We all shop, whether it’s groceries, gas, or that random midnight Amazon purchase. But what if you could earn cash back on almost everything you buy? No gimmicks, no weird hoops to jump through—just cold, hard savings. Sounds too good to be true? Trust me, it’s not. These cashback apps actually work, and if you use them right, you could save hundreds (or even thousands) every year.
Here are the 7 best cashback apps and some genius ways to squeeze the most out of them.
1. Rakuten: The Cashback OG
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is the original cashback app that made saving money on everyday purchases mainstream. With over 3,500 partner stores—including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy—you’re bound to find cashback offers on things you’re already buying.
- How It Works:
- Shop through Rakuten’s app or browser extension, and you’ll earn cashback on eligible purchases.
- Every quarter, Rakuten sends your earnings via PayPal or check.
- Pro Tip: Wait for their Double Cashback Days to earn 2x the usual rates.
- Best For: Frequent online shoppers.
- Sign Up: Join Rakuten.
2. Ibotta: Groceries and More
Ibotta is a grocery shopper’s dream. It gives you cashback on specific products at stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Target. Plus, it works for online shopping and even alcohol purchases (yes, you can get paid to buy wine).
- How It Works:
- Add offers in the app before you shop.
- Upload your receipt or link your loyalty card to get cashback.
- Pro Tip: Stack Ibotta offers with coupons for double savings.
- Best For: Grocery and household essentials.
- Sign Up: Download Ibotta.
3. Fetch Rewards: Turn Receipts Into Rewards
Fetch Rewards is one of the simplest cashback apps out there. Just scan your receipts after shopping, and Fetch gives you points for every purchase—no need to select offers beforehand.
- How It Works:
- Snap a photo of your receipt, and Fetch will automatically find eligible deals.
- Redeem points for gift cards to popular stores and restaurants.
- Pro Tip: Look for Fetch’s bonus offers to earn extra points on specific products.
- Best For: Effortless rewards from any store.
- Sign Up: Try Fetch Rewards.
4. Honey: The Shopping Sidekick
Honey is known for finding coupon codes, but did you know it also offers cashback through its Honey Gold program? You’ll earn points (called Honey Gold) for purchases made at participating stores, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
- How It Works:
- Shop through the Honey browser extension to earn Gold points.
- Redeem points for gift cards once you hit the minimum balance.
- Pro Tip: Combine Honey’s coupon-finding feature with cashback to save even more.
- Best For: Online shopping.
- Sign Up: Get Honey.
5. Dosh: Automatic Cashback
Dosh takes the hassle out of cashback by linking directly to your credit or debit card. Just shop as usual, and Dosh automatically deposits cashback into your account when you make eligible purchases.
- How It Works:
- Link your payment card(s) to the app.
- Shop at partner stores and restaurants to earn cashback automatically.
- Pro Tip: Stack Dosh cashback with store rewards programs for even more savings.
- Best For: Set-it-and-forget-it savings.
- Sign Up: Download Dosh.
6. TopCashback: High Cashback Rates
TopCashback prides itself on offering some of the highest cashback rates in the game. They partner with thousands of retailers, and you’ll often find rates that are better than what competitors offer.
- How It Works:
- Shop through their app or website, and cashback will be added to your account.
- Withdraw your earnings via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.
- Pro Tip: Use TopCashback’s browser extension for alerts on cashback deals while you shop.
- Best For: Maximizing cashback on big purchases.
- Sign Up: Join TopCashback.
7. Fluz: Cashback on Gift Cards
Fluz is a unique cashback app that lets you earn money by purchasing gift cards for stores you shop at regularly. Buy a $50 gift card for Starbucks or Amazon, for example, and Fluz gives you cashback instantly.
- How It Works:
- Purchase gift cards through the Fluz app.
- Use them to shop and enjoy instant cashback.
- Pro Tip: Use gift cards for predictable expenses like gas or groceries to save on things you’d buy anyway.
- Best For: Gift card hacks and planned purchases.
- Sign Up: Try Fluz.
How to Maximize Your Cashback
Here are some smart ways to make sure you’re getting every dollar you can:
- Stack Savings: Combine cashback apps with discounts, coupons, or loyalty programs for maximum savings. For example, use Rakuten and Honey together for cashback and promo codes.
- Plan Big Purchases: Check apps like Rakuten and TopCashback before buying expensive items. Cashback on big-ticket purchases adds up fast.
- Don’t Let Rewards Expire: Some apps have expiration dates for rewards, so cash out regularly.
- Use Multiple Apps: No single app covers everything. Mix and match apps like Ibotta for groceries, Dosh for restaurants, and Fetch Rewards for receipts.
Final Thoughts
Cashback apps are a no-brainer for saving money on the stuff you already buy. Whether you’re grocery shopping, buying gas, or splurging on that new gadget, there’s an app that can help you save. Start with one or two from this list and watch your savings grow—you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.
What’s your favorite cashback app? Let me know in the comments!