Best Cashback Apps -

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In today’s digital age, finding ways to save money on everyday purchases has become easier than ever. With the rise of cashback apps, shoppers can now earn rewards just for making regular purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, dining out, or shopping online, there are apps specifically designed to help you earn a percentage of your money back. This article will cover the best apps for earning cashback on everyday purchases, how they work, and tips for maximizing your savings.

What Are Cashback Apps and How Do They Work?

Cashback apps are platforms that offer users a percentage of their spending back in the form of cash rewards. These rewards can typically be redeemed through various methods such as PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards. The concept is simple: by using these apps when shopping at specific stores or buying certain products, you earn a portion of your money back.

Here’s how they generally work:

Sign Up and Link Accounts: Most cashback apps require users to create an account and often link their credit or debit card.

Make a Purchase: After activating a deal or shopping at a participating retailer, your cashback is tracked.

Receive Cash Back: Once the purchase is verified, the app credits your account with the cashback amount. After accumulating a certain balance, you can cash out.

Some apps focus on online shopping, while others cater to in-store purchases or offer rewards for scanning receipts. With the variety of apps available, it’s important to choose the ones that fit your shopping habits to maximize your savings.

Top Apps for Earning Cashback

Here are the top cashback apps that you can use to earn rewards on your everyday purchases:

Rakuten

Best for: Online Shoppers

Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is one of the most popular and user-friendly cashback apps available. It partners with thousands of retailers, from big-box stores to specialty online shops, to offer users cashback on purchases made through its platform.

How It Works: Simply sign up for Rakuten, browse the platform to find stores offering cashback, and click through Rakuten’s link to make your purchase. Once the purchase is complete, Rakuten tracks it and rewards you with cashback.

Cashback Rate: Typically ranges from 1% to 15%, with special promotions often boosting rates.

Payout Methods: PayPal, check, or direct deposit.

Standout Feature: Rakuten has a browser extension that alerts users when they are on a site offering cashback, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to save.

Click here to sign up for Rakuten and take advantage now!

Ibotta

Best for: Grocery Shoppers

Ibotta is a popular cashback app designed primarily for grocery shopping but has expanded to include other categories such as apparel, restaurants, and even alcohol. It’s ideal for users who want to save on everyday essentials.

How It Works: Users browse the app for available offers at their favorite stores. After making a purchase, you can scan your receipt or link your loyalty card for instant cashback.

Cashback Rate: Varies by product and store, typically from $0.50 to $5 per item.

Payout Methods: PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.

Standout Feature: Ibotta frequently partners with major grocery stores, making it easy to save on items you purchase regularly.

Sign up here to get started SAVING on groceries and MORE!

Dosh

Best for: Passive Earners

Dosh is designed for users who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach to earning cashback. Once you’ve linked your credit or debit card to the app, Dosh automatically rewards you with cashback when you make purchases at participating retailers.

How It Works: Link your card to Dosh, and whenever you use it at a participating merchant, cashback is automatically applied.

Cashback Rate: Typically ranges from 1% to 10%.

Payout Methods: PayPal, direct deposit, or donation to charity.

Standout Feature: No need to activate offers or scan receipts. Cashback is automatic with linked purchases.

Fetch Rewards

Best for: Receipt Scanners

Fetch Rewards is another grocery-centric app but with a unique twist: instead of browsing for specific offers, you can simply scan your receipt, and Fetch Rewards will automatically find qualifying items.

How It Works: After shopping, scan your receipt, and Fetch Rewards will identify and reward you for eligible products.

Cashback Rate: Rewards are earned in points, which vary by product and can be redeemed for gift cards.

Payout Methods: Gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.

Standout Feature: No need to pre-select offers, just scan your receipt to earn rewards.

Drop

Best for: Gamified Cashback

Drop offers a gamified approach to cashback, allowing users to earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards.

How It Works: Link your card to the app and earn points for every purchase made at partnered stores. You can also earn bonus points by participating in challenges and games.

Cashback Rate: Points typically equate to 1% to 5% cashback.

Payout Methods: Gift cards to popular retailers.

Standout Feature: Gamification elements such as challenges and “Power Offers” make earning cashback feel like a fun, interactive game.

Sign up and cash in on those purchases!

Shopkick

Best for: Earning Without Spending

Shopkick allows users to earn “kicks” (points) without even making a purchase. You can earn points by walking into stores, scanning items, watching videos, or making purchases.

How It Works: Earn kicks for various actions, including walking into partner stores, scanning specific items, or making purchases.

Cashback Rate: Earn kicks instead of traditional cashback, and kicks can be redeemed for gift cards.

Payout Methods: Gift cards to a wide range of retailers.

Standout Feature: Earn points without making a purchase by scanning products or simply walking into a store.

Honey

Best for: Finding Deals and Coupons

Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes when you’re shopping online. While it primarily focuses on coupon codes, Honey also has a cashback program called Honey Gold.

How It Works: Install the Honey browser extension, and it will search for coupon codes and notify you of cashback offers when shopping at participating stores.

Cashback Rate: Cashback is awarded in the form of Honey Gold points, which are redeemable for gift cards.

Payout Methods: Gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, eBay, and others.

Standout Feature: Automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes at checkout.

Automate Digital Coupon Clipping by Signing Up Today!

Swagbucks

Best for: Earning While Browsing

Swagbucks allows users to earn cashback not only through shopping but also by completing a variety of online activities, such as taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games.

How It Works: Earn “Swagbucks” (SB) points by shopping online, answering surveys, watching videos, or performing simple online tasks.

Cashback Rate: Varies widely depending on the activity, with higher rewards for shopping.

Payout Methods: PayPal cash or gift cards.

Standout Feature: Multiple ways to earn rewards, not just through shopping.

Earn That Extra Walking Around Cash in Your Pocket Today!

Payce

Best for: In-store and Online Purchases

Payce is another app that rewards users for shopping at participating stores, both online and in-store. It works similarly to Rakuten but with a broader focus on everyday purchases.

How It Works: Link your card to the Payce app and earn cashback when shopping at participating stores.

Cashback Rate: Typically ranges from 1% to 5%.

Payout Methods: Direct deposit or gift cards.

Standout Feature: Payce offers both in-store and online cashback, making it versatile for all types of shoppers.

Sign Up and Earn With Payce Today!

How to Maximize Your Cashback Earnings

To get the most out of these cashback apps, here are some tips to maximize your earnings:

Stack Cashback Offers: Use multiple cashback apps to stack rewards. For example, you can use Ibotta for a specific product cashback, then pay with a card linked to Dosh for additional rewards.
Monitor Promotions: Many apps offer limited-time promotions or increased cashback rates, especially during holidays. Take advantage of these boosts.
Link Your Cards: If the app offers automatic rewards for linked cards, make sure all your credit or debit cards are connected to maximize earnings without any extra effort.
Use Browser Extensions: Apps like Rakuten and Honey offer browser extensions that will alert you to cashback opportunities while you shop online.
Participate in Bonus Challenges: Apps like Drop and Swagbucks frequently offer bonus challenges, which can significantly increase your rewards for completing specific tasks or spending a certain amount. These bonuses are often time-sensitive, so it pays to keep an eye out for them.
Refer Friends: Most cashback apps offer referral programs that allow you to earn bonus cashback or points when you invite friends to sign up. This can be a great way to increase your balance quickly.
Use for Everyday Purchases: Don’t limit yourself to big shopping sprees. Even small, everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining out can add up when you’re earning cashback on each one.
Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses: Many apps offer sign-up bonuses for new users, which can give you a head start on your cashback earnings.

Common Features of Cashback Apps

Though each cashback app has its own set of features and benefits, there are some commonalities across most platforms. Understanding these features can help you choose the app that best fits your needs:

Reward Types: Most apps offer cashback, but the form of rewards can vary. Some provide direct cash payouts via PayPal or bank transfer, while others reward users with points that can be redeemed for gift cards or travel vouchers.
Purchase Categories: Cashback offers are usually tied to specific categories, such as groceries, dining, travel, or online shopping. Some apps focus on one category (e.g., Ibotta for groceries), while others cover a wide range of categories (e.g., Rakuten).
Automatic vs. Manual Tracking: Some apps, like Dosh, automatically track purchases when you use a linked card, while others, like Ibotta, require you to activate offers or upload receipts manually.
In-Store vs. Online: Some apps are tailored specifically for online shopping (e.g., Rakuten and Honey), while others work best for in-store purchases or a combination of both (e.g., Fetch Rewards and Dosh).
Referral Programs: Many apps offer incentives for referring new users. These can range from a flat bonus to a percentage of your referral’s earnings for a limited time.
Mobile and Browser Integration: Most apps are mobile-based, but some, like Rakuten and Honey, also have browser extensions that make it easier to track and apply cashback when shopping online.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cashback App

Choosing the right cashback app can depend on several factors, such as your shopping habits, preferred payout methods, and the type of rewards you’re seeking. Here are some key considerations:

Shopping Habits: Are you primarily an online shopper, or do you do most of your shopping in physical stores? Apps like Rakuten are great for online shopping, while apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards cater more to grocery and in-store shoppers.
Payout Options: Some apps offer direct cash payouts via PayPal or bank transfer, while others offer points that can only be redeemed for gift cards. If you prefer cash over gift cards, choose an app like Dosh or Rakuten that offers cash-based rewards.
Effort Required: If you prefer a hands-off approach, opt for apps that automatically track your purchases, like Dosh or Rakuten. If you’re willing to put in more effort by scanning receipts or activating offers, you might earn more with apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards.
Redemption Threshold: Some apps have minimum thresholds for cashing out your rewards. For example, Ibotta requires at least $20 before you can cash out. If you prefer instant rewards, look for apps with low or no minimum redemption amounts.
Bonus Offers: Consider whether the app regularly offers bonus cashback rates or limited-time promotions. Apps like Rakuten frequently run promotions that can significantly boost your earnings.
User Experience: The ease of use is also important. Some apps offer seamless interfaces and easy-to-understand dashboards, while others may be more complex. Browse reviews and ratings to determine the user experience before committing to an app.

Combining Cashback Apps and Strategies for Greater Savings

One of the most effective ways to maximize your cashback is by combining multiple apps and using various strategies together. Here are some smart tactics to double (or even triple) your rewards:

Stack Apps: It’s possible to use more than one cashback app on a single purchase. For instance, you could shop through Rakuten for cashback at a particular store, then upload your receipt to Fetch Rewards or Ibotta for additional savings on specific items.
Credit Card Rewards: Many credit cards offer cashback or points on purchases. If you use a rewards card that offers 1-2% cashback, you can stack that on top of the cashback from your apps for even more savings.
Browser Extensions: Use browser extensions like Rakuten and Honey when shopping online. Honey will search for applicable coupons while Rakuten will give you cashback on your purchase. This combination ensures you’re both saving upfront and getting cashback afterward.
Time Your Purchases: Some apps offer higher cashback rates during holidays or special events. Keep an eye out for these increased rates and time larger purchases to take advantage of these bonuses.
Sign-Up Bonuses: Take advantage of new user bonuses when signing up for multiple cashback apps. This can give you a head start and increase your savings without much effort.
Use Loyalty Programs: Some retailers have their own loyalty programs that provide additional savings. Combining these with your cashback apps can maximize the rewards you earn from each purchase.
Check Retailer Policies: Certain stores may only allow you to use one form of discount (e.g., coupon or cashback) at a time. Be sure to understand the retailer’s policies so you can plan accordingly and choose the most lucrative method.

Cashback apps are an excellent way to save money on everyday purchases, from groceries and gas to online shopping and dining out. With so many options available, you can easily find apps that suit your spending habits and preferences. Whether you prefer a hands-off approach with automatic cashback tracking, or you enjoy hunting for deals and scanning receipts, there’s a cashback app for everyone.

Here’s a quick recap of the top apps covered in this article:

Rakuten: Best for online shoppers looking for a wide range of retailer options.
Ibotta: Ideal for grocery shoppers who want cashback on specific products.
Dosh: Great for users who prefer automatic cashback tracking.
Fetch Rewards: A simple way to earn rewards by scanning grocery receipts.
Drop: Fun and gamified cashback with opportunities to earn bonus points.
Shopkick: Earn rewards without spending money by simply walking into stores and scanning items.
Honey: Best for finding deals and applying coupons while earning cashback online.
Swagbucks: Multiple ways to earn beyond shopping, such as taking surveys and watching videos.
Payce: A versatile option for both online and in-store cashback.

By using these apps strategically and taking advantage of bonuses, promotions, and card-linked offers, you can significantly boost your cashback earnings. Remember to explore multiple apps and combine them by stacking for MAXIMUM savings. Be better today than yesterday! Happy earning!