> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://voucherify-rc-lv2-guides.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Benefits overview

> Understand how benefits let Loyalty v2 earning rules grant points, material items, or digital incentives automatically

A benefit is a value granted automatically to a member when an earning rule's conditions are met. It can serve as an alternative to earning points on a loyalty card or it can be used alongside points. Members don't redeem benefits themselves; they simply receive one once they fulfill the conditions of the earning rule that references it. Benefits are optional and are only useful once connected to at least one earning rule.

## Benefit types

A benefit must define exactly one type-specific configuration object that matches its `type`:

* `points`: A fixed number of points added to a card.
* `points_proportional`: Points calculated proportionally to a triggering value, such as order amount.
* `material`: A physical product or SKU.
* `digital`: A discount coupon or gift card.

## Stock

Like rewards, benefits can be limited in quantity through a `stock` configuration. When omitted, a benefit defaults to `UNLIMITED` stock, meaning it can be granted as many times as its earning rule is triggered.

## Referenced resources

Depending on its type, a benefit references other resources: A card definition for points-based benefits, or a product/SKU/campaign for material and digital benefits. These references are validated on create and update; for example, a points-based benefit can only be activated if its connected card definition is itself `ACTIVE`.

## Lifecycle

A benefit is created in `DRAFT` status by default, and only moves between `DRAFT` and `ACTIVE` through the activate and draft endpoints. There is no `INACTIVE` state. While in `DRAFT`, every property can be updated; once `ACTIVE`, only `name` and `stock` can still be changed.

Two safeguards protect benefits that are already wired into your program:

* A benefit that's referenced by any earning rule can't be deleted until that reference is removed.
* A benefit connected to an active earning rule can't be moved back to `DRAFT`.

## Related resources

* [Loyalty v2 API: Overview](/api-reference/loyalty-v2-api-overview) for the full Loyalty v2 API map.
* [Earning Rules overview](/api-reference/loyalty-v2-earning-rules-overview) for how benefits are triggered.
* [Rewards overview](/api-reference/loyalty-v2-rewards-overview) for the point-redeemable counterpart to benefits.
* [Create benefits](/build/create-benefits) for the dashboard perspective on configuring benefits.