> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dollarlabs.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dollarlabs.io/dollarback-store-credit/loyalty-tiers/link-cashback-programs-to-tiers.md).

# Link cashback programs to tiers

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**Plan:** Advanced plan and above.
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{% embed url="<https://dollarlabs.neetorecord.com/watch/a61d1886ac19e0bb9518>" %}

*This article's section starts at 5:31 in the video.*

Beyond multiplying what everyone earns, a tier can own cashback programs outright: programs only its members can earn from. This page shows how to link them and explains the one rule that surprises merchants: multipliers are locked in per order.

## Prerequisites

* A tier ladder built and enabled ([Build your tiers](/dollarback-store-credit/loyalty-tiers/build-your-tiers.md))
* The cashback program you want to make tier-exclusive already created ([Set up purchase cashback](/dollarback-store-credit/earning-cashback-programs/set-up-purchase-cashback.md))

## Make a program tier-exclusive

1. Go to **DollarBack admin → Tiers** and open the tier that should own the program.
2. In the tier's **Cashback Configs** section, click **Select configs**.
3. Pick the cashback program(s) to assign and click **Done**.
4. **Save**, then run the sync when prompted ([Sync tiers to customers](/dollarback-store-credit/loyalty-tiers/sync-tiers-to-customers.md)).

From then on, that program only earns for members of that tier. Customers in other tiers (or no tier) don't earn from it, and storefront widgets won't advertise it to them. In the widget's tier ladder it appears as one of the rewards the tier unlocks.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Customer tags on configs are ignored when assigned to a tier; tier membership takes precedence over tag targeting. If a program was previously targeted with customer tags, linking it to a tier replaces that targeting entirely.
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## How exclusive programs combine with multipliers

Both tier levers apply together. Say your top tier has a ×2 multiplier and an exclusive "10% back on the premium collection" program:

* A top-tier member buying a $58 serum from that collection earns 10% × $58 × 2 = **$11.60**.
* A mid-tier member buying the same serum earns nothing from that program; it doesn't exist for them. They still earn from your store-wide programs at their own tier's multiplier.

All the usual calculation rules (winner-takes-all per line, caps, rounding) still apply. See [How cashback is calculated](/dollarback-store-credit/earning-cashback-programs/how-cashback-is-calculated.md).

## The multiplier is snapshotted per order

When an order comes in, DollarBack records the customer's tier multiplier **on that order** and uses the recorded value forever after:

* **Changing a tier's multiplier later never changes past orders' cashback.** Raise Gold from ×2 to ×3 and only new orders earn at ×3.
* **A customer changing tiers never changes past orders either.** The order that promotes someone to Gold is itself calculated at their previous tier's rate; the Gold rate starts with their next order.
* **Refunds and order edits reconcile with the original snapshot.** If a Gold-at-×2 order is later partially refunded, even after you changed the multiplier or the customer changed tiers, the clawback is computed at the original ×2, so the numbers always match what was actually credited.

This is deliberate: credited amounts are an audit trail, and re-resolving multipliers retroactively would silently rewrite customers' history.

## Verify it works

Sign in as a member of the tier and confirm the exclusive program shows in their widget; place a test order and check the credit log shows the program plus the tier-multiplied amount. Then sign in as a customer from another tier and confirm the program is absent for them.

## Common issues

* **A customer outside the tier earned from the program**: they may have been synced into the tier since you last checked, or the program is also assigned elsewhere. Check their current tier and the config assignments.
* **Multiplier change didn't affect an order placed yesterday**: this is expected, because snapshots are permanent. Only orders placed after the change use the new value.
* **Customer didn't earn from the exclusive program at all**: confirm their tier assignment is synced, then walk [Customer didn't receive cashback](/dollarback-store-credit/troubleshooting-and-faq/customer-didnt-receive-cashback.md).

## Related articles

* [Build your tiers](/dollarback-store-credit/loyalty-tiers/build-your-tiers.md)
* [Sync tiers to customers](/dollarback-store-credit/loyalty-tiers/sync-tiers-to-customers.md)
* [How cashback is calculated](/dollarback-store-credit/earning-cashback-programs/how-cashback-is-calculated.md)
* [Evaluation windows](/dollarback-store-credit/loyalty-tiers/evaluation-windows.md)