Cash back vs giving back: can you do both?

Updated June 12, 2026 · Good Circles

Cash-back programs put money back in your pocket; give-back programs send a share to charity. Most make you choose one. Good Circles does both at once: you save about 10% on local purchases and a share of every sale funds a nonprofit you choose — at no extra cost.

The usual trade-off

Cash-back apps reward you but don’t help a cause. Give-back programs help a cause but don’t lower your price — you’re donating a slice of the purchase. Historically you picked one or the other.

Save and give on the same purchase

Good Circles removes the trade-off. Because it restructures a local sale rather than skimming a national one, you come out about 10% ahead and a nonprofit you choose gets 10% of the merchant’s profit. Save money and give to charity »

Why it’s possible

The giving comes from the merchant’s profit, not your wallet, and the merchant still keeps far more than they would on a 15–30% platform. Everyone in the transaction comes out ahead. See the math »

Save and give — on the same purchase

About 10% off local purchases, and a local cause funded, at no extra cost.

For shoppers

FAQ

What is the difference between cash back and giving back?

Cash back returns money to you; giving back sends a share of your purchase to charity. Most programs offer one or the other.

Can I save money and give to charity at the same time?

Yes, with Good Circles. You save about 10% on local purchases and a share of every sale funds a nonprofit you choose — the giving comes from the merchant’s profit, not your pocket.