Understanding Offer Restrictions: "New Customer Only" vs. "One-Time Use" vs. No Restriction

No Restriction (Default)

When you leave both "New customer only" and "One-time use" unchecked, any eligible Fancy customer can redeem your offer multiple times during the offer period. The offer applies whenever a transaction meets your configured rules—minimum spend, dates, channel, and other criteria.

This option works best when you want to reward ongoing loyalty and drive repeat purchases. It's ideal for long-term, always-on incentives rather than one-off promotions. It helps you build consistent shopping habits with Fancy users while maximizing engagement across your full customer base.

Even without redemption restrictions, you maintain full control over economics through minimum spend requirements, maximum cashback caps, overall campaign budgets, and start/end dates.

Toggle 1: "New Customer Only"

At Fancy, a "new customer" is someone who hasn't made a purchase with your business in the last 6 months via the accounts we see through Plaid.

When you select "New customer only," Fancy automatically checks each customer's transaction history with your business based on their Plaid-linked accounts. If we see a qualifying transaction with your business in roughly the last 6 months, that customer won't qualify for the offer. This check happens automatically—no manual work required.

When This Works Best

This restriction is ideal for acquisition-focused campaigns where your goal is attracting fresh customers. It works particularly well for:

• Categories with high churn or strong competition (streaming, telecom, DTC ecommerce, gyms, subscription boxes)
• Clear "first purchase" milestones where you want to win customers who haven't tried your brand yet
• Limited budgets focused on net-new customers
• Campaigns where you're willing to offer deeper discounts to win first-time buyers

Trade-Offs to Consider

You'll likely see lower total redemptions compared to an uncapped one-time use offer because existing loyal customers will be excluded. Make sure you also have evergreen offers for existing customers—possibly through other channels—so your current base doesn't feel left out.

The 6-month lookback window is based on data from customers' linked accounts. If a customer hasn't linked the account they used to shop with you previously, they may still qualify as "new." This restriction applies per customer, not per transaction.

Toggle 2: "One-Time Use"

When you select "One-time use," each Fancy customer can redeem your offer only once during the entire offer period, regardless of how many eligible purchases they make.

After a customer redeems the offer, it will no longer appear for them in the app. Future qualifying transactions won't trigger cashback, even if they meet all other criteria. The restriction applies across all their linked accounts and payment methods.

When This Works Best

This option is best when you want broad reach and controlled exposure. It works well for:

• Limited-time promotions or flash sales
• Maximizing reach by spreading your budget across more individual customers
• Testing new offers and controlling initial exposure
• Reactivation campaigns to win back lapsed customers
• Brand awareness pushes in new regions or seasons
• Categories with frequent repeat purchase (grocery, quick-service restaurants, personal care, everyday ecommerce)

Trade-Offs to Consider

Some of your budget will reward existing customers who would have purchased anyway. However, you gain goodwill and loyalty by giving your current customers a reason to stay and spend more.

Combining Restrictions

You can select both "New customer only" and "One-time use" to create a highly targeted acquisition offer that new customers can claim only once. This approach is common for aggressive new customer acquisition campaigns with premium incentives.

Industry Recommendations and Best Practices

Based on how leading rewards platforms structure their offers, here are guidelines to help you choose.

For acquisition campaigns: "New customer only" plus "One-time use" with 10–25% cashback or $10–$50 flat rewards performs well. Consider a minimum spend threshold like $50 or more to protect margins while still attracting serious buyers.

For retention and repeat purchase: No restrictions with 2–5% ongoing cashback builds shopping habits without overwhelming your budget. Pair this with minimum spend requirements that match your average order value.

For seasonal or promotional pushes: "One-time use" with time-limited windows of 2–4 weeks creates urgency without permanently limiting reach. Consider higher cashback rates of 8–15% for short bursts to drive concentrated traffic.

For budget management: Always set a total campaign budget cap, regardless of restriction type. Layer restrictions to keep your total exposure predictable. For example, combine "One-time use" with a minimum $75 spend and a 30-day window.

How to Choose the Right Option

Start by asking yourself what your primary goal is. If you're focused on acquisition, choose "New customer only." If retention is the priority, go with no restriction. If you want buzz and reach, "One-time use" is the way to go.

Consider your budget. Tight budgets work better with "One-time use" to maximize individual customer reach. Think about your margin as well. High margins can support no restrictions, while lower margins may need "New customer only" or "One-time use."

Campaign length matters too. Short campaigns pair well with "One-time use," while longer campaigns benefit from no restrictions to maintain momentum.

Quick Decision Guide

Choose "New customer only" if:

• The offer is tied to a specific acquisition goal or campaign
• Success is defined as "number of new customers acquired" rather than total sales driven
• You're comfortable with a smaller audience at higher incremental value per customer

Choose "One-time use" if:

• You want as many Fancy users as possible to redeem the offer once
• You care about both new and existing customers
• You're running a seasonal or promotional push (Back-to-School, Black Friday, local holidays)

Leave your offer unrestricted if:

• You want to build long-term shopping habits and reward loyalty
• You have healthy margins that support ongoing incentives
• You're focused on lifetime value over immediate acquisition

In many cases, advertisers start with "New customer only" for an initial acquisition push and later switch to (or add) a "One-time use" or unrestricted offer to reward existing customers once the brand is established in Fancy.

Making Changes After Launch

You can adjust restriction settings while an offer is live, but keep in mind that adding restrictions won't retroactively affect customers who have already redeemed. Removing restrictions will open the offer to previously ineligible customers. Changes take effect immediately for future transactions.

Need Help Deciding?

If you're unsure which option fits your campaign goals, reach out to your Fancy partnership contact or email us at partnerships@fancy.com. We're here to help you design offers that perform.