10 Best Cashback Apps for Groceries in 2024: Save Big on Food!

Are you tired of watching your grocery bill skyrocket?

You’re not alone! I’m sick of buying my pasture-raised eggs for nearly $9!!!

Did you know that the average American household spends over $5,000 per year on groceries?

But here’s some good news: grocery cashback apps are here to save the day and your wallet!

Below, we’ll dive into the world of money-saving apps for food shopping, exploring how they work and which ones offer the best bang for your buck. If you’re not too sure, how these work I made a quick guide here too.

Get ready to transform your shopping experience and keep more money in your pocket!

What Are Grocery Cashback Apps and How Do They Work?

Grocery cashback apps are mobile apps designed to help you earn rewards on groceries and save money on your weekly shopping. These smart shopping apps work by offering you cashback, points, or other rewards when you purchase specific items or shop at particular stores.

Here’s how they typically work:

1. Browse offers: Check the app for available rebates and digital coupons for groceries.
2. Shop: Make your purchases as usual at participating supermarkets or stores.
3. Submit proof: Use the app to scan your receipt or link your store loyalty card.
4. Earn rewards: Receive cashback, points, or other rewards for eligible purchases.

The benefits of using these grocery store savings tools are numerous. Not only do they help you save on your food bill, but they also make it easier to stick to your budget and even earn some extra cash!

Top 10 Best Cashback Apps for Groceries in 2024

I’ve been on a wild ride with cashback apps for groceries these past few years. As a busy professional always looking to stretch the family budget, I’ve tried almost every app out there.

Some were a total waste of time, but others? Game changers for the wallet..

I’m giving away my secret top 10 best cashback apps for groceries in 2024. Trust me, your wallet will thank you later.

1. Ibotta

This one’s my ride-or-die for grocery cashback rewards. I’ve been using Ibotta since 2021, and it’s only gotten better. You just scan your receipt, and get cash back. They’ve even got a browser extension now, which is pretty sweet for online grocery orders.

Pro tip: always check the app before you shop to see what’s offering the best rebates that week.

Download iBotta on iOS here and on Android devices here.

2. Fetch Rewards

So Fetch is like the lazy person’s dream (and I mean that in the best way possible). You don’t even have to select offers.. just scan any grocery receipt and earn points. It’s not always the highest payouts, but man, is it easy. I’ve gotten some decent gift cards from this one.

Download Fetch on iOS here and on Android devices here.

3. Flipp: Shop Grocery Deals

How does 20% off weekly groceries sound? Their app is actually pretty sick. What I love about this one is that you can shop over 2000 stores, so the cashback happens automatically. You can even add coupons directly to your loyalty cards!

The best part? Flipp will instantly find deals based on your shopping list!

Download Flipp on iOS here and on Android devices here.

4. Checkout 51

I cant count how many times this app has saved me!

Literally.. I’m a huge steak eater and they often have great cashback offers on meat products. The interface is super user-friendly, and they update offers every Thursday. I’ve made it a habit to check it while meal planning.

Download Checkout 51 on iOS here and on Android devices here.

5. Rakuten

I used to think Rakuten was just for online shopping, but was I wrong. They’ve got some solid in-store cashback options now, especially for grocery stores. The percentages aren’t always huge, but it adds up after time.

Download Rakuten on iOS here and on Android devices here.

6. Receipt Hog

This one’s a bit different but I also highly recommend. You earn coins for scanning any receipt, not just groceries. But, since I’m buying groceries anyway, might as well get those extra points. It’s slow going, but I’ve cashed out a few times over the years.

Download Receipt Hog on iOS here and on Android devices here.

7. Upside

Upside is pretty sweet too. Its mainly known for gas cashback, but you can now get some cash back on other items. They’ve been expanding into groceries, so if you buy gas during your runs you have to check this app out. The cashback rates can be pretty impressive, especially if you catch a good promotion.

Download Upside on iOS here and on Android devices here.

8. Shopkick

Shopkick is a fun one because you can earn points (or “kicks”) just for walking into certain stores. Combine that with their receipt scanning feature, and you’ve got yourself a nice little earner. I like to use this one when I’m doing my big monthly grocery haul (usually 2 cases of water and 20lbs of candy).

Download Shopkick on iOS here and on Android devices here.

9. BeFrugal

BeFrugal is a newer cashback app that’s caught my eye recently. I seen so many ads in the search engine, I had to check them out!

This app is centered around earning cashback on your online purchases, often featuring exclusive deals you won’t find elsewhere. While the available offers can vary depending on the retailer, I’ve found it to be a solid addition to my savings strategy, especially for getting the most out of my online shopping.

Download BeFrugal on iOS here and on Android devices here.

10. Dosh

Last but not least, we’ve got Dosh.

This app is about linking your credit card and earning automatic cashback. It’s not grocery-specific, but they do have some grocery partners. And to be real, anything that’s automatic gets a gold star in my book.

Download Dosh on iOS here and on Android devices here.

“Ain’t nobody got time for all these apps!” You may be thinking..and you’re right.

It took me a while to figure out a system that works for me. I usually stick to 3-4 at a time, rotating based on which ones have the best offers.

The key is to not let it stress you out.

These apps should be saving you money, not causing you a headache. Start slow, maybe with just one or two, and see how it goes. Before you know it, you’ll be a cashback pro, bragging to all your friends about how much you’ve saved on your grocery bill. Make sure to give me a shout out 😉

And remember, every little bit counts. Even if it’s just a few bucks here and there, it adds up over time. So go forth and save, my fellow budget-conscious friends!

Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

How to Maximize Your Cashback Rewards on Groceries

First things first, you gotta get yourself a good cashback credit card.

And I don’t mean just any old card that offers a measly 1% back on groceries. Nope, we’re talking about cards that offer 3%, 5%, or even 6% back on supermarket purchases. These babies are your golden ticket to cashback heaven.

Here’s a pro tip: a lot of these high-reward cards have spending caps. They’ll give you 6% back on the first $6,000 you spend on groceries each year, then drop it down to 1%. So I keep track of my spending and switch to another card when I hit that limit. It’s a bit of a hassle but you rack up cashback that way.

Amex is offering 6% on groceries ($6000 limit), you can apply here. That’s a total of $360 in bonus cashback!

Cashback Gift Card Hack

Here’s something a lot of people overlook.. buying gift cards. Many grocery stores sell gift cards for other retailers.

And guess what?

Those purchases often count as grocery spending on your credit card. So if you know you’re going be doing some shopping at Home Depot for example, why not buy a Home Depot gift card at the grocery store and earn some cashback?

But, don’t go overboard.

I made that mistake once, bought a bunch of gift cards from Cosco since they were 10% off.. Ended up with a drawer full of random gift cards and a very unimpressed spouse. Balance is key, people!

Online Grocery Shopping Cashback

Don’t forget about online grocery shopping. A lot of cashback cards offer the same rewards for online grocery purchases as they do for in-store shopping.

There’s nothing quite like earning cashback while sitting on your couch in your PJs. I’m all for it!

I know what you’re thinking – “This all sounds great, but is it really worth the effort?” And to that, I say heck yes! Just last year, I earned over $200+ in cashback on groceries alone. That’s a nice chunk of change that went straight into our vacation fund.

That’s the secret to my hard-earned wisdom on maximizing your cashback rewards on groceries. It might take a bit of effort and planning, but trust me, when you see those rewards adding up, you’ll be glad you put in the work.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cashback App for Your Needs

Alright, let’s dive into choosing the perfect cashback app for you. I’ve been through the wringer with these apps, it’s been quite a journey in picking the right ones.

Don’t worry though, I’m here to share all the juicy details so you can learn from my missteps.

Pick Stores You Frequently Shop At

When I first started using cashback apps, I made a rookie mistake. I downloaded the first one I saw without considering where I actually shop.

I remember standing in my favorite local grocery store (H.E.B), phone in hand, ready to score some sweet cashback. But guess what? The app didn’t even have that store listed. Talk about a face-palm moment..

That’s when I realized, you have to match the app to your shopping habits. If you’re all about those big-box stores, look for apps that partner with chains like Walmart or Target.

But if you’re more of a boutique shopper or a farmers market enthusiast, you might need an app with a wider range of local options.

Pro tip: make a quick list of your top 5-10 most-visited stores. Then, when you’re comparing apps, check if they cover those places. Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of frustration down the line.

Ease of Use and User Interface

Let’s speak on user-friendliness.

I don’t have time for a clunky app that’s harder to navigate than a maze, and I’m sure you have better things to do.

I once downloaded this app that promised amazing cashback deals (not going to name them). The catch? It was so complicated, I needed a PhD just to figure out how to submit a receipt. After a day of squinting at my phone and muttering curses under my breath, I gave up. Not worth the headache…

Look for an app with a clean, intuitive interface. Something like Rakuten or Swagbucks. Just look how pretty Rakuten is! Also sweet deal on Pandora 😉

You want something that lets you easily browse offers, upload receipts, and track your earnings without pulling your hair out.

Minimum Payout Thresholds

Here’s something that caught me off guard when I first started: minimum payout thresholds. I was using the Fetch app, diligently scanning receipts, and watching my cashback grow. Hit my first $5 and thought, “Sweet! Time to cash out!” Nope. The app required a minimum of $10 before you could withdraw.

It might not sound like a big deal, but it can be frustrating when you’re just shy of that threshold and have to wait. Some apps set the bar pretty high, like $50 or even $100. Unless you’re a power shopper, that could take ages to reach.

My advice?

Look for apps with lower thresholds, ideally $10 or less. That way, you can enjoy your rewards more frequently. It’s way more satisfying to get a small payout every month than to wait half a year for a bigger one.

The variety of offers available

The best cashback apps have a good mix of offers. You want some staples like groceries, gas, and maybe some household items. But it’s also nice to have some fun stuff in there too. Maybe cashback on movie tickets or restaurants for those “treat-yourself” moments.

And keep an eye out for rotating categories. Some apps change their high-cashback categories every month or quarter. It keeps things interesting and can lead to some nice surprises.

User reviews and ratings

Last but definitely not least, pay attention to what other users are saying. I learned this lesson the hard way when I ignored a bunch of one-star reviews and downloaded an app anyway. Spoiler alert: it was a disaster.

The app crashed constantly, customer service was non-existent, and some users even reported issues with getting their cashback.

I always check the app store ratings and read through recent reviews before downloading and you should too. Look for apps with at least 4 stars and pay attention to what people are saying about reliability, customer service, and payout speed.

Don’t just look at the overall rating. Dig into those reviews a bit. Sometimes an app might have a lower rating because of a temporary glitch that’s been fixed, or because people don’t understand how to use it properly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Grocery Cashback Apps

Let’s discuss the landmines you must dodge when using grocery cashback apps. I’ve stepped on a few of these myself, and it ain’t pretty!

Buying Items You Don’t Need Just for Cashback

Man, I used to be the king of this mistake. That’s why I listed it first for you to avoid!

I’d see a big cashback offer on some fancy organic coconut milk and think, “Score!” The next thing I knew, I had a fridge full of stuff I didn’t even like. Learned that lesson the hard way when my wife found moldy products in the back of the fridge.. Not my proudest moment.

Forgetting to Scan Receipts or Submit Offers

This one still gets me sometimes. You’re in a rush, you stuff the receipt in your pocket, and boom – it’s gone to receipt heaven (aka the washing machine). Or you forget to activate an offer before shopping.

It’s leaving money on the table. I started setting reminders on my phone to scan receipts as soon as I get home.

Not Keeping Track of Expiration Dates for Offers

This one’s a sneaky little devil. You see a great offer, think “I’ll use that next week,” and then forget all about it. By the time you remember, it’s expired. You need to start adding expiration dates to my phone calendar or you can loose out like me!

There ya have it! The pitfalls I’ve face-planted into so you don’t have to.

Keep these in mind, and you’ll be a cashback pro in no time.

Wrapping Up

Ready to revolutionize your grocery shopping game?

With these top cashback apps for groceries, you’re now armed with the knowledge to make significant savings on your food bill in 2024. Remember, the key to success is consistency.. make using these apps a habit, and you’ll see your savings grow over time.

So why wait?

Download a few of these grocery bill reduction apps today and start turning your receipts into rewards. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you!

Happy shopping and even happier saving!

FAQ About Grocery Cashback Apps

Below are some common questions I get on cashback apps:

How do grocery cashback apps work?

Grocery cashback apps typically work by offering you a percentage of your purchase back as a rebate. You usually need to upload your receipt or link your store loyalty card to the app. The app then verifies your purchase and credits your account with the cashback amount. It’s like getting paid to shop!

Are these apps really free to use?

Most grocery cashback apps are free to download and use. They make money through partnerships with brands and retailers, not by charging users.

How long does it take to get my cashback?

This varies by app, but typically you’ll see the cashback in your account within a few days to a week. However, many apps have a minimum payout threshold, so you might need to accumulate a certain amount before you can withdraw your earnings. I learned this the hard way when I tried to cash out $5 and couldn’t!

Can I use multiple cashback apps for the same purchase?

In most cases, yes! I often use 2-3 different apps for a single grocery trip. Just make sure you’re not violating any terms of service. Some apps don’t play well with others, but most are cool with it. It’s like double-dipping 😉

Do these apps work at all grocery stores?

Not always. Each app partners with specific stores and brands. That’s why it’s smart to use a few different apps since it broadens your cashback horizons. I once drove across town for a great cashback deal, only to find out my app didn’t work at that particular store chain. Lesson learned!

Is it safe to link my credit card or bank account to these apps?

Most reputable cashback apps use bank-level encryption to protect your data. However, it’s always wise to read the app’s privacy policy and security measures. Personally, I prefer apps that let me upload receipts instead of linking my cards.

Remember, while these apps can save you some serious money, they’re not a license to go wild at the grocery store. Stick to your shopping list, and let the savings be a nice bonus!