In today’s world, where every penny counts, saving money is more important than ever. And what if I told you that you could get money back just for doing what you already do—shopping? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not. Cashback apps have become a game-changer for savvy shoppers across the country. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or electronics, cashback apps are here to help you save money with little effort on your part.
Why Cashback Apps are Worth It
Cashback apps are like your secret shopping buddy, but instead of offering you discounts upfront, they reward you with cash for making purchases. It’s an effortless way to earn money back on your purchases, and best of all, you don’t need to be an expert in finance to make it work for you. These apps often partner with various retailers to give you a portion of your money back after you make a purchase, and some apps even allow you to earn cashback just by scanning receipts.
If you’re wondering, “How much money can I actually make?” the answer depends on how often you shop and how much you spend. The more you shop, the more you earn—and it adds up faster than you might think. Many users have reported getting anywhere between $5 to $50 a month depending on their shopping habits, and some even more during special promotions or seasonal offers.
Here’s how these apps work: you simply download an app, sign up, browse available offers, and then make a purchase through the app or at a participating retailer. Afterward, the app sends you a percentage of your purchase as cashback, which you can either transfer to your bank account, PayPal, or redeem for gift cards.
Popular Cashback Apps You Should Know About
Now that you’re on board with the idea of earning cashback, let’s look at some of the best cashback apps that can help you keep more money in your wallet.
- Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Rakuten is one of the most well-known cashback apps, and for a good reason. It offers cashback on thousands of online stores, including popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. What makes Rakuten stand out is its ability to offer up to 40% cashback on certain items, especially during holidays or sales events. All you need to do is browse Rakuten’s site, find the store you want to shop at, and make your purchase through their links. They’ll automatically send you a check or deposit your cashback directly into your account. It’s that easy. - Ibotta
If you’re a fan of in-store shopping, Ibotta is your go-to app. With Ibotta, you can earn cashback on groceries, clothing, and even dining out. Unlike Rakuten, which focuses on online shopping, Ibotta allows you to earn cashback after making a purchase at participating retailers and simply uploading a picture of your receipt. You can also link your loyalty cards to the app for automatic cashback tracking. It’s simple, fast, and incredibly rewarding if you shop regularly at places like Walmart, Kroger, or Target. - Honey
Honey is more than just a cashback app—it’s a browser extension that helps you save money automatically. After you install Honey, it automatically scans for available coupon codes and applies them at checkout for a potential discount. But that’s not all; Honey has a cashback feature called “Honey Gold,” where you earn points (which can be redeemed for gift cards) every time you make a purchase through the app. It’s like getting a double reward for your efforts. - Dosh
Dosh is an app that’s focused on making cashback as easy as possible. All you need to do is link your credit or debit card, and Dosh will automatically detect when you make qualifying purchases at participating retailers. No need to scan receipts or manually claim offers. Cashback is deposited directly into your Dosh account, and you can transfer it to your bank account or PayPal when you’ve accumulated enough. - Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is another fantastic cashback app for grocery shoppers. It works similarly to Ibotta, where you browse offers before you shop, buy the qualifying products, and then upload a receipt to earn cashback. The app also has weekly offers on everything from snacks to household goods, which means you can continuously earn rewards on items you buy regularly. The best part? The minimum cashback payout is just $20, so it’s quick to start reaping the rewards.
Maximizing Your Cashback Earnings
While using cashback apps is an excellent way to save, there are several strategies you can use to maximize your rewards and increase your savings:
- Stack Your Offers
You can stack offers from multiple apps to earn cashback from more than one source for the same purchase. For example, you can use Rakuten for cashback on an online order and then use Honey for a coupon code on top of it. It’s like getting two discounts in one! - Use Cashback Credit Cards
Combine cashback apps with a cashback credit card to supercharge your savings. Many credit cards offer additional cashback on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and gas. If you use one of these cards alongside your cashback apps, you’ll earn even more back. - Take Advantage of Special Promotions
Many cashback apps run special promotions, especially during the holiday season. Keep an eye on limited-time offers and take advantage of them to earn higher percentages of cashback on specific purchases. You can also sign up for email notifications from your favorite cashback apps so you never miss a deal. - Earn More with Referral Bonuses
Most cashback apps offer referral bonuses for inviting friends to join. Share your referral link on social media or directly with your family and friends, and you can earn extra cashback or points for every new user who signs up and makes a purchase. This is a simple way to earn passive income while helping others save too! - Track Your Spending
Some cashback apps let you earn cashback on a wide variety of purchases, but it’s easy to forget about small, everyday expenses. Keep track of your spending and ensure that you’re taking full advantage of all available offers. With a little planning, you can earn cashback on things you were already going to buy anyway.
Making the Most of Cashback Apps
While it may sound like a lot of work, using cashback apps doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. The key is to find apps that suit your shopping habits, stay organized, and keep an eye on the rewards you’re earning.
By choosing the right apps, stacking offers, and combining cashback with rewards credit cards, you’ll be able to boost your savings and put more money back in your pocket. And don’t forget—it’s free money! You’re literally getting paid to shop, and who doesn’t love that?
As you get more comfortable with cashback apps, you might find that you’re spending less while still enjoying the same quality of life. It’s a win-win situation that can really add up over time, especially if you consistently use multiple apps for your purchases.
So next time you go shopping, make sure to grab your phone, open up your favorite cashback app, and get started. After all, saving money has never been so easy!