which actions require approval or order status changes

If you have questions about point timing or reward behavior, contact us via in-app Live Chat or at [support@bloy.io]().

Updated on: 04/01/2026