YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio — The Yellow Springs Community Foundation and YS Credit Union have teamed up on a new rewards program designed to encourage residents — and visitors — to spend more money locally.
The downtown credit union, a division of the $245.6-million Bridge Credit Union, this week unveiled the “Shop Local, Earn More” program, which offers cash-back bonuses and charitable contributions for credit and debit card purchases made within the 45387 ZIP code, according to the Yellow Spring News.
Under the initiative, members who are Visa credit cardholders can earn up to 2% monthly cash back on purchases made in Yellow Springs. Bridge will also donate 1% of each qualifying credit card transaction to a local nonprofit, Yellow Springs News reported.
Option to ‘Round-Up’
Debit card users with Bridge Mastercard accounts may opt in to “round up” their purchases to the nearest dollar when shopping in the village, directing the rounded amount to Yellow Springs nonprofits, credit unions said, adding that cardholders may also choose to keep the rounded funds themselves.
Participation in any option is voluntary.
The program was launched ahead of the 2025 holiday season to jump-start local spending and direct additional support to community groups, Sandy Hollenberg, Bridge’s innovation advisor for community development and the former CEO of Yellow Springs Credit Union, told Yellow Spring News.
“It’s a win-win,” Hollenberg told the Yellow Springs News. “By spending more of your dollars in Yellow Springs, you help local businesses, other credit union members and Yellow Springs nonprofits.”
‘Bridging Community & Commerce’
Local business leaders told the Yellow Spring News the effort could provide a boost for merchants who continue to face economic pressure.
“I think this is a way of bridging community and commerce,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Phillip O’Rourke. “You’re supporting Yellow Springs with every swipe and getting to feel like your purchases here made a difference.”
