The Best Cashback Apps You Should Be Using to Save Money

In today's world, saving money has become more important than ever, and fortunately, technology has provided us with numerous tools to help us do just that. Cashback apps have gained tremendous popularity, offering users an easy way to earn money back on everyday purchases. Whether you're buying groceries, dining out, or shopping online, there's likely a cashback app that can reward you for your spending.

In this actionable guide, we'll dive into the best cashback apps available, how they work, and how you can use them to maximize your savings.

What Are Cashback Apps?

Cashback apps are platforms or mobile applications that offer users money back on purchases made at participating retailers or service providers. When you make a purchase through a cashback app, you either receive a percentage of your purchase back or earn points that can later be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Some apps give you cashback automatically when you make a purchase, while others may require you to upload receipts or link accounts to track your spending.

The best cashback apps are not only easy to use but also provide access to a variety of rewards, ranging from direct cash deposits to gift cards for popular retailers. By incorporating these apps into your daily shopping habits, you can make every dollar work harder for you.

The Best Cashback Apps You Should Be Using

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is one of the most popular cashback apps available, and for good reason. This app gives you cashback on purchases from over 2,500 online retailers, including big names like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Macy's. It also offers cashback for in-store purchases at select retailers when you link a credit card to the app.

How It Works:

• Online Shopping: You earn cashback by making purchases through the Rakuten website or app. Simply browse the participating retailers listed on Rakuten, click on the store's link, and shop as usual.
• In-Store Purchases: Link your credit or debit card to Rakuten, and then use it to pay at participating stores to earn cashback on in-store purchases.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Stack Offers: Rakuten often provides promo codes that can be combined with cashback, giving you the opportunity to save even more.
• Sign-Up Bonus: Rakuten frequently offers sign-up bonuses. Be sure to take advantage of these to boost your savings right from the start.

2. Ibotta

Ibotta is a well-known cashback app, particularly popular for grocery shopping. It offers cashback on both in-store and online purchases, with a focus on groceries, but also covers a wide range of other categories like clothing, travel, and dining out.

How It Works:

• In-Store Purchases: You simply scan your receipt after shopping at one of Ibotta's partner stores (such as Walmart, Kroger, or CVS). The app will match your purchases with available cashback offers.
• Online Purchases: Shop online at participating retailers through the Ibotta app or browser extension to earn cashback.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Plan Your Shopping: Before heading to the store, check the Ibotta app for available offers. This allows you to make a shopping list based on cashback opportunities.
• Bonus Offers: Ibotta often offers bonus cashback on specific products or brands. Be on the lookout for these extra opportunities to increase your savings.

3. Honey (now part of PayPal)

Honey is primarily known for its browser extension, which automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes when you shop online. However, it also has a cashback program known as "Honey Gold," which rewards you with points that can be redeemed for gift cards.

How It Works:

• Online Shopping: When you shop at participating online retailers, you'll earn Honey Gold points. The browser extension automatically alerts you when cashback is available.
• Redeeming Points: You can redeem your Honey Gold points for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Use the Browser Extension: Install the Honey extension on your browser to ensure that you never miss a discount or cashback opportunity.
• Check for Special Promotions: Honey sometimes runs special promotions where you can earn extra Gold points for specific purchases, so always keep an eye out for these deals.

4. Dosh

Dosh is another cashback app that allows you to earn cash back on both online and in-store purchases. Unlike many other apps, Dosh does not require you to scan receipts or search for deals manually---simply link your credit or debit card, and cashback is automatically applied when you shop at participating retailers.

How It Works:

• In-Store Purchases: Link your credit or debit card to Dosh, and then make a purchase at participating merchants. Your cashback will be credited to your Dosh account automatically.
• Online Purchases: Shop online at participating retailers, and your cashback will be added to your account.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Link Multiple Cards: Link multiple credit or debit cards to your Dosh account to ensure you never miss out on cashback opportunities, regardless of which card you use.
• Check for Partner Promotions: Keep an eye out for promotions where you can earn more cashback, such as special deals with travel or dining partners.

5. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a simple app that offers cashback for scanning receipts from virtually any store. The app works by giving you points for purchasing specific brands or items, which can then be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers.

How It Works:

• Receipt Scanning: After purchasing items at any store, scan your receipt through the app. You'll earn points for qualifying purchases, which you can later redeem for gift cards.
• Bonus Points: Fetch Rewards often offers special bonus points for purchasing specific brands or products. These offers are updated regularly, so checking the app before shopping is a great way to maximize savings.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Check for Product-Specific Offers: Some brands offer extra points through Fetch Rewards. Before you go shopping, check the app to see which brands are offering bonus points.
• Referral Bonuses: Fetch Rewards offers a referral program, so invite friends to join the app and earn points for each person who signs up and starts scanning receipts.

6. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is another cashback app focused on grocery shopping. Similar to Ibotta, it provides cashback offers that you can redeem by uploading receipts. Checkout 51 also works with many major grocery stores and online retailers.

How It Works:

• In-Store Purchases: Check the available cashback offers in the app before heading to the store. After your shopping trip, take a picture of your receipt and upload it to the app.
• Online Purchases: Shop through the app's partner stores to earn cashback automatically.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Weekly Offers: Checkout 51 updates its offers weekly, so be sure to check the app every week to take advantage of the best deals.
• Combine with Other Apps: Many offers on Checkout 51 can be combined with deals from other cashback apps, like Ibotta or Rakuten, to boost your savings.

7. Miles

Miles is a unique cashback app that rewards you for travel-related activities. It tracks your miles driven, public transport usage, and even your flight miles to give you cashback in the form of "Miles" points. These points can be redeemed for discounts on travel, retail gift cards, and more.

How It Works:

• Track Your Miles: Whether you're driving, biking, walking, or taking public transport, Miles automatically tracks your movements and rewards you with points.
• Redeem Points: Use your accumulated points for discounts on future travel or for gift cards to popular retailers.

Tips for Maximizing Savings:

• Use While Traveling: Make sure to use the app during your daily commute or when traveling to rack up points for future rewards.
• Referral Program: Miles offers a referral program where you can earn additional points for inviting friends to sign up.

Final Thoughts

Cashback apps are an excellent way to save money on everyday purchases. By incorporating these apps into your shopping routine, you can effortlessly earn rewards that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or travel discounts. Each app offers unique features and benefits, so it's worth experimenting with a few to find the ones that best suit your needs.

Remember, the key to maximizing savings is consistency---be sure to regularly check for offers, scan receipts, and link your payment methods to ensure you never miss out on cashback opportunities. By doing so, you can make your purchases work for you and enjoy the rewards of a more financially savvy lifestyle.

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