PAYBACK is „Leading Innovator 2026“

Munich, September 15, 2025 – PAYBACK has been named “Leading Innovator 2026” by FOCUS magazine. The prestigious list recognizes companies that impress with forward-looking ideas, sustainable concepts, and digital thinking. PAYBACK achieved outstanding results in all five categories evaluated: innovative strength, future viability, corporate culture, digitalization, and sustainability. “This award is a great endorsement for our program, our partners, and the entire PAYBACK team. It shows that we are on the right track with our customer-centric approach and consistent digitalization,” says Bernhard Brugger, Managing Director and CEO of the PAYBACK GROUP.

PAYBACK inspires over 34 million customers in Germany with one of the most successful multi-partner bonus programs worldwide. With over 700 partner companies, the award-winning PAYBACK app, and innovative services, the company continues to set new standards in loyalty and customer engagement. More than 16 million users regularly use the PAYBACK app, which constantly offers new services and features – a key driver of the company's innovative strength. PAYBACK also relies on the use of artificial intelligence and hyper-personalization to reach customers with the right offer at the right time via the right channel. These technologies have also contributed significantly to PAYBACK being recognized as a “Leading Innovator.”

The award is based on an objective evaluation process that takes into account online reviews, publicly available data, and a company survey, among other factors. Only companies that score at least seven out of a possible 15 points in all areas make it onto the list—and PAYBACK is one of them. “For us, innovation is not an end in itself, but a promise to our customers and partners. We want to make shopping easier, smarter, and more rewarding – today and in the future,” Brugger continues.

PAYBACK started its anniversary year with the market-leading food retailer EDEKA and Netto Marken-Discount. The largest bonus program is celebrating its 25th anniversary under the motto “The best PAYBACK ever,” because in the second half of the year, the savings banks joined the already very strong network, which includes Aral, Amazon, C&A, dm-drogerie markt, and OTTO, among others.

Further information about the award is available at FOCUS-Business as well as Methodik Innovationschampions - Empfohlen von FOCUS

You can find a press image here.