Unlock Savings: The Top Cashback Apps for Smart Shoppers

It seems like everyone is looking for ways to save money these days. With prices going up on just about everything, finding a good deal feels like a win. Luckily, your phone can be a powerful tool for finding those deals. There are tons of cashback apps out there that can help you get a little bit of your money back when you shop, whether you're buying groceries, clothes, or even booking a trip. We're going to look at some of the best cashback apps that can help you keep more cash in your wallet.

Key Takeaways

• Cashback apps help you save money on everyday purchases.

• Some apps give you money back automatically when you link your cards.

• Other apps require you to scan receipts or click through their links.

• You can often combine cashback with other discounts for bigger savings.

• Always check the payout methods and minimums for each app.

1. Rakuten

Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a big name in the cashback world. It's been around for a while, helping people get money back on their everyday purchases. The way it works is pretty simple: Rakuten partners with thousands of stores, and when you shop through their platform, they get a commission, which they then share with you. It's a win-win, really. You get a percentage of your money back, and Rakuten keeps a cut for themselves. They've got a huge network of retailers, so chances are, your favorite stores are probably on there.

How Rakuten Works

Getting started with Rakuten is straightforward. First, you sign up for a free account. Then, when you're ready to shop, you can either start your shopping trip on the Rakuten website or app, or use their browser extension. The extension is super handy because it pops up automatically when you're on a partner store's site, reminding you to activate your cashback. Once activated, you just shop like normal, and the cashback gets tracked. It's not instant, though; it usually takes a few days for the purchase to show up in your account as pending.

• Sign up for a free Rakuten account.

• Browse stores on the Rakuten website/app or use the browser extension.

• Activate the cashback offer before making your purchase.

• Complete your shopping as usual.

• Wait for the cashback to be processed and added to your account.

Earning Cashback

Rakuten offers cashback on a wide range of items and services. You can find deals on everything from clothing and electronics to travel and even groceries. The cashback percentages vary quite a bit, from 1% to sometimes 10% or even more during special promotions. They also have double and triple cashback events, which are great for maximizing your savings. It's worth checking their site regularly for these boosted offers. You can also earn cashback on in-store purchases by linking your credit or debit card and activating offers before you shop.

Rakuten makes it easy to save money without really thinking about it. Once you get into the habit of checking their site or using the browser extension, the cashback just adds up over time. It's not going to make you rich, but it's a nice little bonus that can help offset some of your spending.

Payout Options

Once your cashback balance reaches a certain amount (usually $5.01), you can get paid. Rakuten offers two main ways to receive your money: through PayPal or by check. Many users prefer the PayPal transactions option because it's quick and convenient. They send out payments every three months, so you'll get your "Big Fat Check" (or PayPal deposit) on a quarterly basis. It's a nice surprise when that money hits your account, especially if you've been doing a lot of shopping.

2. Ibotta

Ibotta is a popular app that helps you get cash back on everyday purchases, especially groceries. It works with a lot of different stores, both online and in person. The main idea is that you pick offers in the app, buy the items, and then upload your receipt to get money back. It's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.

How Ibotta Works

Using Ibotta is a simple process, but it does involve a few steps. You can't just buy something and expect the cash back to appear. You have to be a bit proactive.

1. Browse Offers: Before you shop, open the Ibotta app and look through the available offers. These are usually for specific products or brands. You might find deals on milk, bread, or even certain cleaning supplies. You have to "add" these offers to your list in the app.

2. Shop: Go to the store and buy the items you added to your list. Make sure you buy the exact product specified in the offer, including the right size or flavor. If you don't, the app won't give you the cash back.

3. Upload Receipt: After you've made your purchase, take a clear picture of your receipt using the app's camera feature. The app will scan the receipt to verify your purchases against the offers you selected. This is where the magic happens.

4. Get Cash Back: Once your receipt is verified, the cash back is added to your Ibotta account. It usually takes a day or two for the money to show up.

Ibotta has been around for a while, and it's paid out a lot of money to users. It's a good way to save on things you're already buying, without having to clip coupons or wait for sales. Just remember to check the app before you shop and upload your receipt afterward.

Cashing Out Your Earnings

Once you've accumulated some cash back, you'll probably want to get your hands on it. Ibotta has a minimum threshold for cashing out, which is usually $20. Once you hit that amount, you have a few options for getting your money.

• PayPal: This is a popular choice. You can link your PayPal account to Ibotta and transfer your earnings directly there. From PayPal, you can then move the money to your bank account or use it for online purchases.

• Gift Cards: Ibotta also offers a wide selection of gift cards from various retailers. You can choose to redeem your earnings for a gift card to your favorite store or restaurant. This is a good option if you know you'll be shopping at a particular place soon.

• Bank Account: In some cases, you might be able to link your bank account directly to Ibotta for a direct deposit. This is the most straightforward way to get your money, but it might not be available for everyone or in all situations.

Pros and Cons of Ibotta

Like any app, Ibotta has its good points and its not-so-good points. It's important to consider these before you commit to using it regularly.

Pros	Cons
Saves money on everyday groceries	Requires active engagement (adding offers, scanning receipts)
Wide range of participating stores	Offers can be specific and limited
Multiple cash-out options	Minimum cash-out threshold
Easy to use interface	Can be time-consuming for small savings

Overall, Ibotta can be a great tool for saving money, especially on groceries. It does require a bit of effort, but for many people, the savings are worth it. If you're looking for a way to get cash back on groceries, Ibotta is definitely worth checking out.

3. Honey

Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout when you're shopping online. It's pretty neat because it just works in the background, so you don't have to go hunting for codes yourself. It's like having a personal assistant for discounts, always on the lookout for a better deal.

How Honey Works

When you're on an e-commerce site and ready to buy something, Honey pops up. It then scans the internet for any available coupon codes for that specific store. After it finds them, it tries each one to see which gives you the biggest savings. It's a pretty simple process, but it can save you a good chunk of change over time.

• You add the Honey extension to your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).

• You shop online as you normally would.

• At checkout, the Honey icon lights up, indicating it has found potential coupons.

• You click the icon, and Honey automatically tests the codes for you.

• The best working code is applied to your cart, reducing your total.

It's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of tool. You install it once, and then it just does its thing whenever you're shopping. No need to remember to open a separate app or search for codes manually. It's all about making saving money as effortless as possible, which is a big win for anyone who shops online a lot.

Honey Gold Rewards

Beyond just coupons, Honey also has a rewards program called Honey Gold. When you shop at participating stores, you can earn a percentage of your purchase back in "Honey Gold." This isn't actual cash right away, but it accumulates, and once you hit a certain amount, you can redeem it for gift cards to various retailers. It's another layer of savings that adds up, especially if you're a frequent online shopper. Honey efficiently finds and applies discount codes during online shopping, offering a seamless experience.

Is Honey Always the Best Option?

While Honey is super convenient, it's not always a guarantee that you'll get the absolute best deal every single time. Sometimes, a store might have a private sale or a unique code that Honey doesn't pick up. Also, some users have mentioned that the codes it finds aren't always the most optimal ones. It's a good starting point, but for really big purchases, it might be worth doing a quick manual search for coupons just to be sure. Still, for everyday shopping, it's a solid choice for effortless savings.

4. Dosh

It’s really straightforward. Once you download the app and create an account, you link your cards. Dosh uses a secure system to connect with your bank, so your information stays safe. After that, you just use your linked cards as you normally would. When you make a purchase at a Dosh-partnered merchant, the app automatically tracks it and applies the cashback. It’s like magic, but it’s just technology doing its thing. You can find a list of nearby merchants right in the app, which is super handy for finding places to save. This cashback app simplifies earning money back on everyday spending.

Earning Cashback with Dosh

Earning cashback with Dosh is pretty passive, which is a big plus for busy people. You don't have to remember to click through a portal or scan a QR code. The app works in the background. The cashback rates vary by merchant, but they can be anywhere from 2% to 10% or even more for special promotions. It’s not just for online shopping either; a lot of local businesses, like restaurants and gas stations, are part of the Dosh network. This makes it easy to save on things you’re already buying.

Dosh offers a simple way to get money back without changing your shopping habits. It’s a good fit for anyone who wants to save but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time managing offers or remembering to activate deals. The automatic nature of the app means you can earn cashback without even thinking about it, making it a truly passive savings tool.

Cashing Out Your Dosh Earnings

Once you’ve accumulated at least $25 in your Dosh wallet, you can cash out. They offer a few different ways to get your money:

• Direct deposit to your bank account

• Transfer to your PayPal account

• Donate to a charity

The $25 minimum is pretty standard for cashback apps, and it’s usually not too hard to reach if you use the app regularly. The process is quick and easy, so you don’t have to wait around to get your money. It’s a nice little bonus that adds up over time.

5. Shopkick

Shopkick is a pretty neat app that lets you earn rewards for doing stuff you probably already do, like walking into stores or scanning items. It's a good option if you want to earn gift cards without necessarily buying anything. You just open the app, and it tells you what tasks are available nearby. It's not about getting cash back directly, but more about accumulating points that you can then trade in for gift cards to places like Target or Starbucks. It's a different kind of savings, for sure.

How Shopkick Works

Shopkick operates on a points system, which they call "kicks." You collect these kicks by doing various things, and then you can redeem them for gift cards. It's pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You'll need to have your location services on for the app to work best, as it uses that to know when you're in a partner store. It's not like some other apps where you link a card and forget about it; you actually have to engage with this one.

• Walk-ins: Just walking into certain stores can earn you kicks. Seriously, you don't even have to buy anything. It's like they're paying you to browse. This is probably the easiest way to get kicks if you're already out and about.

• Scans: You can earn kicks by scanning the barcodes of specific products in stores. The app will tell you which items to look for. Again, no purchase necessary. It's a bit like a scavenger hunt, which can be fun.

• Purchases: If you do decide to buy something, you can earn even more kicks by linking your card and making a purchase at a partner store. This is where the bigger rewards come in, but it's not required to use the app.

• Online Shopping: Shopkick also has options to earn kicks when you shop online through their app. This is handy if you prefer to do your shopping from home.

Earning Kicks Without Spending

One of the cool things about Shopkick is that you can actually earn rewards without spending a dime. This is a big plus for people who are trying to save money or just want to get a little something extra without adding to their budget. It's not going to make you rich, but it's a nice way to get some free gift cards over time. For example, if you're at the mall anyway, you might as well open the app and see if there are any walk-in kicks available. It's like finding free money just for being there.

It's a different approach to saving, focusing on engagement and small tasks rather than just purchases. This makes it accessible even if you're not planning on buying anything, which is a refreshing change from many other cashback apps out there. It's more about making your everyday activities a little more rewarding.

Redeeming Your Kicks

Once you've accumulated enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards. The app has a pretty good selection of popular retailers, so you'll likely find something you can use. The value of the kicks can vary depending on the gift card, but it's usually pretty clear in the app how many kicks you need for a certain amount. It's a simple process: you pick your gift card, confirm, and then they send it to you digitally. It's a nice little bonus for your efforts.

6. Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping, formerly Wikibuy, is a free browser extension and mobile app that automatically applies coupon codes and compares prices from different retailers when you shop online. It's not just for Capital One customers, which is a common misconception. Anyone can use it to find deals and earn rewards. It's a pretty handy tool if you're someone who forgets to look for coupon codes before checking out.

How Capital One Shopping Works

When you're browsing a product page on a site like Amazon or Target, the Capital One Shopping extension pops up. It'll tell you if that item is cheaper at another store, including shipping costs. It also automatically searches for and applies coupon codes at checkout. So, you don't have to go hunting for them yourself. It's like having a personal shopping assistant that's always looking for a better deal.

Earning Rewards and Redeeming Them

Besides finding coupons and comparing prices, Capital One Shopping also lets you earn rewards. These rewards are usually a percentage back on your purchases at certain stores. It's not exactly cashback in the traditional sense, but more like store credit. You can redeem these rewards for gift cards to various retailers. It's a nice little bonus, especially if you shop at those stores often anyway. For more details on how this works, you can check out this Capital One Shopping review.

It's pretty cool how it just works in the background. You don't have to do much, and sometimes it saves you a few bucks. It's not going to make you rich, but every little bit helps, right? Especially with prices these days, finding any kind of discount feels like a win.

Pros and Cons of Capital One Shopping

Like anything, there are good parts and not-so-good parts to using Capital One Shopping. Here's a quick rundown:

• Pros:Automatic coupon application: This is a huge time-saver. No more searching for codes.Price comparison: It helps you make sure you're getting the best price across different stores.Reward earning: You can get gift cards for shopping at participating retailers.Free to use: It doesn't cost anything to download or use the extension/app.

• Cons:Browser extension required: You need to install it, which some people might not like.Rewards are gift cards: You don't get actual cash back, just gift cards.Not every store participates: While it covers a lot, it won't find deals for absolutely every online store.

Tips for Maximizing Savings with Capital One Shopping

To really get the most out of Capital One Shopping, here are a few things you can do:

1. Install the browser extension: This is key. It does all the work for you in the background.

2. Check price history: Sometimes, the extension will show you the price history of an item, which can help you decide if now's the best time to buy.

3. Combine with other deals: If you have a store loyalty program or another discount, see if Capital One Shopping can still find a coupon to stack on top of it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's worth a try.

7. GoodRx

GoodRx is your go-to tool for cutting down what you pay at the pharmacy counter. It pulls prices from nearby drugstores, applies coupons, and shows you the best deal—all without insurance hassles. In under two minutes, you can find the cheapest price for almost any common prescription.

Here’s how GoodRx makes saving easy:

• Search by drug name, dosage or condition.

• Compare prices at multiple pharmacies in your area.

• Clip a digital coupon or print it to show at checkout.

• Set refill reminders so you never miss a dose.

Pharmacy	List Price	GoodRx Price	You Save
Amlodipine 10 mg	$30.00	$5.00	83%
Lisinopril 20 mg	$25.00	$4.50	82%
Metformin 500 mg	$20.00	$3.00	85%

I was stunned when my insulin went from $300 down to $80 overnight. GoodRx did all the heavy lifting for me—no hassle, just savings.

Ready to stop overpaying? Grab the GoodRx app and start comparing prices today.

8. Sherpa Perks

Sherpa Perks is a bit different from your typical cashback app. It's more about finding you deals and discounts on things you already use, especially when it comes to travel and everyday services. Think of it as a personal assistant for saving money, not just getting a percentage back on purchases. It's pretty neat because it focuses on those recurring expenses that can really add up over time.

Sherpa Perks is a good option if you're looking to save on things like phone plans, insurance, or even subscriptions. It's not always about getting cash back, but more about reducing your monthly bills, which is just as good, if not better, in the long run. They do the legwork to find you better rates.

The app works by analyzing your spending habits and then suggesting ways to cut costs. It's not just about shopping; it's about optimizing your entire financial picture. For example, it might tell you that you could save $20 a month by switching phone providers, or that there's a better deal on your car insurance. It's a proactive approach to saving.

Here's how Sherpa Perks generally operates:

• Connect Accounts: You link your financial accounts, like bank accounts or credit cards, so the app can see where your money is going. This helps it identify areas for potential savings.

• Personalized Suggestions: Based on your spending, Sherpa Perks will give you tailored recommendations for discounts or alternative services. These aren't generic ads; they're specific to your habits.

• Actionable Insights: The app doesn't just tell you about savings; it often helps you act on them. For instance, it might provide direct links to switch providers or apply for a new deal.

While it might not offer traditional cashback on every purchase like some other apps, its strength lies in finding those bigger, recurring savings. It's a solid tool for anyone who wants to be more mindful about their budget and reduce their fixed expenses. For those who track their mileage, Sherpa is also a top choice for mileage tracking apps.

9. PayPal

PayPal isn't just for sending money to friends or paying for online purchases; it's also a surprisingly effective tool for getting some cash back. Many cashback apps and websites use PayPal as a primary method for users to receive their earned rewards. This makes it a central hub for consolidating your savings from various sources.

How PayPal Integrates with Cashback

Think of PayPal as the final destination for your cashback earnings. When you use apps like Rakuten or TopCashback, they often give you the option to withdraw your accumulated cash directly to your PayPal account. This is super convenient because it means you don't have to wait for a check in the mail or deal with gift cards you might not use right away. It's just straight cash, right into your digital wallet.

PayPal's role in the cashback ecosystem is pretty straightforward: it acts as a reliable and widely accepted payout method. This simplifies the process of getting your money, making it easier to track and manage your earnings from different cashback programs.

Benefits of Using PayPal for Cashback

Using PayPal for your cashback payouts comes with a few nice perks:

• Speedy Transfers: Once your cashback provider processes your withdrawal, the money usually hits your PayPal account pretty fast. No more waiting around for days or weeks.

• Consolidated Funds: All your cashback from different apps can go into one place. This makes it easier to see how much you've saved overall and manage your funds.

• Flexibility: Once the money is in your PayPal account, you can use it for online shopping, send it to friends, or even transfer it to your bank account. It's your money, to use how you want.

Potential Drawbacks

While PayPal is great, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Fees: Sometimes, if you're transferring money from PayPal to your bank account, there might be a small fee, especially for instant transfers. Regular transfers are usually free, but they take a bit longer.

• Account Issues: Some users have reported issues with the PayPal app itself, like non-functional buttons or trouble adding cards. While these are usually temporary glitches, they can be annoying when you're trying to access your funds.

Overall, PayPal is a solid choice for receiving your cashback. It's widely used, generally reliable, and gives you a lot of flexibility with your money once it's in your account. Just keep an eye on any potential fees or app quirks.

10. Venmo

Venmo, mostly known for its easy peer-to-peer payments, has also stepped into the cashback game, especially with its credit card. It's not just about splitting dinner bills anymore; you can actually earn money back on your everyday spending. This makes it a pretty handy tool if you're already using it to send money to friends or family.

How Venmo's Cashback Works

Venmo's cashback features are primarily tied to its credit card. This card offers dynamic cashback categories, meaning the categories where you earn the most change based on your spending habits. It's a pretty neat system because it tries to give you the most bang for your buck without you having to manually pick categories each month. You don't have to worry about activating offers or anything like that; it just happens automatically.

The beauty of Venmo's approach is its simplicity. You use the card like any other, and the app does the heavy lifting in the background, figuring out where you spend the most and applying the highest cashback rate to those purchases. It's a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal, which is perfect for busy people who don't want to track every single transaction.

Here's a quick look at how the cashback structure generally works:

• Top Spend Category: You get the highest cashback rate (e.g., 3%) on your top spending category each month.

• Second Top Spend Category: A slightly lower rate (e.g., 2%) on your second highest spending category.

• All Other Purchases: A base rate (e.g., 1%) on everything else.

This setup means if you spend a lot on groceries one month, that might be your 3% category. The next month, if you're traveling and spending more on transportation, that could become your top category. It's pretty flexible.

Getting Your Cashback

Once you earn cashback with the Venmo Credit Card, it gets automatically added to your Venmo balance. From there, you can do a few things with it:

• Send it to friends: Just like any other money in your Venmo account.

• Pay for purchases: Use it to buy things online or in stores where Venmo is accepted.

• Transfer to your bank: You can move the money to your linked bank account, just like you would with any other Venmo balance.

It's pretty straightforward. There's no minimum amount you need to earn before you can access your cashback, which is a nice perk. It just shows up in your balance, ready for you to use however you want. This makes it a very liquid form of cashback, unlike some other apps that might require you to hit a certain threshold or only offer gift cards.

Who Benefits Most from Venmo Cashback?

People who already use Venmo for their daily transactions will find the cashback features most useful. If you're someone who likes to keep things simple and doesn't want to juggle multiple apps or complicated reward structures, Venmo's credit card could be a good fit. It's also great for those whose spending habits change from month to month, as the dynamic categories adapt to your lifestyle. If you're looking for a way to earn a little extra back on your everyday spending without much effort, Venmo is definitely worth considering.

Wrapping It Up

So, we've gone through a bunch of these cashback apps, right? It's pretty clear they can really help you save some cash without much fuss. Think about it: you're already buying stuff, so why not get a little something back? Whether it's scanning receipts, using browser extensions, or just getting points for walking into a store, there's an app out there for almost everyone. It's not about changing your whole shopping routine, but more about adding a smart little step to what you already do. Just pick a couple that fit how you shop, and you'll probably see those small savings add up over time. It's a pretty easy way to be a bit smarter with your money, honestly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do cashback apps work?

Cashback apps give you back a portion of your money when you buy things. You usually need to shop through their app or website, or link your credit card. Once you earn a certain amount, you can get your money through PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank transfers.

Are cashback apps safe to use?

Many cashback apps are safe to use. They often use strong security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Always download apps from official app stores and check reviews before linking your accounts.

Can I use cashback apps with coupons or other discounts?

Yes, you can often use cashback apps with other deals like coupons or sales. This is called "stacking" and can help you save even more money. Always check the app's rules to make sure.

Which cashback app is the best?

The best app depends on how you shop. Some are great for online shopping (like Rakuten or Honey), others for groceries (like Ibotta), and some for in-store purchases (like Dosh or Shopkick). It's a good idea to try a few to see which ones fit your habits best.

Is there a minimum amount I need to earn before I can get my money?

Most cashback apps have a minimum amount you need to earn before you can cash out. This can range from a few dollars to $25 or more. Make sure to check this before you start using an app.

How do cashback apps make money?

Cashback apps usually make money through partnerships with stores and brands. When you buy something through their app, the store pays them a commission, and they share a part of that commission with you as cashback.