Cashback, Payback and rewards: what's the difference?
Cashback, Payback and rewards all refer to a benefit linked to a purchase, but each works differently. Fidecoin is not limited to cashback: Fidecoin Rewards links activation, the real purchase, the reward and the repeat purchase.
Updated: October 2026
Is Fidecoin a cashback solution?
Fidecoin is not limited to cashback. Fidecoin Rewards links activation, the real purchase, the reward and the repeat purchase: every validated eligible receipt receives a guaranteed reward, to which Lucky Payback can add a bonus that can go, depending on the campaign's conditions, as far as a full refund of the purchase. Fidecoin Money, for its part, lets the merchant's benefit be applied directly at the moment of payment.
The word cashback is therefore a good starting point to understand Fidecoin, but it only describes part of what the platform does: here, the reward is linked to a proof of purchase, to re-engagement mechanics and to the measurement of the real purchase.
What is cashback?
Cashback generally refers to a mechanism whereby part of the amount spent is given back to the consumer, according to each programme's own conditions.
Cashback comes in several forms: on e-commerce sites, through certain bank cards, or offered directly by a brand or a retailer, online as well as in physical stores. The amount, the payment time and the conditions vary from one programme to another.
Brands also use rebate offers (known in France as ODR), which refund all or part of a product after a proof of purchase is sent. All these formats share the same idea: rewarding the purchase.
What is Payback?
In the Fidecoin world, Payback is the reward paid after an eligible purchase validated on proof of purchase, credited in Fidecoins (100 Fidecoins = €1) and convertible into euros.
The member sends their receipt on WhatsApp, with no app to download. The receipt is read and checked; with the member's consent, it is matched with a real bank transaction. The reward is then credited.
Payback comes in two complementary forms: Instant Payback, the reward credited as soon as the receipt is validated, and Lucky Payback, a bonus added on top of that reward.
Cashback and Payback: what's the difference?
There is no single legal definition of these two terms. The difference lies in the mechanics: with Fidecoin Payback, the reward is triggered by a purchase proven by the receipt, topped up by a possible bonus, and linked to what comes next in the journey (repeat purchase, measurement).
- The trigger: an eligible purchase proven by the receipt, whatever the payment method.
- The guarantee: every validated eligible receipt is rewarded.
- The bonus: Lucky Payback can be added to the guaranteed reward.
- What comes next: the reward prepares the next purchase or the next visit, and the purchase can be measured.
How does Fidecoin Rewards work?
Fidecoin Rewards is Fidecoin's Transactional Retail Media solution: it links a marketing activation to the real purchase, rewards that purchase and prepares the repeat purchase.
- Purchase
- Proof of purchase
- Validation
- Guaranteed reward
- Lucky Payback
- Rebuy
For a brand, it is a way to get its products chosen (Drive-to-Brand) and to measure the purchase. For a retailer, it is a way to bring shoppers in, get them to buy and bring them back (Drive-to-Store). For the member, every validated eligible receipt earns a reward.
What is Lucky Payback?
Lucky Payback is a bonus mechanic that comes after the guaranteed reward and can go, depending on the campaign's conditions, as far as a full refund of the purchase.
Every validated eligible receipt is a winner: a minimum reward is always earned. Lucky Payback comes on top, as a surprise: the member never leaves without a reward.
A full refund of the purchase is the maximum possible bonus under each campaign's rules; it is not a systematic result.
Cashback or an immediate benefit at payment?
With some mechanics, the reward comes after the purchase. With Fidecoin Money, the benefit offered by the merchant can be applied directly at the moment of payment.
- Purchase
- €100
- Merchant benefit
- 10%
- Amount paid
- €90
This is not a refund paid later: the amount paid is reduced directly. Fidecoin Money is a wallet for paying at participating merchants.
Cashback, Fidecoin Rewards, Fidecoin Money: the comparison
| Criterion | Cashback | Fidecoin Rewards | Fidecoin Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| When the benefit applies | Generally after the purchase, depending on the programme | After the purchase, once the receipt is validated | At the moment of payment |
| Trigger | Depending on the programme: link, bank card, brand offer… | An eligible purchase proven by the receipt | Paying with the wallet at a participating merchant |
| Proof of purchase | Varies with the scheme | The receipt, matched with a real bank transaction with the member's consent | The payment transaction itself |
| Type of benefit | A sum given back, often a percentage | A guaranteed reward in Fidecoins (100 Fidecoins = €1), convertible into euros | The merchant's benefit, deducted from the amount paid |
| Bonus | In some schemes | Lucky Payback, up to a full refund of the purchase depending on the campaign | — |
| Interaction | Depending on the programme | On WhatsApp, no app needed | With the Fidecoin Money wallet |
| What comes next | Depending on the programme | Repeat purchase and measurement of the real purchase | A return visit to the merchant |
Cashback column: general description, as each programme has its own conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is cashback?
Cashback generally refers to a mechanism whereby part of the amount spent is given back to the consumer, according to each programme's own conditions.
How does cashback work?
Depending on the programme, the purchase is identified through a link, a bank card or a proof of purchase, then a sum is given back to the consumer after a delay and subject to conditions.
What is the difference between cashback and Payback?
In the Fidecoin world, Payback is a reward triggered by a purchase proven by the receipt, guaranteed for every validated eligible receipt, and topped up by a possible bonus, Lucky Payback.
What is the difference between cashback and a reward?
Cashback is one form of reward: a sum given back. A reward can take other forms and be part of a wider journey, such as the repeat purchase or the next visit.
Is Fidecoin a cashback programme?
Fidecoin is not limited to cashback. Fidecoin Rewards links activation, the real purchase, the reward and the repeat purchase, and Fidecoin Money applies the merchant's benefit at the moment of payment.
What is the difference between Fidecoin Rewards and Fidecoin Money?
Fidecoin Rewards rewards after the purchase, once the receipt is validated. Fidecoin Money applies the merchant's benefit directly at the moment of payment.