2025 Sangsaeng Payback Program – Earn Cashback by Supporting Local Businesses

Table of Contents

• What is the Sangsaeng Payback Program?
• Eligibility Criteria
• How to Apply
• Payment and Cashback Details
• Tips to Maximize Cashback Benefits
• Administrator’s Recommendation
• FAQ
• Related Resources and References

What is the Sangsaeng Payback Program?

The 2025 Sangsaeng Payback Program (상생페이백 정책) is a Korean government initiative to stimulate domestic spending and local business recovery.
Consumers can earn cashback rewards by using credit or debit cards at local stores, small merchants, and traditional markets.

In short, when your spending increases compared to the same period last year, the government refunds a portion of that increased amount.
It’s not only a support program for small business owners, but also a consumer reward system that boosts the national economy.

Eligibility Criteria

Anyone aged 19 or older who uses registered domestic credit or debit cards is eligible.
However, corporate cards or prepaid cards are excluded.

To qualify for cashback:

1. You must spend more than the average amount spent during the previous reference period.
2. The additional spending must be done at small local businesses, not at large retailers or online shopping platforms.
3. Cashback is calculated monthly, based on the increase rate of spending.

How to Apply

You can apply for the Sangsaeng Payback Program through major card companies such as Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Hyundai, and Samsung Cards.

Here’s the simple process:

1. Visit your card company’s app or website.
2. Go to the “Sangsaeng Payback” or “Government Cashback Program” section.
3. Register your participation (you’ll need to agree to data usage terms).
4. Start using your card at eligible merchants.
5. Cashback will be automatically credited to your card statement at the end of each month.

💡 Tip from Admin: From experience, make sure to use your card consistently at small local shops — not convenience stores or large franchises — to ensure your spending counts toward cashback.

Payment and Cashback Details

The cashback rate and maximum limits are as follows:

Example:
If your monthly average spending in 2024 was ₩500,000 and you spend ₩600,000 in the same month in 2025,
then ₩100,000 is the “increased amount,” and you’ll receive ₩10,000–₩15,000 cashback depending on your increase rate.

Tips to Maximize Cashback Benefits

Here are a few practical suggestions based on real consumer feedback:

1. Focus your spending on local stores (restaurants, traditional markets, small retail shops).
2. Avoid e-commerce or franchise chains — these are often excluded.
3. Register early when the program opens; some card companies limit early applicants.
4. Use a single primary card instead of splitting spending across multiple cards.
5. Check your monthly spending record in your card app to stay above the baseline threshold.

Personal Recommendation: Set a target spending goal at the start of the month — once you cross your last year’s baseline, all extra spending will start earning cashback automatically.

Administrator’s Recommendation

As someone who follows government benefit programs closely, I recommend this policy especially for:

• Self-employed individuals who regularly buy supplies locally.
• Families who already shop at nearby stores.
• Anyone looking to save money through ordinary spending.

It’s one of the simplest benefit programs with real economic impact — no complicated paperwork, and cashback is automatic.

If you already use your card daily, this program is basically “free money for spending smart.”

FAQ

Q1. Is the Sangsaeng Payback Program available nationwide?

Yes. The program covers all regions in South Korea, including both metropolitan and rural areas.

Q2. Can I use multiple cards from different companies?

Yes, but only one card per person can be registered as the “primary” cashback card.

Q3. When will cashback be paid?

Cashback will be automatically credited to your card statement by the end of the following month.

Related Resources and References

• Ministry of Economy and Finance – Official Press Release (in Korean)
• Korea Policy Briefing – Sangsaeng Payback Overview
• National Tax Service – Consumption Refund Guidelines
• 2021 Consumption Support Program Reference (Previous Version)