Cashback apps have become an essential tool for savvy shoppers looking to save money on everyday purchases. By using these apps, you can earn a percentage of your spending back in cash or rewards, making it easier to stretch your budget and get more value from your purchases. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothing, or electronics, cashback apps can help you save on a wide range of products. In this guide, we’ll explore how cashback apps work, the best ones to use, and strategies for maximizing your savings.
1. Understanding How Cashback Apps Work
Cashback apps partner with retailers to give customers a percentage of their purchases back as a reward. When you shop through the app’s link or scan your receipt after a purchase, the app tracks your spending and rewards you with cashback that you can later withdraw or redeem for gift cards. The cashback rates vary depending on the store and product category, but with the right strategy, you can accumulate significant savings over time.
How it works:
- Online Shopping: For most online retailers, cashback apps provide a link you need to click before making your purchase. Once you complete your shopping through that link, the app tracks your purchase and applies the cashback to your account.
- In-Store Shopping: For in-store purchases, some cashback apps allow you to link your credit or debit card, while others require you to scan your receipt to get cashback on eligible items.
Pro tip:
- Always check the cashback app before shopping to see if the retailer you plan to buy from is offering a cashback promotion.
2. Top Cashback Apps to Use
Not all cashback apps are created equal, and some offer better rewards depending on where you shop. Here are some of the best cashback apps available today, each with unique features to help you save more effectively.
a. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Rakuten is one of the most popular cashback apps, offering cashback at thousands of online stores, including major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The app also provides special bonus cash for signing up and referring friends.
Key features:
- Cashback for online and in-store shopping.
- Browser extension that automatically applies cashback when you shop.
- Offers cashback on travel bookings, hotels, and vacation packages.
Pro tip:
- Check Rakuten’s double cashback offers, which provide enhanced savings for a limited time on select retailers.
b. Ibotta
Ibotta focuses primarily on groceries and in-store shopping. It offers cashback on everyday items like food, household products, and personal care. You can either link your loyalty card or upload your receipt after shopping.
Key features:
- Cashback on groceries, apparel, electronics, and more.
- In-store and online offers at major retailers.
- Bonus cash for signing up, completing challenges, and referring friends.
Pro tip:
- Stack Ibotta cashback with manufacturer coupons or store promotions to maximize your savings at grocery stores.
c. Dosh
Dosh offers cashback when you link your debit or credit card and use it to shop at participating stores, restaurants, or hotels. The app automatically tracks your purchases, so you don’t have to scan receipts.
Key features:
- Automatic cashback when you shop or dine at participating locations.
- Travel deals offering cashback on hotel bookings.
- No need to scan receipts; everything is tracked through linked cards.
Pro tip:
- Use Dosh for dining out and travel to earn cashback effortlessly without having to check the app every time you shop.
d. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is similar to Ibotta but focuses on offering cashback for specific grocery items. After purchasing eligible items, you simply upload your receipt to earn cashback.
Key features:
- Cashback on grocery store purchases.
- Regularly updated offers on food, household goods, and personal care items.
- No loyalty card linking required—just upload your receipt after shopping.
Pro tip:
- Check Checkout 51’s new deals every Thursday, as they refresh weekly and often feature new items for savings.
e. TopCashback
TopCashback offers some of the highest cashback rates across many online retailers. It’s especially useful for regular online shoppers looking for consistent rewards.
Key features:
- High cashback rates across a variety of online retailers.
- No minimum payout threshold for withdrawing earnings.
- Daily offers and seasonal promotions for enhanced cashback.
Pro tip:
- Use TopCashback alongside other browser extensions to compare and ensure you’re getting the highest available cashback rate.
3. Maximizing Your Cashback Earnings
Now that you know which apps to use, let’s look at strategies to get the most out of your cashback apps and maximize your savings.
a. Stack Cashback With Coupons and Discounts
One of the most effective ways to boost your savings is by stacking cashback with coupons, promo codes, and in-store discounts. Many cashback apps work in tandem with retailer discounts, allowing you to save at the point of purchase and still earn cashback.
Pro tip:
- Use a browser extension like Honey or Capital One Shopping to apply coupon codes at checkout while still earning cashback through apps like Rakuten or TopCashback.
b. Combine Cashback With Loyalty Programs
Some cashback apps, such as Ibotta, allow you to link your store loyalty cards to your account. By doing this, you can earn rewards from both the store’s loyalty program and the cashback app, giving you double the benefits.
Pro tip:
- If you frequently shop at stores with loyalty programs (like Target’s REDcard or CVS’s ExtraCare), link those accounts to your cashback app for extra savings.
c. Monitor Cashback Boosts and Special Offers
Many cashback apps run limited-time promotions, where they increase the cashback percentage for select retailers. These boosts often coincide with holidays or seasonal sales, making them perfect opportunities to stock up on items while earning more cashback than usual.
Pro tip:
- Enable push notifications for your cashback apps so you’re alerted to cashback boosts and special offers in real time.
d. Use Cashback for Recurring Payments
Many cashback apps allow you to earn rewards on recurring payments, such as subscriptions to streaming services, meal kits, or gym memberships. By setting up these payments through your linked credit card, you can continuously earn cashback on services you already use.
Pro tip:
- Review your recurring expenses and see if any of them are eligible for cashback through your favorite app. Even small monthly amounts can add up over time.
e. Refer Friends for Bonus Cashback
Most cashback apps offer referral bonuses, giving you extra cashback for every friend who signs up using your referral link. The more friends you refer, the more bonus cash you can earn, helping you build up your cashback balance faster.
Pro tip:
- Share your referral links on social media or with friends and family to maximize your bonuses. Some apps, like Rakuten, offer $30 or more for every referral who makes a purchase.
4. Cash Out Regularly
Once you’ve earned enough cashback, don’t forget to cash out your rewards. Most apps have a minimum threshold for withdrawal, which is usually between $5 and $20. You can choose to cash out via PayPal, direct deposit, or in the form of gift cards for popular retailers.
Pro tip:
- Set a reminder to cash out regularly so you don’t forget about your earnings. Some apps offer bonuses when you redeem your cashback for gift cards rather than cash, so check for those offers as well.
Using cashback apps is an easy and rewarding way to save money on everyday purchases. By combining cashback offers with coupons, loyalty programs, and special promotions, you can significantly increase your savings. With a little planning and the right apps, you can maximize your cashback earnings and make the most out of every shopping trip—whether online or in-store. Happy saving!
