Swiss Backpacker Discount for Half Fare Pass?

Hello,
The link from the myswissalps page for Half Fare card discounts takes me to Rail Europe's page for the Swiss Card discounts.
Does this mean that the discounts are the same for both cards? I'm interested in getting the discount at two different Swiss Backpacker hostels which are listed as giving a 50% discount on the 3rd night.
I don't see a Rail Europe page of discounts for the Half Fare card nor do I see a page of discounts on the Swiss Backpacker site that lists any Pass discounts.
The hostels are slow to reply so I would appreciate any insight you have. Thanks!
Remy

Okay, so the Swiss Backpacker hostels discount for the 3rd night at 50% applies to the Half Fare Card?

Is there an advantage to purchasing the Half Fare Card in advance instead of at the airport or station when we arrive in Geneva and Zurich?

You're the best, Arno. Thanks!