Saving money while shopping is something we all love. And with the rise of cashback apps, it's never been easier to earn rewards while making everyday purchases. These apps not only help you score discounts, but they also give you cash back, meaning you’re essentially getting paid to shop! Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or new to cashback apps, this guide will share everything you need to know about maximizing savings and scoring the best deals.

How Cashback Apps Work

Cashback apps work by partnering with retailers to reward shoppers with a percentage of their purchase amount as cash rewards. When you shop through these apps or use their linked features, you earn money back on what you spend. Essentially, the apps act as intermediaries between you and the retailer, sharing commission earnings with you in the form of cashback.

For example, if a retailer offers 5% cashback and you spend $100, you’ll get $5 deposited into your cashback account. Over time, these small amounts add up and can lead to significant savings.

To get started, all you need is a smartphone, an email address, and a bit of know-how. Below, we’ll explore some of the top cashback apps and strategies to make the most of them.

Popular Cashback Apps to Download

If you’re ready to start saving, here’s a quick rundown of some of the best cashback apps available today.

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is one of the most popular cashback apps, boasting partnerships with thousands of retailers. It’s incredibly user-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners. Whenever you shop online through Rakuten’s portal or activate cashback in their browser extension, you earn a percentage back on your purchase. The app also offers referral bonuses and seasonal double cashback offers.

  • Key Features: Cashback at major retailers, easy payout via PayPal or check, browser extension for seamless shopping.
  • Best Deals: Big savings during holiday sales and special Rakuten events.

2. Ibotta

Ibotta is perfect for grocery shopping, but it also offers cashback at online retailers, restaurants, and even travel sites. Simply upload your receipts, or link your loyalty accounts to the app for automatic savings. Ibotta also features frequent bonuses and team challenges where you can earn extra rewards.

  • Key Features: Cashback for groceries, easy receipt-scanning, app-based promotions.
  • Best Deals: Combine Ibotta offers with in-store coupons and sales for ultimate savings.

3. Honey

Honey is best known for its browser extension that finds coupon codes automatically, but it also has a cashback feature called Honey Gold. For online shopping, Honey tracks eligible purchases and adds rewards points, which can later be redeemed as gift cards for retailers like Amazon.

  • Key Features: Automatic coupon application, Honey Gold rewards, works with most online stores.
  • Best Deals: Perfect for tech and gadget lovers with frequent retailer partnerships.

4. Dosh

Looking for automatic cashback without much effort? Dosh is a “set it and forget it” type of app. Link your credit or debit card, and Dosh automatically tracks eligible purchases at partnered stores and restaurants. No need to upload receipts or manually activate offers!

  • Key Features: Card-linked cashback, hotel booking rewards, direct payment to bank or PayPal.
  • Best Deals: Cash rewards at local restaurants and travel-related bookings.

5. Fetch Rewards

Similar to Ibotta, Fetch Rewards gives you cashback for scanning receipts, but it earns points for any receipt, not just select retailers. This is a fantastic option if you shop at smaller or less commonly featured stores. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards.

  • Key Features: Broad eligibility for receipts, easy-to-understand point system, flexible rewards.
  • Best Deals: Earn points even for gas or convenience store purchases.

6. TopCashback

TopCashback boasts some of the highest cashback rates in the industry. It’s easy to use, free to join, and offers deals on everything from fashion to travel. Unlike some apps, TopCashback passes the full commission straight to the user, maximizing your earnings.

  • Key Features: Higher percentage cashback rates, partnerships with major brands, frequent bonus payouts.
  • Best Deals: Excellent for travel and hotel bookings.

Tips to Maximize Your Cashback Savings

While using cashback apps is straightforward, there are strategies you can use to truly unlock their potential. Here are some practical tips for getting the most out of these apps.

  1. Combine Cashback with Coupons and Deals
    • Cashback apps often allow you to stack discounts. This means you can use retailer promotions, coupon codes, or gift cards and still earn cashback on your transaction. For example, shop through Rakuten while applying Honey’s coupon codes for double the savings!
  2.  Check App Offers Before Shopping
    • Before making any purchase—whether it's groceries, online orders, or travel bookings—check your cashback apps to see if there’s an offer available. Planning your spending around cashback opportunities ensures you never miss a deal.
  3. Take Advantage of Bonuses
    • Many apps offer bonuses for actions like signing up, referrals, or meeting certain spending thresholds. For example, Rakuten gives referral bonuses if you invite friends to the platform, while Ibotta often features extra earning opportunities for completing challenges.
  4. Link Your Payment Methods
    • Apps like Dosh and Fetch Rewards make cashback automatic by linking to your debit or credit card. By doing this, eligible purchases are tracked effortlessly, and you won’t risk forgetting to activate an offer.
  5. Be Mindful of Payout Policies
    • Different apps have different payout systems. Some require you to earn a minimum amount before cashing out (like $20 for Ibotta), while others are more lenient. Keep track of your earnings and cash out periodically to avoid leaving money on the table.
  6. Use Cashback Portals for Large Purchases
    • Big-ticket items like furniture, electronics, and appliances offer great cashback opportunities. Apps like Honey and Rakuten often feature higher percentages for larger categories, making new laptops or TVs more wallet-friendly.
  7. Set Up Alerts and Notifications
    • Most cashback apps can notify you of new deals, special promotions, or when rewards are ready to withdraw. Turn on these alerts so you never miss an opportunity to save.
  8. Track Your Cashback Earnings
    • Regularly monitor earnings within the app to stay motivated. Seeing your savings grow over time can help you establish better money habits, and you can plan how to use your cash wisely—whether it’s paying bills or treating yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While using cashback apps is relatively simple, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you savings. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Forgetting to Activate Offers: Some apps require you to “activate” cashback for a retailer before shopping. Don’t skip this step!
  • Ignoring Expiry Dates: Many offers or bonuses have deadlines. Always check the terms to avoid missing out.
  • Overspending to Earn Rewards: It can be tempting to buy things you don’t need just to earn cashback. Stick to your shopping list and budget.

Cashback apps are a fantastic way to save money with little effort. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper, a grocery store regular, or someone planning their next vacation, there’s a cashback app tailored to your spending habits. By combining multiple apps, leveraging deals, and shopping smart, you can maximize your savings and even have fun tracking your progress.

Download Rakuten, Ibotta, Dosh, or any other app mentioned here and start earning cashback today. The savings are just a few taps away!