Sphere
Sphere is the largest loyalty program in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, operating since 1994 and offering consumers discounts and points at over 10,000 partner retailers via card, mobile app, and browser extension, monetized through partner participation fees.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersPraha, Czechia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Sphere does
Sphere, operated by the Czech private limited company EFIN spol. s r.o. (IČ 61249921), is the largest loyalty program in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in continuous operation since 1994. The platform offers consumers a unified loyalty card (available as a physical card, electronic card via the mobile app, Apple Wallet, and Google Pay, and through a Chrome browser extension) that delivers 5–30% discounts and a parallel points-based program ("Sphere Plus") across more than 10,000 partner locations spanning fashion, electronics, health, pharmacy, travel, household, sports, and books. The underlying technology stack consists of a web portal (sphere.cz / muj.sphere.cz), iOS and Android mobile applications, an EAN13 barcode identification system, a partner catalog with search and favorites, and a points-tracking engine with a 24-month point expiration policy; no APIs, SDKs, or third-party integrations are disclosed.
Sphere firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Sphere
- Legal name
- EFIN spol. s r.o.
- Website
- https://sphere.cz
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Sphere is the largest loyalty program in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, operating since 1994 and offering consumers discounts and points at over 10,000 partner retailers via card, mobile app, and browser extension, monetized through partner participation fees.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Sphere industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Consumer Loyalty Programs
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Loyalty, Rewards & Incentive Programs (BPAFAMAE)
Keywords
Where Sphere is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Praha
- HQ country
- Czechia
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Sphere business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Partner participation fees: Retailers and service providers (partners) pay to join the Sphere loyalty program, gaining access to the program member base and loyalty infrastructure. This is the primary revenue model — commercial partners subscribe to use the Sphere platform and benefit from increased customer footfall and retention.
- Card issuance fees: Fees charged for replacement card issuance (150 CZK for physical card replacement) and potentially for premium card variants. Electronic cards are issued free of charge.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free for consumers — membership is free; revenue from commercial partners |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Sphere product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Sphere operates the largest loyalty program in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, providing members a single card (physical or electronic) that unlocks 5–30% discounts and a points-based rewards program at over 10,000 partner merchants across fashion, health, beauty, electronics, travel, gastronomy, home, and sports categories. The platform combines direct partner discounts with accumulated Sphere Plus loyalty points redeemable for rewards such as theater tickets, books, and vouchers, delivered via web portal, iOS/Android mobile apps, Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and a Chrome browser extension.
Product overview
Sphere is a loyalty program platform operating in Czech Republic and Slovakia since 1994, offering the largest loyalty network in the region. The core offering consists of the Sphere Loyalty Card (available in plastic, electronic, and mobile formats) combined with the Sphere Plus points system and a digital Reward Catalog. Members access over 10,000 partner merchants offering 5-30% discounts and loyalty points. The platform includes a mobile application for iOS and Android, an electronic card compatible with Apple Wallet and Google Pay, a Chrome browser extension for benefit notifications, and e-shop integration methods for online purchases. The system supports multiple card types (Sphere STD, Sphere Young, Sphere VIP) with a 24-month point expiration policy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sphere Loyalty Card Plastic or electronic membership card (with variants including Sphere STD, Sphere Young, Sphere VIP) providing cardholders access to discounts (5–30%) and loyalty points at over 10,000 partner locations across the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Cards can be activated online at muj.sphere.cz or via the mobile app, and are available as physical plastic, electronic card via mobile app, Apple Wallet, or Google Pay.
- Sphere Mobile Application Native mobile application for iOS and Android that delivers the electronic Sphere card, browsable partner catalog with search, favorites functionality, points tracking, and access to point collection via partner links. Supports Apple Wallet and Google Pay integration.
- Sphere Plus (Bodový program / Points Program) Points-based loyalty program in which members earn Sphere Plus points on qualifying purchases at participating partners across categories including fashion, health, beauty, travel, electronics, and home. Points are tracked in the member account and redeemable through the Reward Catalog for items such as theater tickets, book vouchers, drink coupons, massage certificates, and driving experience vouchers. Points carry a 24-month validity from the end of the calendar year in which they were earned.
- Katalog odměn (Reward Catalog) Digital reward catalog through which Sphere Plus members redeem their accumulated loyalty points for partner-funded rewards, including theater tickets, book vouchers, drink coupons, massage certificates, and driving experience vouchers. Accessible from the member account at muj.sphere.cz.
- Partner Catalog (Katalog partnerů) Searchable online directory of over 10,000 partner merchants participating in the Sphere loyalty program, covering categories including beauty, health, fashion, electronics, travel, dining, sports, and home. Filterable by location, benefit type, and card tier.
Quantifiable outcome
- Average family can save more than 15,000 CZK per year
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Sphere
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Sphere technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Sphere partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Knihy DobrovskýcoreBook retailer with 42 physical stores and e-commerce operations across the Czech Republic. Offers Sphere members 10% discount on purchases (over 899 CZK) and 15 loyalty points per 100 CZK purchase through the Sphere Plus program. One of the program's flagship retail partners representing the culture/education category.
- NotinocoreEurope's largest online beauty and health retailer, present in 28+ countries with 26 physical stores. Offers Sphere members 5 loyalty points per 100 CZK purchase. Key partner in the beauty and health category.
- Dr. MaxcoreMajor pharmacy chain with extensive retail and e-commerce presence in the Czech Republic. Offers 6 loyalty points per 100 CZK purchase. Represents the health/wellness segment of the partner network.
- Lidl.czcoreDiscount retailer operating in Czech Republic and Slovakia, offering online shopping for fashion, tools, car seats, and household goods. Part of the Sphere Plus points program, offering 6 loyalty points per purchase.
- FOKUS OPTIKmajorOptical retail chain with approximately 160 branches across Czech and Slovak Republics, serving ~200,000 clients annually. Founded 1948, celebrating 75 years in 2023. Offers 5–20% discounts on complete eyewear packages and sunglasses.
- KLENOTY AURUMmajorLargest Czech jewelry and watch retail chain with 48 stores. Offers 10% discount on watches and jewelry (excluding select brands, engagement rings, repairs, and custom orders). Premium partner in the jewelry category.
- Kiwi.commajorLeading Czech online flight booking portal enabling global travel bookings. Offers 6 loyalty points per purchase. Key travel category partner for Sphere.
- Oresi kuchyněmajorMarket-leading kitchen furniture specialist with 27 showrooms across Czech Republic. Offers 43% discount on kitchen furniture (Dolti, Dolti Collection, Livanza, Bauformat brands) plus 4 loyalty points per 100 CZK. Largest kitchen retailer partner.
- KärchermajorGerman cleaning equipment manufacturer with 10 Czech stores and e-commerce. Offers 5–20% discounts on Home&Garden product lines via discount codes (SPHERE20 for non-sale, SPHERE5 for discounted items).
- MeatflymajorCzech sports apparel and footwear retailer with 24 stores, distributing brands including Subform, Etnies, Nugget, Ride, and Fox. Offers 10% discount to Sphere members.
- Tescomamajor100% Czech kitchenware company with 20-year history, developing and selling original, quality functional kitchen products with some world patents and prestigious design awards. Offers 13 loyalty points per purchase.
- ZOOTmajorCzech fashion, cosmetics, and design e-commerce with 1M+ items in stock from 200+ brands. Same-day dispatch, 60-day returns. Offers 20% discount via code SPHERE20. Key fashion category partner.
- FAnn ParfumeriemajorCzech cosmetics retail chain with 35 stores and e-commerce, featuring major international fragrance and skincare brands. Offers 10% discount on non-sale items via code 10FANNSPHERE, plus 14 loyalty points per 100 CZK.
- Stavmat StavebninymajorMarket leader in building materials, windows, doors, and sanitary ware in Czech Republic with 66 stores. Offers 5% discount. Represents the construction and home improvement category.
- TUI Czech RepublicmajorPart of the international TUI travel group, the European travel industry leader with 40+ years of experience. Offers 8 loyalty points per booking. Key travel partner for package holidays and tourism.
- ZoohitmajorOne of the most popular pet supplies e-commerce platforms in Czech Republic with 15+ years of experience. Offers 2 loyalty points per purchase. Key partner in the pet care category.
- Zalando LoungemajorOnline fashion outlet offering 2,500+ products from exclusive brands at discounts up to 75%. Offers 4 loyalty points per purchase through the Sphere Plus program.
- Avenier – Centrum očkování a cestovní medicínycoreVaccination and travel medicine center with 21 locations across Czech Republic. Offers 5% discount on vaccine prices. Key health services partner.
- Albatros MediamajorLargest Czech book publisher with 20 publishing labels and 11,000+ titles. Offers 25% discount via code SPHERE25 on their e-commerce platform. Flagship partner in the culture/education segment.
- PhilipsmajorGlobal health and household technology brand. Offers 20% discount (including on sale items) plus free shipping via code SPHERE20 in their Czech e-shop. Key electronics/health partner.
- KINEKUSmajorTraditional Slovak household, garden, and hardware retailer with 11 stores. Offers 3–5% discount (also on sale items). Key partner in the Slovak market representing home and garden category.
- AgodacoreDigital travel platform part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) with 4.5M+ hotels and properties globally, operating in 39 languages. Since Booking.com no longer pays loyalty points, Agoda serves as the Sphere travel rewards partner for hotel bookings.
- EFIN spol. s r.o.coreThe operator of the Sphere loyalty program (IČ 61249921), responsible for program administration, technology, customer service, and partner relations. The legal entity that processes member data and manages the program infrastructure.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Sphere competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Payback (Germany): Germany's largest multi-partner loyalty program with a points + coupons model across retail, travel, and fuel partners. Closely comparable to Sphere in business model (multi-merchant card, points accumulation, partner-funded economics) — effectively Sphere's larger Western European analog.
- Letyshops: Czech-founded cashback and loyalty platform operating across CEE. Direct competitor to Sphere in the Czech Republic with overlapping partner merchants and a discount + points value proposition aimed at the same consumer base.
- Bonusway: Nordics-originated multi-merchant cashback and loyalty platform with a partner-funded model similar to Sphere. Closely comparable on mechanics — earning rewards across a partner network of online and offline retailers — though operating in a different geography.
- myWorld (formerly Lyoness): Global multi-merchant cashback/loyalty shopping community with points (Cashback Points) redeemable at participating partners. Operates a similar partner-funded, member-facing discount-plus-loyalty model with both card and app delivery.
- Trumf (Norway): Norway's largest multi-retailer loyalty program, owned by the Norwegian grocery/cooperative sector, offering a unified discount + points card across retail categories. Highly analogous business model to Sphere despite serving a different geography.
Broad incumbents
- Edenred: Global leader in employee benefits and voucher/payment solutions (Ticket Restaurant, etc.). Operates in CZ/SK with a B2B-led employer benefit motion that overlaps with Sphere's B2B2C channel and competes for the same corporate HR wallet.
- Pluxee (ex-Sodexo BRS): Recently spun off from Sodexo, Pluxee operates employee benefit and engagement solutions across multiple European markets. A broader, more diversified incumbent competing for the same corporate employee benefit spend that drives Sphere's B2B2C acquisition.
- Rakuten Rewards: Global cashback and loyalty platform (part of Rakuten Group) operating across multiple geographies with a partner-funded model. Functions as a broader e-commerce-focused incumbent adjacent to Sphere's discount-plus-points offering.
- Swile: French employee benefits and engagement platform with a mobile-first card/wallet solution. Competes with Sphere in the employer-channel segment across Europe and represents the broader incumbent category of B2B-led benefits platforms.
Regional players
- Cashbacks.bg / similar CEE cashback portals: Bulgarian cashback and loyalty aggregator that operates a comparable partner-funded, multi-merchant model in a neighboring CEE market. Indirect but regional peer — useful for benchmarking Sphere's potential CEE expansion trajectory.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Sphere social profiles
Digital presenceSphere compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Sphere financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Sphere leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Sphere funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Sphere M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Sphere
What does Sphere do?
Sphere operates the largest loyalty program in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, providing members a single card (physical or electronic) that unlocks 5–30% discounts and a points-based rewards program at over 10,000 partner merchants across fashion, health, beauty, electronics, travel, gastronomy, home, and sports categories. The platform combines direct partner discounts with accumulated Sphere Plus loyalty points redeemable for rewards such as theater tickets, books, and vouchers, delivered via web portal, iOS/Android mobile apps, Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and a Chrome browser extension.
Is Sphere a public or private company?
Sphere is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Sphere founded?
Sphere was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Sphere based?
Sphere is headquartered in Praha, Czechia, in the Europe region.
How does Sphere make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Partner participation fees are the primary driver. The others are card issuance fees.
Who are Sphere's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Payback (Germany), Letyshops, Bonusway, myWorld (formerly Lyoness) and Trumf (Norway). Broad incumbents are Edenred, Pluxee (ex-Sodexo BRS), Rakuten Rewards and Swile. Cashbacks.bg / similar CEE cashback portals is listed as a regional player.
Does Sphere have an API?
No public API is recorded for Sphere.
What industry is Sphere in?
Sphere's product category is Consumer Loyalty Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAFAMAE, Loyalty, Rewards & Incentive Programs. Its SIC code is 8600.