How do I set up a WhatsApp loyalty program in Singapore or Malaysia?

Setting up a WhatsApp loyalty program in Singapore or Malaysia takes 15 minutes — verify your Business number, connect it to a retention layer like PEKO, opt-in customers with a one-line consent line, and settle rewards via PayNow (SG) or TNG/DuitNow (MY). The 15-minute number is real if the WhatsApp Business number is already registered; add ~24 hours for Meta verification if it isn't.

Step 1 — Get a WhatsApp Business number. Most operators already have one. If not, register at business.whatsapp.com; Meta verification is typically same-day for a standard SME. Use a dedicated business line, not the owner's personal number.

Step 2 — Connect the number to a retention layer. PEKO onboards the number into the WhatsApp Business API tier during signup, migrates the existing conversation history, and takes over sending on the operator's behalf. Advocado, Eber, and other loyalty stacks offer equivalent integration flows; the mechanics are similar.

Step 3 — Write the consent line. PDPA (SG) and PDPA (MY) both require explicit, informed consent before marketing broadcasts. One line at the till or on the receipt works: 'Reply YES to get member perks and drop offers via WhatsApp. Reply STOP anytime to opt out.' The retention layer captures the opt-in, records the timestamp, and enforces the opt-out on every subsequent send.

Step 4 — Connect the cashback rail. In Singapore, PayNow is the default: cashback is settled directly to the customer's PayNow handle, visible in their wallet the next time they pay. In Malaysia, use Touch 'n Go eWallet or DuitNow QR. Do not settle rewards as coupons — coupons get forgotten; wallet-settled cashback shows up at the moment of intent.

Step 5 — Let the AI churn layer pick the recipient list. Every Monday morning, PEKO ranks the top 30–50 regulars by lapse-risk. The operator taps approve; the AI Agent drafts a one-line message ('Hey [name], we haven't seen you in a bit — here's SGD 5 back on your next visit') and sends it via WhatsApp. Response rate on well-targeted lists typically runs 8–14% within 30 days.

The one common mistake: broadcasting to the whole list. WhatsApp punishes bulk marketing sends with template rejections and rate limits; the loyalty win comes from surgical, AI-picked lists sent weekly, not from campaign blasts.