Are you ready to turn your everyday purchases into a pile of savings?
I recently earned $89 in cashback, and the best part is that I only used one app to do it! It’s been a game-changer for me.
I’ve been diving into cashback apps for a while now, and they’re seriously underrated.
With everything getting pricier these days, I’m talking rising interest rates and sneaky shrinkflation (same price, less product) these apps have been saving my life.
If you’re looking to stretch that dollar a bit further, give these cashback apps a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I do receive compensation if you purchase or register through them. This is an article for your entertainment and knowledge.
What Are Cashback Apps and How Do They Work?
Let me tell you, when I first heard about cashback apps, I was skeptical.
Free money for shopping? Yeah I was skeptical…
Cashback apps are like digital coupon-clipping in your pocket. You download them, sign up (usually for free), and start earning money back on purchases you’d make anyway.
It’s that simple!
I remember downloading my first cashback app (Rakuten) when I was trying to stretch every dollar. I’d forget to activate offers or buy stuff just because it had cashback. Rookie mistakes!
So, how do these money-makers actually work? Well, it’s all about affiliate marketing.
The apps partner with retailers, and when you make a purchase through their link or submit a receipt, they get a commission.
Then they share some of that commission with you. Pretty sweet, right?
There are a few ways to earn:
- Direct cash back: You buy something and get a percentage back in digital cash.
- Points: Some apps use a point system you can redeem for gift cards or cash.
- Receipt scanning: Apps like Fetch Rewards let you scan receipts for points on certain brands.
Now, these apps aren’t just being nice (shocking, I know). They’re making money too. Besides keeping part of the commission, they’re also gathering data on shopping habits. It’s not as creepy as it sounds, but it’s something to be aware of.
I’ll never forget my first cashback check. It was just $40.00, but you’d think I’d won the lottery! I was running around the house, shouting about free money. My wife thought I’d lost it.
Here’s the thing: while these apps are great, they’re not a get-rich-quick scheme. They’re more like a nice little bonus on top of your regular shopping. I learned this the hard way when I got so caught up in maximizing cashback that I bought a bunch of stuff I didn’t need. Lesson learned: only use these apps for stuff you were gonna buy anyway.
There you have it. Cashback apps in a nutshell. They’re simple to use, can save you some decent cash if you’re smart about it, and hey, who doesn’t like free money? Just remember to read the fine print and don’t go overboard. Happy saving!
Top 5 Cashback Apps for Everyday Shopping
So you are probably wondering how I earned $89 in a matter of days. It was pretty simple, I waited for Black Friday and cashed in on all my purchases. The deals were everywhere and I saved money on every purchase. Rakuten Is the app that saved me all the money for the Holiday season, I gotta give them a special shoutout and keep them at the number one must-have app!
1. Rakuten
Oh man, Rakuten is like the Swiss Army knife of cashback apps. I’ve been using it for years, and it’s saved me a ton on both online and in-store purchases.
You sign up, and boom, they give you a sweet signup bonus. Whenever you shop online, you just click through their portal, and they track your purchase and earn straight cashback.
They work with thousands of stores. I’m talking big names like Dell, Walmart, and even fancy places like Saks Fifth Avenue. And don’t get me started on their browser extension. No more forgetting to activate offers!
Payouts are easy too. You can get a check or have it sent straight to your PayPal. I usually forget about it and then get a nice surprise every few months when the payment hits my account.
My Personal Experiance With Rakuten
Now I love Rakuten, and I can’t recommend it enough. I am pretty biased when it comes to this app but look how much I made below just from cash back! But guess what.. my wife made even more! She referred me, her friend earning an extra $80 in cashback (now $30 per referral).
How did we earn so much? Well, we waited for those black Friday deals and cashed in on big savings. You can even say some gifts paid for themselves. The referral bonuses also helped, at the time we earned a total of $120 on just referrals since each one paid out $40 bucks.
The worst part is Rakuten keeps sending us push notifications with new cashback deals all the time, so we took a little break from shopping for this month 🙂
You can sign up here!
2. Ibotta
Grocery shopping can feel like watching money fly out of your wallet. That’s where Ibotta comes in clutch. This app is my secret weapon for saving on groceries.
Here’s how it works: Before you shop, you browse the app for offers on items you’re planning to buy. Then after you shop, you snap a picture of your receipt, then get rewarded with cash back in your account!
I remember the first time I used Ibotta. I thought, “This is too good to be true.” But then I scanned my receipt for some bread, milk, and cereal I’d bought, and within minutes, I had $3.50 back. It might not sound like much, but trust me, it adds up fast especially if you are fatty like me 😉
One of my favorite features is their teamwork bonuses. I got my family to sign up, and now we all work towards shared goals for extra cash. It’s turned grocery shopping into a bit of a game, basically who can save the most this week?
Pro tip: Check Ibotta before you make your shopping list. Sometimes I’ll switch brands just to get the cashback, and I’ve discovered some great products that way.
You can get Ibotta here.
3. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is like that friend who’s always up for hanging out. No pre-selecting offers, no scanning barcodes.. just snap a picture of your receipt from any store, and you’re good to go.
My wife and I started using Fetch when we realized how many times we were tossing receipts that could be making us money.
Now, it’s become a habit. Buy stuff, snap receipt, earn points. Simple as that.
The cool thing about Fetch is that they partner with a ton of brands. So even if you’re not buying specific items, you’re likely to earn some points on every receipt. I’ve gotten points for everything from my weekend pizza bindge to my monthly stock-up at the bbq store.
You can get Fetch here!
4. Dosh
This app is all about that “set it and forget it” life, and it’s pretty sweet.
You link your credit or debit cards to the app (don’t worry, it’s secure), and then… that’s it. Seriously.
Whenever you use those cards at participating stores or restaurants, you automatically get cash back. No scanning receipts, no clicking special links. It’s like magic money, except they don’t disappear!
I remember the first time I got a Dosh notification. I had completely forgotten I’d set it up, and suddenly there’s a ping telling me I just got $2.50 back from my morning coffee run.
One of the coolest things about Dosh is their travel bookings. I used it to book a hotel for a weekend getaway, and the cashback was instant. We’re talking like 6% back, which added up to a free dinner on our trip.
The only downside? Sometimes I get so used to the automatic savings that I forget to check the app for new offers. That’s a pretty good problem to have, right?
You can have that problem too by downloading the app here 🙂
5. Swagbucks
Alright, if you’re looking to turn your downtime into dollars, Swagbucks is your new best friend.
This app is like the overachiever of the cashback world.. it does a little bit of everything.
I first stumbled upon Swagbucks when I managed their account during my good old affiliate days.
The cashback part works similarly to Rakuten. You shop through their portal and earn points (they call them SB). But where Swagbucks really shines is all the other ways you can earn. Watching videos, answering surveys, even just searching the web through their search engine can earn you points.
I’ll be honest, at first I went a little overboard. I was doing surveys during my lunch break, watching videos while cooking dinner – I even got my wife hooked on it. We turned it into a competition to see who could earn more SB in a month (I won, obviously).
The payout options are pretty sweet too. You can get cash through PayPal, or choose from a ton of gift card options. I usually go for Amazon gift cards.
One word of caution though, it can be tempting to spend hours trying to rack up points. I had to learn to balance it with, you know, actually living my life. But used in moderation, it’s a great way to earn a little extra cash for stuff you’re doing anyway.
You can earn here.
5 Niche Cashback Apps Worth Trying
Here are some underrated apps you should try!
1. Upside
If you’re anything like me, seeing those numbers tick up at the gas pump can make you wince. That’s where GetUpside comes in.
I stumbled upon Upside during a road trip when I was desperately searching for ways to save on gas. The app shows you participating gas stations near you and tells you how much cashback you can get per gallon.
The first time I used it, I saved 15 cents per gallon. It might not sound like much, but when you’re filling up a big tank, or use it often.. it adds up fast.
It’s also not just for gas!
They’ve expanded to include cashback on restaurant and grocery purchases too. I’ve gotten money back on everything from my morning coffee to my weekly grocery run.
One time, I forgot to claim my offer after pumping gas. I was kicking myself, thinking I’d missed out. But then I discovered you have 4 hours to claim your offer after purchasing!
The real-time price comparison feature is a lifesaver too.
No more driving around comparing prices, the app does it all for you. It’s like having a personal assistant dedicated to saving you money on gas.
You can get the app here.
2. Drop
Okay, so you know how some apps feel like they’re designed by people who don’t actually understand how we shop? Drop is not one of those apps. It’s like it was made specifically for millennials like me who love their “avocado toast” and online shopping.
Here’s the scoop: you link your cards (don’t worry, it’s secure), choose your favorite brands, and then just shop like normal. The app works in the background, racking up points on purchases from your chosen brands. It’s like having a rewards program for your entire life.
I remember when I first signed up, I was skeptical. But then I realized I was earning points on stuff I buy all the time like my Uber rides, my Coffee addiction, and even my Netflix subscription. It was like getting rewarded for just being myself.
You know whats also cool? They offer these “power offers” where you can earn a ton of points on a single purchase. I once got 50,000 points (that’s $50!) for signing up for a meal kit service I was going to try anyway. It felt like winning the lottery.
They also have some sweet personalized offers. Somehow, they always seem to know exactly what I’m in the mood to buy. It’s a little creepy, but in a good way, you know?
The points can be addictive. I may or may not have justified a few unnecessary purchases because of the points I’d earn. Moderation is key!
You can get the app here.
3. Honey
Let me tell you about Honey, the app that turned me into a coupon king. No more Googling for promo codes while your cart sits waiting. Honey does all the work for you.
I first discovered Honey when I was about to splurge on some new Nectar Mattress. I had my credit card out, ready to hit “purchase,” when I remembered to check Honey. With just one click, it searched for and applied a coupon code that saved me $840! I nearly fell off my chair!
The browser extension is where the magic really happens. It sits quietly in the corner of your browser, and then when you’re about to check out, it pops up saving you hundreds over time.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve added something to my Amazon wishlist, only to have Honey alert me a week later that the price has dropped. Just like having a personal shopper whose only job is to save you money.
I will say, it can be a bit of a bummer when Honey searches for codes and comes up empty. But even then, I feel better knowing I didn’t miss out on any potential savings.
And the times it does find a code? Pure dopamine rush.
You get the Honey app here.
4. Capital One Shopping
I know what you’re thinking.. “Isn’t this just for Capital One customers?”
Nope!
That’s what I thought too, but turns out, it’s for everyone. It’s been a total game changer for my online shopping habits.
Imagine this: you’re browsing Amazon, thinking you’ve found the best deal on that gadget you’ve been eyeing. Then Capital One Shopping pops up and says, “Hold up, I found it cheaper somewhere else.” Mind. Blown.
The first time this happened to me, I was a bit thrown off. But I clicked through, and sure enough, there it was, the exact same product, $30 cheaper on a site I’d never even heard of. It felt like I’d uncovered network of deals.
But it’s not just about finding lower prices. The app also applies coupons automatically (like Honey) and gives you credits for your purchases. These credits add up faster than you’d think. I’ve scored gift cards to some of my favorite stores just by buying stuff I needed anyway.
One of my favorite features is the price drop alerts. I’m not always in a rush to buy something, so I’ll add items to my watchlist. Then, when the price drops, I get an alert. It’s like having a personal bargain hunter working for you 24/7.
Just a word of caution.. it can be tempting to buy things just because they’re a “good deal.” I may or may not have ended up with three new pairs of shoes because of a particularly good offer.
Use responsibly!
Get Capital One Shopping here.
5. Seated
If you’re anything like me, you love trying new restaurants but hate what it does to your wallet especially now. Enter Seated, the app that’s about to become your new dining best friend.
I stumbled upon Seated during a particularly brutal month of ordering Uber eats nearly every day. I was looking for a way to justify my restaurant habit when this app popped up, promising rewards for dining out.
Skeptical? You bet.
Here how it works: You make a reservation or order takeout through the app at a participating restaurant. After your meal, you upload your receipt and boom you earn rewards. And we’re not talking about some points system that takes forever to add up. We’re talking cold, hard gift cards to places like Amazon, Uber, or Airbnb.
The first time I used it, I treated myself to a nice dinner out and earned a $20 Amazon gift card. It felt like I was getting paid to eat! Since then, I’ve been on a mission to try every Seated restaurant when I travel.
They often run promos where you can earn even more. I once hit a 100% back promo, which meant I essentially got my entire meal reimbursed in rewards. I felt like I dined and dashed!
But here’s the bummer: Seated is currently available in select major cities like Chicago and New York. When I first downloaded it, Austin wasn’t included. But it’s a great app for when you travel to those cities!
Just a word of caution, it can be tempting to eat out more often just for the rewards. I may have justified one too many “treat yourself” dinners because of the cash back.
All in all, if you’re a food lover looking to earn some extra cash (or gift cards) while indulging your passion, Seated is definitely worth a download.
Who knows? Your next great meal might just pay for itself!
Explore the Seated app here.
My Personal Experience with Rakuten
Now I love Rakuten, and I can’t recommend it enough. I am pretty biased when it comes to this app but look how much I made below just from cash back! But guess what.. my wife made even more! She referred me, her friend earning an extra $80 in cashback (now $30 per referral).
How did we earn so much? Well, we waited for those black Friday deals and cashed in on big savings. You can even say some gifts paid for themselves. The referral bonuses also helped, at the time we earned a total of $120 on just referrals since each one paid out $40 bucks.
The worst part is Rakuten keeps sending us push notifications with new cashback deals all the time, so we took a little break from shopping for this month 🙂
How to Maximize Your Cashback Earnings
Alright my shoppers, let’s talk strategy.
After years of trial and error (and yes, a few facepalm moments), I’ve cracked the code on maximizing those sweet, sweet cashback earnings. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Stack, stack, stack! This is the golden rule of cashback. Use multiple apps for the same purchase whenever possible. For example, I’ll use Rakuten for online shopping, and then upload the receipt to Fetch Rewards. It’s like a cashback sandwich, and let me tell you, it’s delicious 😉
- Read the fine print. I learned this the hard way when I thought I was getting a ton of cashback on a gaming chair from Dell, only to find out Rakuten denied me my money! Now, I always check the terms and conditions. It takes an extra minute but can save you from disappointment.
- Set reminders. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten to activate an offer or scan a receipt. Now, I set reminders on my phone. Just a quick “Hey Siri, remind me to scan my grocery receipt when I get home” works wonders.
- Use the right card. Some cashback apps work better with certain credit cards. I have a spreadsheet (yes, I’m that person) where I track which card gives me the best returns for different types of purchases when combined with various apps.
- Don’t overspend. This is crucial. The goal is to save money, not spend more. I once bought a bunch of stuff I didn’t need just because of a great cashback offer. Now, I stick to my regular shopping list and treat cashback as a bonus, not a reason to buy.
- Keep your receipts. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, keep them for a few days. You never know when you might discover a new app or offer that could earn you cash on a purchase you’ve already made.
- Be realistic. Remember, you’re not going to get rich from cashback apps. I once spent hours trying to maximize a 50-cent return. Not worth it. Focus on the bigger purchases and let the small stuff be a nice surprise.
The Pros and Cons of Using Cashback Apps
Like anything in life, cashback apps have their ups and downs. Let’s break it down:
Pros:
- Easy money: It’s basically free cash for buying things you’d purchase anyway. Who doesn’t love that?
- Savings add up: A few bucks here and there might not seem like much, but over a year, it can really accumulate. I saved enough for a weekend getaway this year!
- More mindful spending: Using these apps has made me more aware of my purchases and has actually helped me budget better.
Cons:
- Privacy concerns: These apps collect data on your spending habits. If you’re not comfortable with that, it might not be for you.
- The temptation to overspend: It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying things just for the cashback. I’ve been there, and my overflowing closet is proof.
- Time investment: Scanning receipts, activating offers, and comparing apps can take time. Make sure its worth your time!
Conclusion
There you have it! The crème de la crème of cashback apps!
By incorporating these digital money-savers into your shopping routine, you’re not just buying, you’re earning. Remember, the key to success with cashback apps is to use them for purchases you’d make anyway.
Don’t fall into the trap of spending more to get cashback, that’s like eating a whole cake to save a slice!
Whether you’re a coupon clipper or just dipping your toes into the world of smart shopping, these apps offer something for everyone.
So why leave money on the table?
Start with one or two apps that resonate with your shopping habits, and watch your savings grow. Who knows? This time next year, you might just be treating yourself to that dream vacation, courtesy of your cashback earnings!
Ready to transform your shopping game? Download a few of these apps today and start turning those receipts into riches.
Happy saving, and may the cashback be ever in your favor!